# US announces new funding for port infrastructure modernisation

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/us-ports-infrastructure-funding-marad-2026/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Jason Nicholson
- **Published:** 2026-10-28T23:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-29T08:01:47+00:00
- **Section:** Ports
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** MARAD, PIDP, Port Infrastructure, Port Modernisation, US Ports

The US Department of Transportation has announced approximately US$498 million in federal funding for 35 port infrastructure projects across 19 states, supporting upgrades to cargo-handling facilities, maritime terminals and freight connections.

The funding will be distributed through the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), which supports improvements at coastal seaports, Great Lakes facilities and inland river ports. The selected projects cover infrastructure replacement, equipment modernisation, operational resilience and technology investments.

US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the funding on 27 October, highlighting the role of port infrastructure in supporting freight movements and supply chain operations.

## Investments in port facilities and cargo operations

Among the largest projects identified in the announcement, the City of Whittier in Alaska will receive approximately US$50.6 million to replace the DeLong Dock, install a seasonal floating dock and acquire three pedestal cranes, together with a tug and barge.

Port Everglades in Florida has been allocated US$30.75 million to strengthen its liquid bulk terminal, widen a slip to accommodate larger vessels and improve the resilience of fuel-handling operations during severe weather.

In North Carolina, the State Ports Authority will receive approximately US$11.25 million for improvements at Morehead City, including a new heavy-lift cargo deck, crane rail infrastructure and additional on-dock rail connections. The project also includes security technology and optical character recognition systems for cargo tracking.

The Red Wing Port Authority in Minnesota has been awarded approximately US$10.16 million to reconstruct its barge loading facilities, conveyors and associated equipment, while raising parts of the infrastructure above the Mississippi River floodplain.

Port Freeport in Texas will receive approximately US$9.41 million to replace ageing bulk rice-loading equipment and improve its storage and berthing arrangements. Separately, the Port of Corpus Christi has been allocated approximately US$7.15 million for digital twin technology and sensing systems designed to improve monitoring across port, pipeline, railway, road and waterway infrastructure.

The programme also includes smaller projects, such as an approximately US$699,000 allocation to Rockport Harbor in Maine for new commercial seafood-handling infrastructure.

## Supporting port efficiency and supply chains

MARAD’s Port Infrastructure Development Program is intended to improve the safety, efficiency and reliability of freight movements through US ports and their associated transport connections.

The latest funding selections cover a range of operational needs, from replacing ageing waterfront infrastructure to improving cargo-handling capacity and introducing digital monitoring systems.

The announced allocations represent federal support for selected projects rather than completed infrastructure improvements. Individual project delivery will depend on the relevant implementation and construction arrangements.

The US Department of Transportation said the investments are intended to strengthen port operations and support the movement of goods through the country’s maritime and inland transport networks.

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Cite as: "US announces new funding for port infrastructure modernisation", pelavox., 29 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/us-ports-infrastructure-funding-marad-2026/