Page 54: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (November 2023)

PORT FUNDING

SECURING FEDERAL GRANT

RESOURCES FOR U.S. PORTS

Image courtesy HDR

Leveraging IIJA Funds to Deliver

Crucial Solutions for Ports

By Nathan Macek, Aurah Landau, and Kevin Keller ike many ports, the Alaskan Port of Homer faces ag- Though federal funding levels in IIJA have increased, compe- ing infrastructure and capital needs well beyond the tition for grant awards is intense, with demand far exceeding local funding capacity. The port is a key link in the available funds. Transportation infrastructure owners/opera-

L supply chain for 47 remote, rural, disadvantaged or tors who are successful at obtaining federal funding know that

Alaska Native communities served by Homer, making pro- strategic planning must begin well before a notice of funding posed port infrastructure upgrades critical for shipping state- opportunity is released. Proactive infrastructure owners and wide as well as for the local community. operators invest in master plans and are prepared to justify

Enter the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also the need for their project before the NOFO is published and a known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This unprec- grant application is prepared.

edented in? ux of federal funds has provided ports in the The Port of Homer has positioned itself strategically using a

United States a signi? cant opportunity to make much-need- methodical process to align capital projects to speci? c federal ed improvements. From coast to coast, at inland ports and grant programs and produce the most competitive grant ap- intermodal facilities in between, ports are taking advantage plication possible: of funding to plan and construct more resilient facilities 1. Assess a project’s readiness, eligibility, and merit and infrastructure, reduce emissions, and enhance intermo- 2. Align it with a grant program dal connectivity. 3. Invest in project development

But it’s not as simple as ? lling out an application form. 4. Prepare a standout application 54 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • November 2023

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