Port Infrastructure Development Program

The Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), administered by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) under the U.S. Department of Transportation, offers discretionary grant funding to improve the movement of goods through the United States’ ports. The program plays a critical role in modernizing port infrastructure to support the safety, efficiency, and reliability of national supply chains. PIDP supports projects that will strengthen supply chains, reduce the environmental impact of port operations, and enhance overall port resilience, contributing to the broader economic and environmental objectives of the federal government. For fiscal year 2026, the PIDP is allocating $450 million in competitive grant funding. This funding opportunity encourages applications for projects focused on a variety of infrastructure improvements at coastal seaports, inland river ports, and Great Lakes ports. Eligible projects may include the enhancement or expansion of cargo-handling infrastructure, modernization of rail and road connections to ports, installation of climate-resilient facilities, and other capital improvements that increase port capacity and efficiency. The program's goal is to facilitate the timely movement of goods and decrease transportation bottlenecks. The minimum funding request for an individual project is $1 million, and awards may go as high as $112.5 million. A total of approximately 40 awards are expected to be made. Cost sharing or matching funds are required, but the exact ratio is not detailed in the announcement. Eligible applicants include states, counties, cities, special districts with a transportation function, Indian tribes, and public agencies or authorities. Additionally, multistate or multijurisdictional groups of such entities, or partnerships between eligible public entities and private organizations, may also apply. The program ensures inclusive eligibility for a broad range of public stakeholders in the U.S. port infrastructure space. Applications must be submitted by February 28, 2026. No additional pre-application or letter of intent is required. Interested applicants should prepare their materials and submit through the Grants.gov portal. The program listing is available under Assistance Listing Number 20.823. MARAD has not specified the performance period for funded projects, nor does the notice indicate whether there will be a recurring funding cycle beyond this solicitation. Evaluation criteria for this opportunity were not included in the synopsis, nor were detailed application components, but applicants should be prepared to demonstrate how their projects meet the program’s goals of improving port efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. MARAD will likely prioritize projects that address critical freight mobility issues or that incorporate innovative technologies or sustainability elements. For technical support related to the application submission, the Grants.gov Contact Center is available 24/7 (except federal holidays) at 1-800-518-4726. While MARAD is the managing agency, the contact information for a specific program officer or PDF guidelines was not included in the public synopsis.