Ports, public agencies, Tribal governments and qualifying private maritime operators can apply for federal support through the U.S. Marine Highway Program Grants 2026.

The Maritime Administration, commonly known as MARAD, has made up to $10,772,270 available for the FY2026 competition. Funding will support projects that develop or expand waterborne transportation as an alternative to congested road and rail networks.

Applications are due through Grants.gov by 11:59:59pm Eastern Daylight Time on 31 August 2026.

What Is the U.S. Marine Highway Program?

The United States Marine Highway Program supports the movement of freight and passengers through the country’s navigable waterways.

Its wider objectives include reducing landside congestion, improving transportation efficiency, strengthening supply chains, creating maritime employment and improving transport resilience during emergencies.

The programme currently includes 35 designated Marine Highway Routes covering rivers, coasts, bays, the Great Lakes and other commercially navigable waterways.

How Much Funding Is Available?

Congress appropriated $5 million for the FY2026 programme. MARAD is combining that amount with approximately $5.92 million in unspent prior-year funding, after retaining up to $150,000 for administration and oversight.

This produces an available award pool of up to $10,772,270. The official NOFO states that there is no fixed minimum or maximum award size, although MARAD may add further unobligated prior-year funds.

The Grants.gov listing anticipates approximately 25 awards, but the actual number will depend on application quality, project costs and final funding decisions.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• States;
• Political subdivisions and local governments;
• Metropolitan planning organisations;
• U.S. port authorities;
• Federally recognised Tribal governments;
• U.S. private-sector Marine Highway project operators;
• Private owners of relevant facilities, including Alaska Native Corporations.

Private-sector applicants must include an endorsement letter from a current Marine Highway Transportation Route Sponsor. Where several sponsors exist, one appropriate sponsor endorsement is sufficient.

Federal agencies and individuals cannot apply. Joint applications are allowed, but they must identify one eligible lead applicant responsible for financial administration and project delivery.

Each eligible applicant may submit only one application.

Which Projects Are Eligible?

Eligible proposals may involve capital projects, development-phase activities or Marine Highway Transportation planning.

The project must provide a capable alternative to landside transportation, reduce or mitigate congestion, promote Marine Highway Transportation or support the use of appropriately documented vessels.

Development activities may include feasibility studies, revenue forecasts, preliminary engineering, master planning, design and other preconstruction work. However, development and planning proposals without construction activities are expected to be less competitive than projects that lead to physical implementation.

Projects involving infrastructure outside the United States and improvements to federally owned facilities are ineligible. Certain building construction, land acquisition or vessel-recovery activities require a clear explanation showing why they are necessary for the proposed Marine Highway project.

Is Matching Funding Required?

The federal contribution may normally cover no more than 80% of total eligible project costs. Applicants should therefore provide at least 20% from eligible non-federal sources.

The Secretary may approve a federal share above 80% for Tribal government projects and projects located in rural areas.

Eligible matching sources may include state funds, local funds, private capital and qualifying in-kind contributions. Applicants must demonstrate that the funds are stable, committed and dedicated to the proposed project.

Projects offering more than the minimum match may receive a stronger rating under the leveraging and financial-viability criterion.

How Will Applications Be Assessed?

MARAD will examine four statutory merit areas:

• The need to develop or expand Marine Highway Transportation;
• The project’s public and transportation benefits;
• Evidence of stakeholder support;
• Financial viability and the leveraging of federal funds.

Reviewers will also consider technical capacity, environmental approvals and permitting risks, and the use of innovative technology.

Strong innovation claims should identify measurable improvements to maritime safety, operating efficiency, project delivery, infrastructure resilience or cost performance.

Official Application Link

View and apply for the FY2026 U.S. Marine Highway Program on Grants.gov

Applicants should use opportunity number 693JF725R000010 and complete Grants.gov and SAM registration well before the deadline.