Fiscal Year 2025 United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP)

The United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP) Discretionary Grant, administered by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), is a federally funded initiative focused on expanding marine transportation as an alternative to congested land-based systems. Established by Section 1121 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and codified under 46 U.S.C. 55601, the USMHP aims to reduce landside congestion and promote environmentally and economically efficient transportation alternatives via designated Marine Highway Routes. For Fiscal Year 2025, the USMHP is supported by a combination of newly appropriated and carryover funding totaling approximately $14,042,621, with up to 3% ($150,000) retained for administrative purposes. The FY 2025 USMHP provides funding to support Marine Highway Transportation Projects, including construction activities, vessel acquisition or modification, operational improvements, and planning efforts. Projects must both (1) provide a coordinated and capable alternative to landside transportation or use U.S.-documented vessels and (2) develop, expand, or promote Marine Highway Transportation. Capital projects, development phase activities, and Marine Highway Transportation Planning Activities are all eligible, though those with construction components are generally more competitive. Ineligible activities include improvements outside the U.S., certain land acquisitions, and equipment purchases that result in a net loss of jobs. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, port authorities, tribal governments, and private-sector operators or facility owners with endorsement from a current Marine Highway Route Sponsor. MARAD strongly encourages coalition applications that include logistics providers, shippers, railroads, and local stakeholders. Each applicant may submit only one application, with the most recently received version considered official. Matching funds are generally required, with a federal cost-share limit of 80%, though higher shares are allowable for tribal governments and rural projects. Specific waivers are also available for projects in insular areas. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59:59 p.m. EDT on July 15, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Submissions must include Standard Form SF-424, a Project Narrative of no more than 20 pages, and supporting documents such as letters of support and Letters of Financial Commitment. Private sector applicants have additional financial documentation requirements, including CPA-reviewed statements and proof of financial viability. All applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and maintain an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). The evaluation process includes merit criteria such as the need for Marine Highway expansion, public benefits, stakeholder support, and financial viability. Projects that rank “High” in the first criterion and “Medium” or better in the others may be deemed “Highly Recommended.” Final selections will consider equitable geographic distribution, technical feasibility, NEPA readiness, labor standards, and compliance with the Build America, Buy America Act. Awards are expected to be announced no later than December 10, 2025, and funds must be obligated by September 30, 2028. Projects must complete expenditures within five years of obligation. MARAD encourages early engagement through webinars and provides FAQs on its website. Due to the competitive nature of the grant, individual inquiries about project ideas are not permitted during the application window. General questions may be sent to mh@dot.gov, and applicants may contact Fred Jones at 202–366–1123 for additional assistance. More information, including application materials and route maps, is available at https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants-finances/marine-highways.

Use clear filenames and ensure all documentation aligns with merit criteria and selection considerations.