U.S. grants US$241 million for port improvement initiatives

The United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) will award more than US$241 million through its Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) for 25 projects to enhance port facilities in 19 states and one territory.

The PIDP, which is in its third year, has already awarded US$492 million for 32 regional and national projects within its first two years, according to a statement.

The program supports efforts by ports and industry stakeholders to improve facility and freight infrastructure, in order to meet the nation’s freight transportation needs, by providing planning and capital financing, and project management assistance.

The projects that were awarded grants include coastal seaports, Great Lakes ports, and inland river ports. PIDP’s priorities for the fiscal year 2021 are related to job creation, climate change, and environmental justice impacts.

By announcing these grant awards, the US Department of Transportation “demonstrates its commitments in the Biden-Harris Port Action Plan” that aims to address supply chain disruptions, as well as inflationary pressures.

The Biden-Harris Port Action Plan includes actions such as helping to increase Federal flexibilities for port grants, accelerate port infrastructure grant awards, initiate new construction projects for coastal navigation, inland waterways, and land ports of entry, and launch the first round of expanded port infrastructure grants, funded through the investment in the US infrastructure and competitiveness, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, (BIL).

This BIL will rebuild the United States’ roads, bridges, and rails, upgrade and expand public transit, modernize the Nation’s ports and airports, improve safety, tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice, and invest in communities that have been left behind, according to a statement.

In addition, Biden’s BIL will provide US$450 million annually in funding for the PIDP program, for fiscal years 2022 through 2026, which translates to a total of US$2.25 billion, according to MARAD.

By providing the funding to support the improvement of this critical infrastructure, MARAD and the Department have claimed that these services will succeed during the nation’s ongoing economic recovery.

Source: Container-News

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