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United States Marine Highway Program

General Grant Program Information

The United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP) seeks to increase the use of America's navigable waterways and facilitate their further integration into the current U.S. surface transportation system, especially where water-based transport is the most efficient, effective, and sustainable option.

By removing freight and other cargoes from roads and rail, the USMHP provides public benefits including reducing emissions, lower maintenance costs, job creation, and strengthening the nation’s supply chain.

Opportunity Status:
Open
Posted Date:
Close Date:
Eligible Applicants:
State Governments; Local Governments; Federally Recognized Tribes and Affiliated Groups; Planning and Project Organizations; Private-Sector Applicants; U.S. Territories
Eligible Activities:
Planning; Construction; Climate and Sustainability
Transportation Type:
Maritime
Most Recent Annual Program Funding Amount:
$14,042,621
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement:
Yes
Match Waiver:
No
Grant Opportunity ID:
693JF725R000009
Grant Opportunity Link:
Fiscal Year 2025 United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP)
Links to Additional Information:
Agency:
USDOT / Maritime Administration (MARAD)

Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants for a United States Marine Highway Program grant are as follows: 

  • a State
  • a political subdivision of a State or a local government
  • a United States metropolitan planning organization
  • a United States port authority
  • a Tribal government
  • a United States private-sector operator of Marine Highway Projects or private-sector owners of facilities, including an Alaska Native Corporation, with an endorsement letter from the current Marine Highway Route Sponsor (if there are multiple route sponsors, the private-sector applicant is only required to submit an endorsement letter from one of the route sponsors)

Eligible Projects

Eligible projects for USMHP grants are projects or components of Projects that 

  • provide a coordinated and capable alternative to landside transportation; mitigate or relieve landside congestion; promote Marine Highway Transportation; or use vessels documented under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121; and 
  • develop, expand, or promote Marine Highway Transportation or shipper use of Marine Highway Transportation. 

Funding Information

The total funding available for awards in FY 2025 includes $14,042,621, consisting of $5,000,000 from the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act 2025 and $9,192,621 from unexpended prior-year USMHP funding.

The Federal share of the total costs of an eligible USMHP project may not exceed 80 percent; however, the Secretary may increase the Federal share of costs above 80 percent for: (1) a grant to an eligible entity that is a Tribal government; or (2) a grant for a project that is located in a rural area. 

This program provides special consideration to projects that enhance the economic competitiveness of rural areas. 

Contact Information

Fred S. Jones
Fred.Jones@dot.gov
202-366-1123

Disclaimer:
The Dashboard provides users with a high-level overview of relevant Federal discretionary grant programs. The information in the Dashboard is maintained as a secondary resource and may not be updated with the most recent changes to each program's primary guidance materials. Accordingly, please refer to the Federal grant-making agency for the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on a grant opportunity in the Dashboard.

Last updated Date: