Fiscal Year 2026 United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP)

The Department of Transportation Maritime Administration is soliciting applications for FY 2026 United States Marine Highway Program grants with an application deadline of August 31, 2026. Up to $10,772,270 is available for award, comprising $5 million in FY 2026 appropriations (minus $150,000 retained for administration) and $5,922,270 in unexpended prior-year funding. The federal cost share cannot exceed 80 percent, though higher shares are permitted for Tribal governments or rural projects; all other applicants must demonstrate at least 20 percent non-federal cost-share funding through Letters of Financial Commitment.

Eligible applicants include states, local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, port authorities, Tribal governments, and private sector operators. Private sector applicants must provide required Marine Highway Transportation Route Sponsor endorsement letters.

Projects must involve capital construction, development-phase activities, or Marine Highway Transportation Planning Activities. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient non-Federal cost-share funding, provide authority to carry out the project, and show the project will be completed without unreasonable delay.

MARAD evaluates applications using four statutory merit criteria: demonstrating need to develop or expand marine highway transportation; expanding benefits; measuring project support through letters of commitment; and leveraging Federal funding with demonstrated financial viability. Three selection considerations—technical capacity, NEPA process and permitting risks, and innovative technology—are also assessed.

Applications must address project description, location, funding sources, and for private sector applicants, detailed financial statements. Federal prevailing wage rates apply to all project components regardless of funding source. The program operates on a reimbursement basis. Project selections will be announced no later than October 31, 2026.

The Assistance Listing number is 20.816.