The Trump administration has announced $498 million in federal grants for 35 port infrastructure projects across 19 US states, targeting ageing docks, cargo-handling equipment, fuel terminals and advanced maritime monitoring systems. The funding, awarded through the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), aims to boost cargo capacity, improve operational efficiency and strengthen supply chains across coastal ports, the Great Lakes and inland waterways.
However, the latest allocation is 36 per cent lower than the $774 million awarded to 37 projects in 2025 and below the average annual funding of recent years. Alaska’s City of Whittier received the largest grant, $50.6 million, to replace the DeLong Dock, install a seasonal floating dock and acquire three pedestal cranes, a tug and a barge.
Port Everglades in Florida secured $30.75 million to upgrade its liquid bulk terminal, accommodate larger vessels and strengthen fuel operations against severe weather. North Carolina’s state ports authority will receive $11.25 million for heavy-lift infrastructure, rail connections and security technology at the Port of Morehead City.
Other beneficiaries include Minnesota’s Red Wing Port Authority, which received $10.2 million to rebuild Mississippi River barge-loading facilities, and Texas’s Port Freeport, awarded $9.4 million to replace an ageing rice loader and expand cargo-handling space.
The Port of Corpus Christi will receive $7.2 million to develop a digital twin using LiDAR, sonar, cameras and other sensors to monitor port infrastructure and transport connections. Meanwhile, Rockport Harbor in Maine secured nearly $699,000 to build a commercial fishing pier.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the investment would strengthen supply chains, reduce shipping costs and create jobs, describing modern ports as essential to the national economy. The funding comes as the $2.25 billion allocated to the programme under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law approaches its scheduled end in fiscal year 2026.
For 2027, the Trump administration has proposed maintaining $500 million in annual funding, including $450 million through a proposed Maritime Security Trust Fund. The grants form part of the administration’s broader drive to strengthen US maritime power through port modernisation, expanded shipbuilding capacity and a stronger merchant marine.