AGLPA Issue Update - Nov 2024

MARAD Awards $77.3 million to Great Lakes Ports

Today the Maritime Administration (MARAD) awarded nearly $580 million to 31 recipient ports in 15 states and territories. These grants are from the agency's Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). Five Great Lakes ports received grants today totaling $77.3 million, or 13% of the total.

PIDP is the United States' primary federal assistance program for port infrastructure. Funds are distributed annually via a competitive grant process. Recipients are port authorities, or other local public agencies, or private entities in partnership with a public agency. The PIDP program was first funded by Congress in 2019. Baseline program funds are provided by annual appropriations from Congress. Additionally, the 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided $2.25 billion in advanced appropriations for the program between 2022-2026.

Unfortunately, during the program's five-year history, there has been a bias toward East Coast and West Coast ports and an inequitable distribution of federal assistance. For example, in 2023, the U.S. Department of Transportation distributed slightly more than $653 million in PIDP grants. Great Lakes ports only received 2% of the total. West Coast ports received 42% and East Coast ports received 35% of the total.

Last March, AGLPA members met with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and called for improved regional equity in the distribution of PIDP grants. Subsequent discussions with MARAD program staff helped improve understanding of Great Lakes port needs.

Today's announcement reflects improved balance in the regional distribution of PIDP funds. Many thanks go to Secretary Buttigieg and the team at MARAD for hearing our concerns.