Oregon’s Port of Morrow will now be able to apply for federal funding to extend its barge service, thanks to being designated a Marine Highway Project by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (U.S. DOT’s) Maritime Administration (MARAD).
According to MARAD, marine highways are navigable waterways that can be utilized as alternative options for shipping. Designated projects on such routes are eligible for the $7 million Congress has appropriated for such efforts this year. In the Port of Morrow’s case, it wants to expand its existing barge service to reduce transportation costs, along with rail and highway congestion in the area. This would also allow for increased freight shipments along the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
“The Columbia River system is a valuable asset for transporting wheat and other products from eastern Oregon to the world,” U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) said. “I applaud the Port’s efforts to maximize this resource and I am glad to have worked so closely with them to pursue Marine Highway status. This designation and the additional funding opportunities will improve the Port’s capabilities while simultaneously increasing economic opportunity for the region.”
The recent designation came alongside the announcement of eight other marine projects throughout the United States.