US government to pump $653 million into port improvement projects

Aerial view of Dry Dock and Repair and Port Newark and Global international shipping containers, Bayonne, New Jersey. NJ, USA (Image: Roman Babakin via AdobeStock - stock.adobe.com)

The US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced that it will spend $653 million to fund 41 port improvement projects across the country.

The projects, which fall under the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) aim to grow capacity and increase efficiency at coastal ports, strengthening supply chain reliability.

The investments are part of a wider $17 billion package of funding for ports and waterways under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Grants under the PIDP include:

Dock Infrastructure Replacement ($43.4 million)

Cold Bay, Alaska

This project will include the design, permitting, and construction of a new dock to replace the community’s only existing dock, which is nearing the end of its useful service life. The new dock will be designed and built to accommodate commercial use, freight and fuel transportation, private vessel use, and public uses like emergency medical services and public transportation through the Alaska Marine Highway System

North Harbor Transportation System Improvement Project ($52.6 million)

Long Beach, California

The project will add a third intermodal railroad track to the Dominguez Channel Bridge; relocate and modernize Pier B Street, on-dock roadways, and associated utilities; and realign Pico Avenue, including replacing and relocating aging utilities in the area.

Reconstruction of Berth PN-308 at Port Newark ($32 million)

Newark, New Jersey

The project will reconstruct Berth PN-308. The new berth will have a 75-year service life, increase live load criteria from the current 500 pounds per square foot (psf) to 2,000 psf, and incorporate resiliency enhancements to the new structure such as a high-level platform and prestressed precast concrete planks. The new facilities will increase the port’s capacity to handle projected increases in dry bulk goods. The project also improves port resilience by raising the elevation of the berth to better withstand flood events.

Port of Tacoma Husky Terminal Expansion Port One ($54.2 million)

Tacoma, Washington

The project will reconfigure the Husky terminal yard for better truck circulation, install roughly 40 refrigerated cargo racks and related power supplies, and relocate on-terminal structures. The new facilities will triple refrigerated cargo capacity at the port. The project advances port resilience as its design accounts for sea level rise and storm surge.

For the full list of grant awards by state or territory, click here.