US Awards $35 Million in BUILD Grants for Port Upgrades

The US Department of Transportation announced that it has awarded $488 million in grants under its Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) programme. 

More than $35 million of this funding is being devoted to port modernisation projects, while the remainder will support critical improvements to road, transit, rail, and aviation infrastructure across both urban and rural communities. 

“From making families safer on our roads to expanding our ports, these grant selections reflect our commitment to unleashing America’s full potential with envy-of-the-world infrastructure,” said Transportation Secretary, Sean P. Duffy. “We will continue to move quickly to get money out the door to get dirt moving”.

Leading the maritime investments, Pennsylvania’s Bristol Port Facility has secured $25 million to construct a new 335-metre dock, upgrade off-loading equipment, dredge approximately 70,000 cubic yards of material and integrate enhanced rail links. 

Officials expect the works to expand berth capacity, accelerate cargo handling and improve intermodal connections for crude oil, petroleum products and bulk commodities. 

Additional port initiatives in California, Mississippi, Florida, Idaho, Oklahoma, Minnesota, New York, Washington, Louisiana and Alaska will fund shore-side electrification, new quay cranes, berth deepening and terminal automation. The aim is to reduce vessel turnaround times and cut emissions from idling generators.

The BUILD programme attracted more than 800 applications requesting in excess of $10 billion. Grants were awarded based on statutory criteria, including safety improvements, project readiness and cost-effectiveness over the long term. 

To ensure a broad geographic impact, the total $488 million was evenly split between urban and rural projects, with each category receiving roughly $244 million.

Modern, deep-water quays and reliable onshore power connections are vital to meeting the stricter environmental regulations, and accommodating larger, more efficient vessels. Faster berth operations and improved hinterland links are also expected to lower fuel consumption for shipping lines and reduce local air pollution in port cities.

With grant agreements due to be finalised later this year, port sponsors are preparing environmental assessments and procurement plans. It is anticipated that BUILD funds will leverage additional state, local and private investment, accelerating delivery of critical upgrades.

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