THE US Department of Transportation is offering US$662 million in grants for port projects that reduce carbon emissions, reports New York's Journal of Commerce.
The federal Maritime Administration (MARAD) said local governments, indigenous tribal nations, and other eligible entities can apply for this year's grants under the Port Infrastructure Development Programme (PIDP). The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides $450 million annually for the PIDP's grant funding.
"America's ports play a central role in our supply chains," said Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. "With today's announcement, we are helping make our ports safer, more efficient, and more reliable - strengthening supply chains, reducing costs for the American people, and positioning us for economic success."
The announcement pointed to a few 2022 grant winners as being those that focused on electrification and other ways to reduce carbon emissions at ports.
The Jacksonville Port Authority received a $23 million grant for the installation of electrified refrigerated container stacks, hybrid- and battery-electric yard equipment, and the installation of 15 fast-charging stations to help introduce zero-emission technologies to the local maritime industry.
The Port of Long Beach also received $30 million last year to replace diesel yard tractors with 60 electric yard tractors.
In addition to the PIDP, the Federal Highway Administration will open its own $160 million grant programme in the coming weeks for the testing, evaluation, and deployment of electrification projects aimed at port trucking.