DOT Announces $488.6M Investment in Ports to Restore Maritime Dominance

DOT Press Releases

Published March 26th, 2026

Detected March 28th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced $488,628,000 in funding through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to modernize ports, strengthen supply chains, and restore American maritime dominance. The funding will support projects improving port operations, streamlining supply chains, and modernizing infrastructure.

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What changed

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), through its Maritime Administration (MARAD), has announced a significant investment of nearly $489 million in American ports. This funding, distributed via the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), aims to enhance port capabilities for loading and unloading goods, streamline supply chain movements, modernize infrastructure and operations, and support maritime-related businesses. Notably, the program prioritizes projects in Qualified Opportunity Zones, those incorporating innovative technology, and those supporting national multimodal freight goals. A specific allocation of $122 million is designated for "Small Projects at Small Ports."

Eligible applicants, including port authorities, states, local governments, and Tribal nations, are encouraged to submit project applications by June 27, 2026. This initiative represents a substantive shift towards revitalizing national maritime capabilities and strengthening economic infrastructure. Compliance officers should review the Notice of Funding Opportunity and prepare applications for eligible projects, paying close attention to the new criteria and the application deadline to secure funding for port modernization and supply chain improvements.

What to do next

Review the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Prepare and submit eligible project applications by the June 27, 2026 deadline.
Ensure projects align with new priorities for Opportunity Zones, innovative technology, and national multimodal freight goals.

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Contact Us

MARAD Public Affairs

1200 New Jersey Avenue
Washington, DC 20590
United States

Email: maradpressoffice@dot.gov
Phone: 202-366-5807

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Trump’s Transportation Department Announces Nearly Half a Billion Investment into America’s Ports to Restore Maritime Dominance

Thursday, March 26, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) today announced $488,628,000 in funding to restore American maritime dominance and revitalize American ports, shipyards and maritime capabilities.

The funding will support projects that:

Improve ports ability to load and unload good
Streamline supply chain movements
Modernize ports’ infrastructure and operations
Support America’s vibrant seafood and seafood-related businesses “The Trump Administration is getting back to basics and investing hard-earned American dollars in restoring the nation’s maritime dominance,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “We’re refocusing on what matters – revitalizing our ports with the latest technology and infrastructure to keep our economy humming.”

“Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Duffy, we are investing in much-needed port infrastructure that will strengthen our supply chains,” said MARAD Administrator Stephen M. Carmel. “America’s ports fuel our economy, bolster domestic energy, and cut costs for hardworking families, making them worthy of taxpayer investment."

The Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) aims to modernize America’s ports and strengthen our supply chains, helping reduce time and costs for shippers, and drive down the cost of goods for American families. The U.S. has more than 300 ports operated by states, counties, municipalities, and private corporations.

Under Secretary Duffy, the grant program’s revamped criteria includes new priorities for projects located in Qualified Opportunity Zones, projects that incorporate innovative technology, and projects that support national multimodal freight goals.

The PIDP program will also allocate at least 25 percent of the available funding—totaling $122,157,000—for “Small Projects at Small Ports.” Eligible applicants include port authorities, states, local governments, indigenous Tribal nations, counties, and other entities.

Additional Information:

The Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines the application criteria. Applicants are encouraged to submit eligible projects as soon as possible but must do so by June 27, 2026. For additional questions regarding PIDP grants please email PIDPGrants@dot.gov.