USA - Biden-Harris Administration Announces More Than $653 Million in Grants for America’s Ports

Washington, DC – Last week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced a new round of grants going to 41 ports across the United States from President Biden’s infrastructure package. In total, DOT is sending out more than  $653 million this year to modernize the ports that America’s supply chains depend on, from the Port of Long Beach in Southern California to a river port in Northwest Arkansas.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes nearly $17 billion for port infrastructure, an unprecedented investment that will increase efficiency at ports and strengthen local economies and supply chains, which ultimately helps drive down inflation and lower costs for the American people.  

The funding announcement comes at the same time House Republicans in Congress are proposing to make deep cuts to the Port Infrastructure Development Program, which would deny investment to ports badly in need of upgrades.

See below to see what communities across the country saying about the grants:  

Associated Press: Biden administration awards $653 million in grants for 41 projects to upgrade ports

“Our goal is to strengthen those supply chains in a durable fashion,” Buttigieg said. “Today’s announcement is another big step in that direction.”

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Port Milwaukee to get $9.3 million from U.S. Department of Transportation for upgrades

“The grain handling equipment will also expedite the movement of grains, and the new facility will allow the port to handle two commodities simultaneously. In 2022, the port handled 2.27 million tons worth of goods, which was slightly below what it handled for the previous year which was 2.3 million tons.”

Houston Chronicle: Port Freeport, Cedar Port awarded combined $26.9M for maritime upgrades from Transportation Department

“Two major port projects in the Houston area will receive a combined $26.9 million from a competitive federal grant program announced Friday morning, promising not only more efficient goods movement but relief in some ways from air pollution and road congestion.”

Delaware Business Journal: Edgemoor container port gets $50M fed grant

“This is putting Delaware on the map as a shipping receiver and sender in the region,” said Jim Maravelias, president of the Delaware State AFL-CIO that includes the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), in a statement. “The expansion will create well-paying jobs for generations to come, and this monetary boost is exactly what Delaware needs at this moment in time.

Panama City WJHG: Port Panama City receives $11.25 million federal grant

“This has the opportunity to create over 330 new jobs in the port industry, the maritime industry, those service-provider industries in Bay County, Northwest Florida, and beyond,” he said. “As I expand on that, you look at not only the Port Authority employees, but as I mentioned the stevedores, the tug companies, the pilots will have more activity. The railroad will have more business opportunities, truck lines.”

KLCC Oregon: Federal grant money expected to boost Coquille Tribe’s maritime commerce and trade opportunities

In a release from the tribe, Chair Brenda Meade hailed the news, and said the Tribe was proud to take part in the nationwide effort to rebuild their port infrastructure. “With this funding, our Tribal One team will continue their work to rebuild Ko’Kwel Wharf as a productive and reliable economic resource that will help secure the future of the Coquille Tribe and our North Bend community and become a valuable member of the nation’s maritime industry,” she said.

Washington News Tribune: $54 million in federal money heading to Port of Tacoma. Here is what it will pay for

Port of Tacoma Commission President and NWSA co-chair Deanna Keller thanked the Washington delegation Tuesday and said in a statement that the award “will enable us to begin a series of critical improvements at Husky Terminal in our South Harbor to enhance our gateway’s ability to compete.

“By densifying the terminal and expanding its refrigerated cargo capacity, we will be able to help Washington agricultural exporters increase their volume in international markets and improve service for importers,” Keller said.

Alaska News Source: 7 ports across Alaska receive combined $72M in federal grant funding

Murkowski said... “Today’s grant announcements are the direct result of that work, funding planning, development, and construction activities as we seek to ensure that our rural ports can support the needs of Alaska communities.”

Hawaii KWXX: U.S. DOT Awards $23.46 Million For Port Of Kawaihae Improvements

North Country Now (Watertown, NY): More than $5 million in federal funding will aid Ogdensburg Port expansion

“We are very appreciative of the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration for seeing the value of this project, and for (U.S. Senator Charles) Schumer’s unwavering support of transportation infrastructure in New York State. Securing this grant will allow us to vastly improve the safety and efficiency at the Port of Ogdensburg and allow us to play a greater role in supply chain resiliency for our region,” said Steven Lawrence, Executive Director, Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority.

Kentucky NBC 6: Hickman, Kentucky awarded more than $3 million for port improvements

WWAY TV Wilmington: NC Ports awarded $11 million grant for relocation of Wilmington’s North Gate

Officials say the project will eliminate truck delays and congestion at a very active railroad crossing. It will also bring the port entrance closer to the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and the national highway network. “This project aligns with our long-term vision to provide safe and efficient access to the Port of Wilmington, ultimately enabling port growth while reducing bottlenecks and truck emissions,” said Brian E. Clark, Executive Director, North Carolina State Ports Authority.

Maryland Daily Record: Port of Baltimore among recipients of $653M in grants from Biden administration

American Journal of Transportation: Port Panama City awarded $11.25 million Port Infrastructure Development Program Grant  

“This is a wonderful opportunity to expand operations at Port Panama City, which is committed to increasing cargo activity that will foster economic growth and create good paying jobs not only in Bay County but in the Northwest Florida region,” said... Alex King, Executive Director, Port Panama City.

Bloomberg: US Ports From New Jersey to Alaska Win $653 Million in Funding

The Hill: Biden administration investing $653M in ports to improve supply chains, keep costs down

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw massive disruptions to our supply chain, and those showed us just how important and vulnerable our ports are,” White House infrastructure coordinator Mitch Landrieu told reporters.

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