Grant Summary: MARAD Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP)

MARAD Discretionary Grant Opportunity

PIDP Application Deadline

• Saturday, February 28, 2026

The Port Infrastructure Development Program provides a federal funding opportunity to improve safety, efficiency or reliability of the movement of goods through ports and intermodal connections to ports. The program is administered by the Maritime Administration (MARAD). 

This document provides a summary of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) issued by MARAD on December 23, 2025. This initial NOFO does not detail merit and selection criteria or application requirements. A revised NOFO is expected from MARAD.

Eligible Capital Projects

Eligible projects may be within the boundary of a port. It can also be outside the boundary of a port and directly related to port operations or to an intermodal connection to a port and 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
• Environmental and emissions mitigation measures
• Infrastructure that supports seafood and seafood-related businesses

MARAD intends to amend the NOFO to provide more details on eligible project types. 

Funds Available, Award Size and Matching Requirements

A total of $450 million in funding is available to be awarded. Please refer to the NOFO for additional details on each funding stream.

The program has the following funding requirements:

• Small Projects at Small Ports: At least 25% of funding, which is $112.5 million, with a maximum award size of $11.25 million
• Per State: No more than 25% of funding, which is $112.5 million
• Planning Projects: No more than 10% of funding reserved for Small Projects at Small Ports. No more than 10% of funding reserved for large projects

Eligible Applicants

The following entities are eligible to apply for funding through this program:

• 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
• A lead entity described above jointly with a private entity or group of private entities, including the owners or operators of a facility, or collection of facilities at a port

MARAD intends to amend the NOFO to provide more details regarding merit and selection criteria and application instructions.

Applications are due by Saturday, February 28, 2026.