Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP)
Federal Agency
Sub-Department
Maritime Administration
Purpose
To improve facilities within, or outside of and directly related to operations of or an intermodal connection to, coastal seaports, inland river ports, and Great Lakes ports.
Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include a port authority, a commission or its subdivision or agent under existing authority, a State or political subdivision of a State or local government, a Tribal government, a public agency or publicly-chartered authority established by one or more States, a special purpose district with a transportation function, a multistate or multijurisdictional group of entities, or a lead entity described above jointly with a private entity or group of private entities.
Decarbonization Considerations
PIDP grants can improve port infrastructure, including intermodal connections, or reduce or eliminate pollutants and greenhouse gas emission. This program focuses on infrastructure enhancements that directly impact port operations. Consider projects that support freight and port vehicle fleet electrification, port resiliency with battery storage, and major efficiency retrofits to reduce the energy intensity of port operations.
Equity Considerations
PIDP program priorities have been updated to include a focus on improving racial equity and access to opportunity, mitigating or reducing the effects of climate change in addition to the goals of improving the safety, efficiency and reliability of the movement of goods. Consider clean energy and transportation upgrades that would reduce localized emissions and impact to neighboring communities.
Helpful Tips
In addition to updated program priorities, the applicants should still focus on how their projects would improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of goods, support economic vitality, and leverage federal funding.
Other Notes
Additional information and guidance on the Maritime Administration's new priorities of climate change, environmental justice, and racial equity can be found here: https://www.epa.gov/ports-initiative