- The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has awarded $4.85 million in grants to five marine highway projects.
- Projects span Louisiana, Puerto Rico, Washington, and West Virginia, enhancing cargo handling, reducing emissions, and expanding waterborne freight services.
- These initiatives are part of the United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP) to integrate waterways into the nation’s surface transportation system and strengthen supply chains.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has reported the allocation of $4.85 million in grants to five projects across the nation under the United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP). These grants, aimed at enhancing waterborne freight services in Louisiana, Puerto Rico, Washington, and West Virginia, are expected to modernize operations, expand cargo handling capacity, and reduce environmental impacts.
Modernizing Marine Transportation
The Biden-Harris Administration continues to prioritize investments in the marine transportation system, recognizing its importance in addressing record shipping demands. These grants are designed to modernize port infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and support the economy by lowering transportation costs for essential goods. As U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized, these investments bolster supply chain reliability while reducing costs for American families.
Expanding Waterborne Freight Services
The USMHP seeks to maximize the use of the nation’s navigable waterways to relieve congestion on roads and railways. By integrating waterborne transport into the broader surface transportation system, the program aims to provide sustainable and efficient freight movement alternatives. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips highlighted the unparalleled efficiency and sustainability of water-based transport in supporting economic and environmental goals.
Grants and Their Impact
Aligned with the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Build America, Buy America” initiative, these grants mandate the use of American-made materials and equipment, further strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains. This funding is part of the larger $17 billion investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has already supported nearly 600 port and waterway projects nationwide.
Key Projects Awarded Funding
In Louisiana, the Central Louisiana Regional Port will enhance its cargo-handling capabilities with advanced equipment, reducing reliance on less sustainable transport modes. Puerto Rico’s Mosquito Terminal in Vieques will benefit from a new vehicle ramp to address rising demand for marine highway services critical to the region’s economy and daily life.
Washington state projects include improved cargo handling for Osprey Logistics LLC in Everett, enabling significant truck trip reductions, and a low-emission container handler for Tidewater Barge Line Inc. in Vancouver, furthering environmentally friendly operations. West Virginia’s Port of West Virginia, operated by Empire Diversified Industries, will develop a Master Plan to align infrastructure with regional freight needs and foster a transition to zero-emission equipment.
Conclusion
The United States Marine Highway Program continues to demonstrate its value in enhancing the nation’s transportation infrastructure. Through strategic investments in waterborne freight services, these initiatives reduce congestion, cut emissions, and create sustainable supply chain solutions. By leveraging the power of America’s waterways, the program supports economic growth while promoting environmental sustainability.
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Source: Maritime Administration
