USDOT seeks applicants for new port infrastructure grant program

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) this week announced a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) to apply for $292.7 million in discretionary grant funding through the new Port Infrastructure Development Program.

The program aims to support public coastal ports by improving the safety, efficiency or reliability of goods moved into, out of or within a port, USDOT officials said in a press release.

“This major investment in the Port Infrastructure Development Program will help strengthen, modernize, and improve our country’s maritime systems and gateway ports,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.

Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis for projects located in or outside coastal seaport boundaries and directly related to port operations or an intermodal connection. The department will evaluate projects based on their ability to leverage federal funds; project cost, benefits, outcomes and readiness; domestic preference; and geographic diversity.

Grant applications are due Sept. 16.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2019 made funding available for the program, including $92.7 million for the 15 coastal seaports that handled the greatest number of loaded foreign and domestic 20-foot equivalent units of containerized cargo in 2016, as identified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Minimum grant award size is $10 million, with a federal cost share not to exceed 80 percent, USDOT officials said.