Opportunity Information: Apply for 693JF725R000010
Apply for 693JF725R000010
- The Maritime Administration in the transportation sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Fiscal Year 2026 United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 20.816.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-07-06.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-08-31. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $12,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 25 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Fiscal Year 2026 United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP) grant opportunity is a discretionary federal transportation funding program administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Maritime Administration (MARAD). It is grounded in federal law at 46 U.S.C. 55601 and traces back to Section 1121 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The basic purpose is to reduce congestion on roads and other land-based transportation networks by strengthening waterborne freight options along designated Marine Highway Routes. In practical terms, the program is designed to help shift appropriate cargo movements from trucks and rail to vessels operating on U.S. coastal and inland waterways, improving system resilience and efficiency while easing pressure on congested corridors.
Under this funding notice, DOT is authorized to award grants to implement projects, or specific components of projects, that support Marine Highway Transportation. Eligible projects must align with two core statutory ideas. First, the project should provide a coordinated and capable alternative to landside transportation by mitigating or relieving landside congestion, promoting Marine Highway Transportation, and/or using vessels documented under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121 (generally referring to U.S.-documented vessels). Second, the project should help develop, expand, or promote Marine Highway Transportation or increase shipper use of Marine Highway services. The emphasis is on implementation-oriented efforts that make marine freight options more viable and attractive for shippers and logistics providers, and that improve the overall performance of the freight network by using the waterway system more effectively.
The opportunity is identified as Funding Opportunity Number 693JF725R000010 and is categorized as a discretionary grant within the Transportation funding activity category. The associated CFDA number is 20.816. The application deadline listed is August 31, 2026. The program anticipates making around 25 awards, and the maximum award amount (award ceiling) is $12,000,000 per award. These figures suggest a competitive program intended to support a portfolio of projects across multiple regions, with enough funding capacity to support both mid-sized and larger, high-impact initiatives, depending on the scope and cost of the proposed work.
Eligibility is broad and includes a wide range of public, nonprofit, tribal, and private-sector entities. Eligible applicants include state governments; county governments; city or township governments; special district governments; and independent school districts. Federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations are also eligible. On the nonprofit side, both 501(c)(3) organizations (other than institutions of higher education) and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (again, other than institutions of higher education) may apply. Private-sector eligibility is also included, covering for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) as well as small businesses. This wide eligibility set reflects the reality that marine highway services often involve partnerships among port authorities, terminal operators, vessel operators, local and state transportation agencies, shippers, and community or economic development organizations.
Overall, the FY 2026 USMHP grant opportunity is aimed at turning the concept of marine highways into real-world freight capacity and shipper adoption by funding projects that expand or improve waterborne transportation services, reduce congestion on land, and strengthen coordinated freight alternatives using U.S. waterways and U.S.-documented vessels where applicable.
FY 2026 United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP) Grant FAQs
What is the FY 2026 United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP) grant?
The FY 2026 USMHP grant is a discretionary federal transportation funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Maritime Administration (MARAD). It supports projects that strengthen waterborne freight options along designated Marine Highway Routes, with the goal of reducing congestion on roads and other land-based transportation networks.
Which agency administers this grant opportunity?
The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Maritime Administration (MARAD).
What is the main purpose of the USMHP program?
The basic purpose is to reduce congestion on roads and other land-based transportation networks by strengthening waterborne freight options. In practice, the program is designed to help shift appropriate cargo movements from trucks and rail to vessels operating on U.S. coastal and inland waterways, improving resilience and efficiency while easing pressure on congested corridors.
What types of projects does the program fund?
Under this notice, DOT is authorized to award grants to implement projects (or specific components of projects) that support Marine Highway Transportation. The focus is on implementation-oriented efforts that make marine freight options more viable and attractive for shippers and logistics providers, and that improve overall freight network performance by using the waterway system more effectively.
What are the core eligibility requirements for projects?
Eligible projects must align with two core statutory ideas:
- The project should provide a coordinated and capable alternative to landside transportation by mitigating or relieving landside congestion, promoting Marine Highway Transportation, and/or using vessels documented under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121 (generally U.S.-documented vessels).
- The project should help develop, expand, or promote Marine Highway Transportation or increase shipper use of Marine Highway services.
Does the program prioritize congestion relief?
Yes. A central theme is mitigating or relieving landside congestion by strengthening coordinated waterborne freight alternatives along designated Marine Highway Routes.
Is shifting freight from trucks and rail to vessels part of the program intent?
Yes. The program is designed to shift appropriate cargo movements from trucks and rail to vessels operating on U.S. coastal and inland waterways to improve resilience and efficiency and reduce pressure on congested land-based corridors.
Are U.S.-documented vessels relevant to eligibility?
They can be. One of the statutory concepts referenced is the use of vessels documented under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121 (generally referring to U.S.-documented vessels) as part of providing a coordinated and capable alternative to landside transportation.
What is meant by "Marine Highway Transportation" in this opportunity?
Based on the notice description, Marine Highway Transportation refers to waterborne freight options operating along U.S. coastal and inland waterways and designated Marine Highway Routes, intended to serve as a practical alternative or complement to landside freight movements.
Is this a discretionary grant program?
Yes. The opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant within the Transportation funding activity category.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this grant?
The Funding Opportunity Number is 693JF725R000010.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The associated CFDA number is 20.816.
When is the application deadline?
The listed application deadline is August 31, 2026.
How many awards does the program expect to make?
The program anticipates making around 25 awards.
