The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened applications for its Fiscal Year 2026 Port Security Grant Program, making $95 million available to help protect U.S. port infrastructure from terrorism and cyber threats.
The funding is available to port authorities, terminal operators and eligible state, local and territorial government agencies for projects aimed at improving port security and operational resilience.
According to FEMA, grant funding can support a range of security enhancements, including surveillance systems, access control measures, cybersecurity upgrades, waterside security improvements and emergency response planning.
The port security funding comes as federal investment in maritime infrastructure remains elevated. In April, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (Marad) awarded $774 million through its Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to support 37 projects across coastal seaports, Great Lakes ports and inland river systems.
Marad said the PIDP funding is intended to improve port capacity, efficiency and supply chain resiliency. Projects selected for funding include rail tunnel expansions, cargo handling upgrades, security screening improvements and terminal development.
The latest round of awards follows a separate March announcement from Marad detailing $488.6 million in FY 2026 PIDP funding for ports, shipyards and related maritime infrastructure.
Under that funding opportunity, Marad said at least 25% of available funding, or roughly $122.2 million, is reserved for small projects at small ports. The program typically carries an 80% federal cost share, though that percentage may increase for rural projects or smaller port initiatives. Eligible applicants include port authorities, state and local governments, Tribal nations and other qualifying entities. Applications for that funding round are due June 27.
FEMA’s Port Security Grant Program is part of the agency’s broader FY2026 preparedness grant package totaling more than $1.5 billion across seven grant programs focused on strengthening critical infrastructure and improving national security.
Applications for FEMA’s port security funding opened June 24 and will close July 24 at 5 p.m. Eastern. Funding notices and application materials are available through Grants.gov.
