2021 Port Infrastructure Development Grants

Background
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 authorized and appropriated $230 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to make grants 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. The purpose of this notice is to solicit grant applications for the PIDP.

Grant Details
The PIDP was established under 46 U.S.C. § 50302 to improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods through ports and intermodal connections to ports. The grants will be awarded on a competitive basis for projects that will improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods into, out of, around, or within coastal seaports, inland river ports, or Great Lakes ports. The program supports projects that enable safe, efficient, and reliable movement of goods into, out of, around, or within a port.

The notice includes new priorities related to climate change, racial equity, and job creation. Eligible projects include port gate improvements; road improvements both within and connecting to the port; rail improvements both within and connecting to the port; berth improvements; fixed landside improvements in support of cargo operations; utilities necessary for safe operations; development phase activities such as planning, feasibility analysis, revenue forecasting, environmental review, permitting, and preliminary engineering and design work.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include port authorities, commissions or their subdivision or agent under existing authority, State or political subdivision of a State or local government, Tribal government, public agency or publicly chartered authority established by one or more States, special purpose district with a transportation function, multistate or multijurisdictional group of entities. Cost sharing requirements apply for Federal share of costs not exceeding 80 percent. Non-Federal sources include State funds originating from programs funded by State revenue, local funds originating from State or local revenue funded programs, or private funds.

Period of Performance
Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 30, 2021. Obligation occurs when a selected applicant and DOT enter into a written grant agreement after the applicant has satisfied applicable administrative requirements. DOT seeks to obligate FY 2021 PIDP funds by September 30, 2024.

Grant Value
$230 million is available for projects that improve facilities within coastal seaports, inland river ports, and Great Lakes ports. At least $205 million is reserved for grants to coastal seaports or Great Lakes ports. Additionally, not less than $41.4 million shall be for projects at small ports meeting certain requirements described in this NOFO.

Place of Performance
Projects must be located either within the boundary of a port or outside the boundary of a port and directly related to port operations or an intermodal connection to a port.