- The US Department of Transportation has allocated more than $35 million under the BUILD program to support critical maritime infrastructure upgrades in Alaska and Pennsylvania.
- The funding is part of a broader $488 million investment aimed at enhancing safety, reducing congestion, and driving economic development across 30 transport projects.
- Key legislative and policy efforts, including the Clean Shipping Act of 2025, signal growing federal momentum toward sustainable and strategic maritime transformation.
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced more than $35 million in dedicated funding for port infrastructure under the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. Part of a $488 million funding package spread across 30 transportation projects, the initiative aims to strengthen America’s maritime, aviation, and rail networks by improving safety, easing congestion, and boosting economic vitality.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy emphasized that this investment reflects a national commitment to modernize critical infrastructure. “From safer roads to expanded ports, these grants show our resolve to unlock America’s full economic potential,” Duffy said, highlighting the administration’s urgency to move funds quickly to construction and development.
Revitalizing Key Ports in Pennsylvania and Alaska
The largest maritime grant—$25 million—has been awarded to the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Bucks, Pennsylvania, for the revitalization of the Bristol Port Terminal. This comprehensive port enhancement project includes the design and construction of a new 1,100-foot dock, modern offloading systems, dredging of approximately 70,000 cubic yards, and integration of advanced rail connections.
In Alaska, two projects have received federal support. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough will receive $7.89 million to build a 60,000 square-foot barge ramp at Port MacKenzie, enabling improved barge loading and haul-out operations. Additionally, the Chilkoot Indian Association has secured $2.82 million to plan and design a dock reconstruction at Portage Cove in Haines, ensuring long-term utility and resilience for regional maritime activity.
Broader Policy Shifts in Maritime Strategy
Since President Trump’s second term began, the administration has launched a series of initiatives aimed at revitalizing American maritime strength. These include proposals such as establishing a dedicated Office of Shipbuilding and reintroducing the “New SHIPS for America Act,” which envisions maintaining a fleet of at least 250 active commercial ships at any given time. These moves aim to enhance economic security, support national defense, and invigorate the country’s shipbuilding capacity.
Green Ports and Clean Shipping Momentum
In parallel with infrastructure investments, environmental priorities have gained traction. In 2024, seven California ports—including San Diego, Los Angeles, and Oakland—received funding under the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Ports Program. This funding is helping ports adopt zero-emission infrastructure and implement air quality and climate strategies.
The environmental push has continued into 2025. US Senator Alex Padilla recently introduced the Clean Shipping Act of 2025 and co-led the Maritime Pollution Accountability Act. If enacted, these laws would chart a course to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from all ocean-going vessels operating in US trade, while applying pollution fees to the largest cargo carriers and incentivizing cleaner marine fuels.
Building and Greening America’s Ports
The BUILD grant allocations mark a significant step forward in modernizing US port infrastructure, particularly in regions like Pennsylvania and Alaska that play vital roles in domestic and international trade. With supportive legislation and growing investment in clean energy and emission reduction, the United States is reshaping its maritime landscape—balancing economic ambition with environmental responsibility. As construction begins and policies evolve, the nation’s ports are poised to become hubs of both innovation and sustainability.
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Source: Offshore Energy
