OPPORTUNITY REPORT:

$488 Million for Port Infrastructure Projects

March 26, 2026 | DOT Releases Updated FY26 Port Infrastructure Development Program

KEY INFORMATION

Opportunity Number: MA-PID-26-001

Agency: Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD)

Total Program Funding: $488,628,000

Cost Share: 20% minimum

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) supports the modernization of America’s ports and the strengthening of domestic supply chains by investing in projects that improve the movement of goods through ports and their intermodal connections. The program provides funding for eligible projects designed to enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of port-related transportation systems, helping reduce shipping time and costs while supporting more resilient and cost-effective freight movement nationwide.

BACKGROUND

This NOFO updates the initial PIDP NOFO published in December 2025. In early February 2026, FY 2026 appropriations were enacted, adding $38.6 million in discretionary funds to PIDP. Following the FY26 appropriations, DOT announced it would revise the PIDP NOFO and extended the application deadline to allow for amendments. The amended NOFO has now been released, providing a total of $488.6 million for the program. Key changes from the initial NOFO include:

$38.6M in additional FY26 funding appropriated
Updates rating rubrics for the statutory merit criteria
New priority for projects located in Qualified Opportunity Zones, projects that incorporate innovative technology, and projects that support national multimodal freight goals
Removes Workforce Development as a selection consideration
Shore power projects are no longer automatically considered to meet the statutory requirement of enhancing safety, efficiency, or reliability in the movement of goods

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS

Projects within the boundary of a port, or outside the boundary of a port and directly related to port operations or to an intermodal connection to a port that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of:

The loading and unloading of goods at a port;
The movement of goods into, out of, around, or within a port;
Operational improvements at a port;
Resiliency in response to environmental factors
Environmental and emissions mitigation measures
Infrastructure that supports seafood and seafood-related businesses.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

A State, a political subdivision of a State, or a local government;
A public agency or publicly chartered authority established by one or more States;
A special purpose district with a transportation function;
An Indian Tribe, or a consortium of Indian Tribes;
A multistate or multijurisdictional group of entities described above; or
A lead entity described above, jointly with a private entity or group of private entities, including the owners or operators of a facility, or a collection of facilities at a port

FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

Small Projects at Small Ports: At least 25% of available funding, which is $122,157,000
Per State: No more than 25% of available funding, which is $122,157,000
Planning Projects: No more than 10% of funding reserved for Small Projects at Small Ports and no more than 10% of funding available to large projects
Max. Award for Small Projects at Small Ports: No more than $11.25 million per award