Eight marine highways projects are slated to receive a combined $9.5 million in grants via the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) to support waterways and freight services expansion.
“This Federal assistance will provide additional options to reduce congestion on the roads and help the surrounding local communities’ and the regions’ economic recovery,” Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said.
Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and American Samoa will receive the funding. The America’s Marine Highway Program promotes increased use of the navigable waterways to ensure landside congestion relief, new and efficient transportation options and increased performance of the surface transportation system.
Officials indicated seven of the projects are located in Opportunity Zones, which they noted were created to revitalize low-income and economically distressed communities using private investment.
“The continued expansion and modernization of the U.S. marine transportation system benefits the maritime industry,” Maritime Administrator Mark H. Buzby said. “U.S. waterway freight systems offer a safe and efficient option for shippers and reduce road traffic and emissions while providing jobs, commerce, and crucial resources to dozens of communities across multiple states.”
The Maritime Administration has provided $33.8 million in grants for the America’s Marine Highway Program since 2016.