US Department of Transportation announces $498 million for port upgrades

The U.S. Department of Transportation, through the Maritime Administration (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), has announced nearly $498 million in funding for 35 port improvement projects across 19 states. The investment aims to modernize docks, improve cargo-handling equipment, strengthen infrastructure, and upgrade technology to enhance safety and efficiency.

Key projects include $50.6 million for Whittier, Alaska, to replace the DeLong Dock and acquire new cranes, and $30.75 million for Port Everglades, Florida, to strengthen liquid bulk terminals and improve weather resilience. In North Carolina, Morehead City will receive $11.25 million for heavy-lift cargo infrastructure and new tracking technology. Other allocations include $10.2 million for the Red Wing Port Authority in Minnesota to reconstruct barge loading systems, $9.41 million for Port Freeport in Texas to replace bulk rice loaders, and $698,750 for Rockport Harbor in Maine to improve seafood transfer infrastructure.