USDOT awards $220 million in grants to improve port infrastructure

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao last week announced the awarding of more than $220 million in grants to 18 port projects through the Maritime Administration's Port Infrastructure Development Program.

Several of the projects involve expansion of rail access and/or service. Some of the projects recently were announced by congressional delegations.

The grant program aims to support efforts by ports and industry stakeholders to improve facility and freight infrastructure. The program provides planning, operational and capital financing, and project management assistance.

"These grants will help our nation's economy and ensure that America's ports can continue to operate effectively in the competitive global marketplace," said Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby in a press release.

Projects that involve rail and their grant awards include:

• Port of Conneaut Connector in Ohio; $19.5 million. Designed to help connect rail and truck freight to the port on Lake Erie, the project includes construction of a rail spur to connect the East Conneaut Industrial Park to the port;
• Sparrows Point bulk expansion rail modernization and berth rehabilitation in Baltimore; $9.9 million. The project at Tradepoint Atlantic involves adding waterside access, creating a bulk import and export terminal, installing a modern gate complex, and upgrading the heavy-duty road network and rail connectivity;
• Missouri River Terminal Intermodal Facility in Kansas City, $9.9 million. Designed to to provide regional access to the area’s highway, rail and marine river networks, the project involves advanced project planning and redevelopment activities, including rail access development; and
• Linking Intermodal Needs and Rural Freight Knowledge project in Portland, Maine; $4 million. The project calls for modernizing gates and scales, improving existing warehouses and upgrading rail at a bulk transfer facility.

The full list of awarded projects is listed here.