The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today the availability of $225 million in discretionary grant funding through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).
“America’s ports are a critical part of the nation’s multimodal transportation network and this Notice of Funding Opportunity provides guidance on how to apply for these grants,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said in a statement.
The PIDP supports U.S. ports by improving the safety, efficiency, or reliability of goods movement into, out of, or within a port. Investments in port infrastructure will be awarded on a competitive basis for projects within or outside of and directly related to operations of coastal seaports, inland river ports, and Great Lakes ports.
“Infrastructure improvement must include our nation’s economic gateways – our ports – and the roads and railways that connect them to the local and national economy,” added Maritime Administrator Mark H. Buzby.
The DOT will evaluate projects using criteria which include effect on the movement of goods, leverage of federal funding, net benefits, project readiness, and domestic preference. The DOT will also consider geographic diversity when selecting grant recipients, as well as how the project addresses challenges faced by rural areas and whether the project is located in an Opportunity Zone.
The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 made available $225 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program, with $200 million reserved for grants to coastal seaports and Great Lakes ports. The minimum award size is $1 million, with a federal cost share not to exceed 80%.
To provide technical assistance, DOT will host a series of webinars during the PIDP grant application process. Details and registration information regarding these webinars will be made available at www.transportation.gov/portgrants.
The deadline to submit an application for the Port Infrastructure Development Program is 8 p.m. EDT May 18, 2020.
For more information, please visit https://www.maritime.dot.gov/PIDPgrants or email [email protected].
