MARAD’s Marine Highway Program has one major goal: expand the use of America’s navigable waters. They work closely with public and private organizations to:
- Develop and expand marine highway service options 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
- Highlight the benefits, increase public awareness and promote waterways as a viable (in some cases a superior) alternative to “landside” shipping and transportation options
According to the Maritime Administrator, Ann Phillips, 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. Last March, MARAD announced the availability of nearly $25 million in grant funding for the AMHP through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The FY 2022 Appropriations Act made an additional $14.8 million available for the AMHP. While in 2021, MARAD awarded $10,819,000 in grant funding for America’s Marine Highway Program
“These investments in our marine highways will help to strengthen our supply chains, reduce emissions, and create jobs across the country.”
…said U.S. Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg.
The Department will evaluate projects using criteria including the effect on movement of goods, level of non-federal funding investment, use of domestic preference, consideration of equity, and environmental justice. The Department will also consider geographic diversity when selecting grant recipients, as well as how the project addresses challenges faced by rural areas.