What is the maximum award amount?
The maximum award amount (award ceiling) is $12,000,000 per award.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes public, nonprofit, tribal, and private-sector entities. Eligible applicants include:
- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Federally recognized tribal governments
- Other tribal organizations
- Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education)
- Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education)
- For-profit organizations (other than small businesses)
- Small businesses
Are tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible?
Yes. Federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations are listed as eligible applicants.
Are nonprofit organizations eligible?
Yes. Both 501(c)(3) nonprofits (other than institutions of higher education) and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (also other than institutions of higher education) are eligible.
Are private companies eligible to apply?
Yes. Eligibility includes for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses.
Are educational institutions eligible?
The eligibility list provided explicitly includes independent school districts, and it also notes that eligible nonprofits are those other than institutions of higher education. No additional details about other types of educational institutions are provided in the information given.
Does the opportunity support partnerships across sectors?
The description reflects that marine highway services often involve partnerships among port authorities, terminal operators, vessel operators, local and state transportation agencies, shippers, and community or economic development organizations. While the notice text provided does not set specific partnership requirements, it indicates the program context commonly involves multi-party coordination.
What kind of outcomes is the program trying to achieve?
The program is aimed at turning marine highways into real-world freight capacity and shipper adoption by funding projects that expand or improve waterborne transportation services, reduce congestion on land, and strengthen coordinated freight alternatives using U.S. waterways.
What laws authorize or ground this program?
The program is grounded in federal law at 46 U.S.C. 55601 and traces back to Section 1121 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Transportation
Next opportunity: Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs
Previous opportunity: FY 2026 HMEP Planning and Training Grant for Tribes
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for 693JF725R000010
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (693JF725R000010) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Rural Business Development Grant Program - Rural Transportation Systems Apply for RDBCP RBDG RT 2026 Funding Number: RDBCP RBDG RT 2026 Agency: Rural Business-Cooperative Service Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $650,000 |
| FAA Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Apply for NG AWM 25 002 Funding Number: NG AWM 25 002 Agency: FAA - Aviation Next Gen Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY 2026 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Competitive Grants for Rail Vehicle Replacement Program Apply for FTA 2026 009 TPM RAIL Funding Number: FTA 2026 009 TPM RAIL Agency: DOT - Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY 2026 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Public Transportation on Indian Reservations (Tribal Transit) Program Apply for FTA 2026 002 TPM TRTR Funding Number: FTA 2026 002 TPM TRTR Agency: DOT - Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fiscal Year 2026 Type 3 Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Competitive Grant Program Apply for FHWA BIT3 26 001 Funding Number: FHWA BIT3 26 001 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $25,000,000 |
| Fiscal Years 2024 Through 2026 Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects Competitive Grant Program Apply for FHWA NSFT 24 001 Funding Number: FHWA NSFT 24 001 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $30,000,000 |
| FY26 Washington Union Station Exterior Lighting Upgrade Project Apply for FR FSP 26 002 Funding Number: FR FSP 26 002 Agency: DOT - Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP) Apply for FHWA CHBP 26 001 Funding Number: FHWA CHBP 26 001 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $55,000,000 |
| FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity: Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Pilot Program Apply for FTA 2026 012 TPM ICAM Funding Number: FTA 2026 012 TPM ICAM Agency: DOT - Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY26 Rail Safety Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (Rail Safety IDEA) Apply for FR RRD 26 001 Funding Number: FR RRD 26 001 Agency: DOT - Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| FY26 Short Line Safety Institute Program Apply for FR RRD 26 002 Funding Number: FR RRD 26 002 Agency: DOT - Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $2,425,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2026 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Buses and Bus Facilities Program Apply for FTA 2026 010 TPM BUS Funding Number: FTA 2026 010 TPM BUS Agency: DOT - Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fiscal Year 2026 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Low or No Emission Program Apply for FTA 2026 011 TPM LWNO Funding Number: FTA 2026 011 TPM LWNO Agency: DOT - Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY26 Bus Safety, Accessibility, and Innovation Notice of Funding Opportunity Apply for FTA 2026 004 TRI Funding Number: FTA 2026 004 TRI Agency: DOT - Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (Region 3) Apply for OST OSDBU 2026 SBTTAC REGION3 FY2026 1 Funding Number: OST OSDBU 2026 SBTTAC REGION3 FY2026 1 Agency: 69A350 OSDBU Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $278,272 |
| Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (Region 6) Apply for OST OSDBU 2026 SBTTAC REGION6 FY2026 1 Funding Number: OST OSDBU 2026 SBTTAC REGION6 FY2026 1 Agency: 69A350 OSDBU Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $441,559 |
| Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (Region 1) Apply for OST OSDBU 2026 SBTTAC REGION1 FY2026 1 Funding Number: OST OSDBU 2026 SBTTAC REGION1 FY2026 1 Agency: 69A350 OSDBU Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $452,420 |
| SOI - Rural Transportation Match and Gap Funding Assistance Program Apply for 26 DC MG SOI TRX FALL 2026 Funding Number: 26 DC MG SOI TRX FALL 2026 Agency: Denali Commission Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Development of Fiscal Year 2027 Commercial Vehicle Safety Plans to Support National Safety Goals Apply for FM MCG 27 001 Funding Number: FM MCG 27 001 Agency: DOT-Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $55,000,000 |
| FY24 Little Rock Port Authority Transload Yard, AR Apply for FR CCD 24 023 Funding Number: FR CCD 24 023 Agency: DOT - Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $11,500,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "693JF725R000010", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.