Fiscal Year 2026 United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP)

The United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP) provides funding support for Marine Highway Transportation Projects or components of projects that provide a coordinated and capable alternative to landside transportation, mitigate or relieve landside congestion, promote Marine Highway Transportation, or use vessels documented under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121. The program aims to reduce landside congestion and generate other public benefits by increasing the efficiency of the surface transportation system. Eligible projects may include capital projects, development-phase activities, or Marine Highway Transportation Planning Activities. • Eligible applicants include states, political subdivisions of states, United States metropolitan planning organizations, United States port authorities, Tribal governments, and private sector operators of Marine Highway Projects. • The program has a cost-sharing requirement, with the Federal share of total costs not exceeding 80%. • Applicants must demonstrate the need to develop, expand, or promote Marine Highway Transportation or shipper use of Marine Highway Transportation. • The program prioritizes projects that align with the Administration's priorities, including those located in Qualified Opportunity Zones and those that promote maritime dominance.