According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), more than $12 million has been allocated for the U.S. Marine Highway Program in 2023.
Funds will be used to increase the use of the country’s navigable waterways, especially in areas where water-based transportation is the most efficient, effective, and sustainable option available. Officials said they hope the funding will create maritime hobs, strengthen the country’s supply chains, reduce emissions, and lower maintenance costs.
“America’s waterways serve as critical links in our nation’s supply chains,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “These investments in our marine highways will help to strengthen our supply chains, reduce emissions, and create jobs across the country.”
Applications for the funding, which were due April 28, will be evaluated on the effect the project will have on the movement of goods, the level of non-federal funding invested, and the use of domestic preference, as well as equity and environmental justice. The department would also consider geographic diversity in selecting recipients and how the project will impact rural communities.
“Since the establishment of the marine highways program, MARAD has awarded more than $91.6 million in competitive grants to eligible organizations for marine highway services,” Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips said. “These grants have supported the development and expansion of marine highways, vessels, and landside ports and infrastructure, which are critical to building supply chain resilience.”