Fiscal Year 2025 United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP)

The Fiscal Year 2025 United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP) is a discretionary grant opportunity managed by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) under the U.S. Department of Transportation. This initiative aims to support projects that provide effective alternatives to traditional landside transportation, reduce congestion, and enhance the use of Marine Highway Transportation routes and services. The program is grounded in the statutory authority codified at 46 U.S.C. 55601 and has been in operation since 2007, during which it has allocated over $107.8 million to eligible marine infrastructure and development projects. The FY 2025 funding round provides up to $14,042,621 in total funding. This includes $5 million appropriated under the FY 2025 Appropriations Act and an additional $9,192,621 from unspent funds from previous years. MARAD will reserve up to 3% of the FY 2025 allocation for grant administration. The program does not impose minimum or maximum award limits, allowing applicants flexibility in their project scope and scale. Projects must align with one or more of the following: offering alternatives to landside freight transportation, expanding shipper use of Marine Highway services, or utilizing vessels documented under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121. Eligibility for the USMHP includes state and local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, port authorities, tribal governments, and private sector operators or facility owners with route sponsor endorsement. Applications may be submitted jointly, but a lead applicant must be identified and responsible for financial administration. Each applicant may submit only one application. Matching funds are required for most projects, with the federal share capped at 80%, although exceptions are made for tribal governments, rural area projects, and insular areas under specific statutory provisions. Applications are due by July 15, 2025, through Grants.gov. The required documents include SF-424, a project narrative (limited to 20 pages), supporting documentation, letters of financial commitment, and letters of support. Projects may include construction, equipment acquisition, or planning activities, but must clearly demonstrate their role in supporting Marine Highway transportation. Evaluation criteria include alignment with program goals, expansion of marine transportation benefits, measurable project support, and financial viability. Projects that fail to meet core merit criteria will not be recommended for funding. MARAD provides application assistance through FAQs and informational webinars. During the application period, individual consultations are not offered. Award announcements will be made by December 10, 2025, and recipients must complete projects within five years of fund obligation. The program operates on a reimbursement basis, and recipients must meet federal compliance requirements, including civil rights obligations and domestic preference standards. For more information, applicants can contact MARAD via email at [email protected] or call Fred Jones at 202-366-1123.