PIDP Grants Guide

Jan 16, 2026

PIDP Grants: $488.6 Million for Port Infrastructure Development (FY 2026)

The FY 2026 Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) makes $488,628,000 available for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of goods movement through U.S. ports. (The original December 2025 NOFO authorized $450M; an amendment added $38,628,000 from the FY 2026 Appropriations Act.) Administered by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) under the U.S. Department of Transportation, PIDP provides critical funding for port authorities, local governments, and tribal nations seeking to modernize port infrastructure and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Program Overview

PIDP is authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and codified at 46 U.S.C. § 54301, with FY 2026 supplemented by the FY 2026 Appropriations Act. The program's goal is to assist in funding projects that improve the movement of goods through ports and their intermodal connections.

Key Program Details:

  • Total Funding: $488,628,000 in FY 2026 ($450M IIJA + $38.628M FY 2026 Appropriations)
  • Funding Opportunity Number: MA-PID-26-001
  • Assistance Listing Number: 20.823
  • Application Deadline: June 1, 2026 at 11:59:59 PM EDT
  • Federal Agency: Maritime Administration (MARAD)
  • Minimum Award: $1,000,000 for requests funded under the FY 2026 Appropriations Act portion (IIJA portion has no minimum)

Who Can Apply

PIDP has a broad range of eligible applicants, making it accessible to various public entities involved in port operations and infrastructure development:

  • States
  • Political subdivisions of a State or local governments
  • Public agencies or publicly chartered authorities established by one or more States
  • Special purpose districts with a transportation function
  • Indian Tribes or consortia of Indian Tribes
  • Multistate or multijurisdictional groups of the entities listed above
  • A lead entity from the above categories jointly with a private entity or group of private entities, including port facility owners or operators

Note: Each eligible applicant may submit no more than one application. If multiple applications are submitted, only the last one received will be considered.

Eligible Projects

Projects must be located either within the boundary of a port or outside the boundary but directly related to port operations or intermodal connections. Eligible capital projects include those that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of:

Loading and Unloading Operations

Projects that enhance the loading and unloading of goods at ports, including marine terminal equipment upgrades and cargo handling improvements.

Goods Movement Infrastructure

Projects supporting the movement of goods into, out of, around, or within a port, such as:

  • Highway infrastructure improvements
  • Rail infrastructure upgrades
  • Intermodal facilities
  • Freight intelligent transportation systems
  • Digital infrastructure systems

Operational Improvements

Projects that enhance port operations, including those that improve port resilience against disruptions and operational efficiency.

Environmental Mitigation

Projects focused on environmental and emission mitigation measures, supporting cleaner port operations and reduced environmental impact.

Seafood Industry Infrastructure

Projects supporting seafood and seafood-related businesses, including:

  • Loading and unloading of commercially harvested fish and fish products
  • Seafood processing facilities
  • Cold storage infrastructure
  • Other related port infrastructure

Cost Sharing Requirements

PIDP requires a local cost share, with the federal share not exceeding 80% of total project costs. However, the Secretary may increase the federal share above 80% for:

  • Projects located in rural areas
  • Small projects at small ports (under 46 U.S.C. § 54301(b))

When calculating cost share, applicants should use this formula:

(PIDP Grant Request + Other Federal Funds) ÷ Total Project Cost = Federal Cost Share

Funding Restrictions and Set-Asides

MARAD must comply with several statutory funding restrictions:

  • Small Projects at Small Ports: At least 25% of available funding ($122,157,000) must go to small projects at small ports
  • Per State Limit: No state may receive more than 25% of available funding ($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
  • Small Project Maximum: Small projects at small ports are capped at $11.25 million per award

The IIJA portion of funding has no minimum award size; requests under the FY 2026 Appropriations Act portion must be at least $1,000,000. Except for the restrictions noted above, there is no maximum award size for large projects.

FY 2026 Priority Updates

The amended NOFO updated several priorities and selection considerations:

  • Added priorities: Qualified Opportunity Zones (26 U.S.C. § 1400Z-1), innovative technology, multimodal freight goals
  • Removed: Workforce Development is no longer a selection consideration
  • Shore power: Shore power projects no longer automatically qualify as meeting the goods movement determination
  • EO 14269 alignment: "Restoring America's Maritime Dominance" is referenced as a priority

Restrictions and Ineligible Uses

  • LOGINK prohibition: No funds for entities using China's national transportation logistics public information platform (LOGINK)
  • Vessel construction: Not eligible (with limited statutory exceptions)
  • Fully automated cargo handling equipment: Not eligible if it would result in a net loss of jobs
  • Workforce training unrelated to electrification is ineligible

Key Dates and Timeline

  • Original NOFO Published: December 23, 2025
  • Amendment Published: Updated funding ($488.6M), updated priorities, June 1 deadline
  • Application Deadline: June 1, 2026 at 11:59:59 PM EDT
  • Obligation Deadline: September 30, 2030
  • Expenditure Deadline: 5 years after funds obligation for each award

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online by the deadline. Complete instructions will be posted at Grants.gov and the PIDP program website.

Application Tips

1. Start Early

With the June 1, 2026 deadline approaching, begin your application preparation now. Gather project documentation, cost estimates, and stakeholder commitments early.

2. Focus on Program Goals

Clearly demonstrate how your project improves the safety, efficiency, or reliability of goods movement through your port or intermodal connections.

3. Consider Small Port Advantages

If you qualify as a small port with a small project, you may benefit from the dedicated funding set-aside and potentially higher federal cost share rates.

4. Document Cost Share

Prepare documentation of your local match commitment and any other federal funds you plan to leverage.

5. Plan for the FY 2026 Priority Shifts

The amended NOFO added Qualified Opportunity Zone, innovative technology, and multimodal freight goals as priorities; removed Workforce Development as a selection consideration; and changed how shore power projects are evaluated. Frame your narrative against the current priorities, not earlier-cycle ones.

Contact Information

For questions about the PIDP program:

Related Resources

Explore our other guides on federal grant opportunities: