Port Infrastructure Development Program

The Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) is administered by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), a modal agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation. PIDP supports the modernization and expansion of port infrastructure across the United States with the goal of enhancing the movement of goods and strengthening intermodal connections. Authorized under 46 U.S.C. § 54301 and funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the FY 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act, the FY 2026 iteration of PIDP allocates $488,628,000 in discretionary grants for capital and planning projects at ports. The PIDP program seeks to fund projects that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of cargo movement through ports and related intermodal systems. Eligible capital projects include investments within or directly connected to port facilities that enable improvements such as enhanced loading and unloading capabilities, digital infrastructure, resiliency upgrades, emissions reductions, and seafood industry-related infrastructure. Planning projects that do not result in immediate construction are also supported, provided they contribute to the development of future eligible capital projects. Applications are open to a wide range of public and quasi-public entities, including states, local governments, special purpose districts with transportation functions, public agencies, Indian Tribes, and joint partnerships with private entities. However, federal agencies and individuals are ineligible. A lead applicant must be designated in joint applications, and that entity must assume financial responsibility. A written statement confirming the applicant's authority to plan, construct, and maintain the proposed project is required. Projects must also be technically and financially feasible and demonstrate that they cannot be efficiently completed without federal support. The FY 2026 PIDP requires cost sharing, generally limiting the federal share to 80% of the total project cost. Exceptions apply for projects in rural areas or small projects at small ports, where a higher federal share may be authorized. Planning projects funded by the FY 2026 Appropriations Act must request at least $1 million to be eligible. Each eligible applicant may submit only one application, and the final submission deadline is June 26, 2026, at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. To be considered complete, applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and include a Standard Form 424, a PIDP-specific cover page, and a Project Narrative that addresses sections including project description, location, use of funds, merit criteria, statutory determinations, and any additional considerations. Review criteria are extensive, focusing on alignment with statutory goals—particularly safety, efficiency, reliability, and economic vitality—as well as project readiness, resilience, and the use of innovative technology. MARAD may give selection priority to projects in Opportunity Zones, Strategic Seaports, or those aligned with Executive Order 14269 on maritime strategy. Award decisions are expected to be announced via the PIDP website and email notifications. Selected projects must execute a grant agreement with MARAD before funds are obligated, and reimbursement will occur only after eligible expenses are incurred. All awarded funds must be obligated by September 30, 2030, and expended within five years thereafter. This program does not allow for the reimbursement of pre-award costs unless expressly permitted under special provisions. Additional compliance with civil rights laws, domestic sourcing requirements, cybersecurity regulations, and performance reporting expectations are also enforced throughout the grant lifecycle.

Align responses with merit criteria; describe project readiness and NEPA compliance clearly; highlight port resiliency and innovation benefits.