US port grants totalling $498 million will support 35 projects in 19 states, including a heavy-lift cargo deck at Morehead City and replacement of Whittier’s DeLong Dock.
The US Department of Transportation announced the awards on 27 October 2026 through the Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). Recipients include coastal, inland river and Great Lakes ports.
North Carolina State Ports Authority has been awarded $11.25 million for Morehead City. The project includes a 75-foot inland concrete deck supported by piles and designed to handle heavy-lift cargo. It also provides for a new crane rail and two on-dock rail extensions. The Smart Harbor Pilot Program security system and optical character recognition tracking software form part of the package.
Whittier in Alaska will receive $50.6 million to replace DeLong Dock and add a floating dock for seasonal operations. Other elements comprise a dock manager building, three pedestal cranes and an integrated tug and barge.
At Port Freeport in Texas, a $9.41 million grant will support replacement of a rice loader that has been in service for 25 years. A rack system will be installed inside the rice storage shed, whose southern wall will be relocated to create additional berthing space.
Minnesota’s Red Wing Port Authority has been allocated $10.16 million to rebuild its barge-loading system, including conveyors, electric winch equipment and dust collection systems. The work also involves raising the loading infrastructure above the Mississippi River floodplain.
Port Everglades in Florida will use $30.75 million to reinforce its liquid bulk terminal and enlarge the slip for bigger vessels. The project is intended to help maintain fuel operations during severe weather.
A separate Texas award of $7.15 million will fund a digital twin project for the Port of Corpus Christi Authority. The package combines a digital model with sensing equipment and software development resources. Equipment includes survey-grade LiDAR, multibeam and side-scan sonar, high-definition cameras and transponders. The system is intended to provide ongoing monitoring of pipelines and rail, road and waterway infrastructure.
Rockport Harbor in Maine will receive $698,750 for a fixed timber pier measuring 20 by 30 feet. Its construction includes 12 timber piles, marine-grade connectors and vessel fendering. The project is intended to facilitate seafood transfers from fishing vessels to trucks.
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) said the awards include the final advance appropriations for PIDP provided under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It warned of a sharp reduction in funding next year unless Congress acts and urged lawmakers to secure advance funding through the next surface transportation reauthorisation.
The federal announcement listed the selected projects and their funding
