Port Infrastructure Development Program
🏛 Maritime Administration
Can you apply?
This grant is for port authorities, state/local governments, and port operators seeking federal support for infrastructure projects. Eligible recipients include port authorities, city and county governments, and certain nonprofit organizations with direct port jurisdiction. Projects typically focus on dredging, terminal improvements, channel deepening, and facility modernization. Geographic scope covers U.S. ports and harbors serving commercial or public navigation.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for port authorities, state/local governments, and port operators seeking federal support for infrastructure projects. Eligible recipients include port authorities, city and county governments, and certain nonprofit organizations with direct port jurisdiction. Projects typically focus on dredging, terminal improvements, channel deepening, and facility modernization. Geographic scope covers U.S. ports and harbors serving commercial or public navigation.
Program description
Announces the availability of $488,628,000 for FY 2026 Port Infrastructure Development Program grants.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Public Authority
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
Details
This grant is for port authorities, state/local governments, and port operators seeking federal support for infrastructure projects. Eligible recipients include port authorities, city and county governments, and certain nonprofit organizations with direct port jurisdiction. Projects typically focus on dredging, terminal improvements, channel deepening, and facility modernization. Geographic scope covers U.S. ports and harbors serving commercial or public navigation.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Federal Application for Grant Assistance)
- Project Narrative and Scope of Work
- Detailed Project Budget and Budget Narrative
- Engineering Plans or Feasibility Study
- Environmental Assessment Documentation
- Local Cost Share Commitment Letter
- Port Authority Resolution or Authorization
Program contact
- 👤 Maritime Administration
- 📧 PIDPgrants@dot.gov
- 📞 202-366-0700
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 20.823 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$68,700,000
-
$54,233,330
-
$53,526,756
-
$53,357,402
-
$52,633,331
-
$52,300,000
-
$50,000,000
-
$43,928,393
-
$40,040,279
-
$35,467,875
Top States by Funding
- CA 14 awards $267.1M
- FL 10 awards $204.0M
- AK 8 awards $169.3M
- WA 11 awards $163.1M
- TX 8 awards $111.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 20.823). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $407,900,000 | |
| 2025 | $261,400,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $85,100,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for port infrastructure funding?
Port authorities, state and local government agencies, and port operators managing public ports. Some nonprofit port organizations may be eligible with the right structure.
What types of projects are funded?
Dredging operations, terminal improvements, navigation channel projects, facility upgrades, and cargo handling infrastructure. Environmental compliance and safety improvements are also supported.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is June 1, 2026. Applications open December 23, 2025.
How competitive is this grant?
Very competitive. Projects must demonstrate clear economic benefit, job creation potential, and alignment with national maritime priorities. Strong local match is expected.
What is the typical funding range?
Port infrastructure grants typically range from $500K to several million dollars depending on project scope and regional significance.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with clear data on project costs, timelines, and local economic impact. Funders want numbers.
- Build strong local/state support letters showing political commitment to the project.
- Demonstrate how the project improves cargo throughput or vessel capacity. Economic return matters most.
- Include environmental compliance documentation. Ports face strict regulatory requirements.
- Secure a credible local match commitment early. Federal support rarely covers 100% of costs.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when economic justification is weak or unclear. Projects without documented local matching funds are typically rejected. Underestimating environmental review and permitting timelines causes timeline credibility issues.
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