Port infrastructure in the United States is a key component of economic growth, so it is not uncommon to see significant capital investments through federal government grants. It is estimated that federal investment in port infrastructure will reach approximately $163 billion between 2021 and 2025. These investments are primarily focused on increasing capacity and efficiency, especially given that maximum vessel size has doubled over the past 15 years. It is estimated that at least $12 billion will be needed for waterside infrastructure at coastal ports between now and 2031, with additional billions needed for landside port infrastructure. Many of the current and upcoming projects are in the planning stages, and the ones outlined in this column represent the types of initiatives that will apparently be launched across the United States in the coming years.
Also read: Top 25 container ports in the United States
The City of Menominee, Michigan, received $21 million last month from a grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. City leaders will use the funds to improve the general cargo shipping terminals at the Port of Menominee. A project will be launched to increase the area’s freight capacity. The project will include rebuilding dilapidated dock walls, installing new rail infrastructure for intermodal transport, adding covered storage facilities, and upgrading cargo handling equipment.
The project will improve the efficiency and safety of logistics operations and reduce reliance on heavy trucks. Shifting more cargo to sea and rail transport will also reduce transport-related air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The project is scheduled to begin construction in January 2026.
A planned project in Wrangell, Alaska, will replace the Marine Transportation Connection Facility. The project has received $25 million in grant support, and the cumulative cost is estimated to be approximately $28 million. The upgrades will include the redesign and replacement of unsafe and aging infrastructure on the port’s three pontoons. Moorings on the pontoons range in size from 17 feet to 32 feet, and they will all receive new pontoon pilings. A new parking garage will also be constructed. The work will include environmental dredging as these upgrades prepare the port for future expansion and development. Permitting and design work will follow, but no construction start date has been set at this time.
Washington’s Sumas land port of entry serves commercial trucks, personal vehicles, and pedestrians between Washington and British Columbia. Despite this, the port no longer meets the operational standards of U.S. Customs and Border Control. The port will be expanded and modernized at a cost that could be as high as $155 million. Commercial inspection lanes will be increased from two to four, and personal lanes will be increased from five to six. A dedicated pedestrian corridor for border crossings will be constructed, and the main building will be modernized to increase efficiency and reduce processing delays. Site redesign will ease congestion that has hindered the passage of commercial and community services. Contract bidding is scheduled for 2025.
Aerial view of the Port of Redwood City, California. Photo courtesy U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
A transportation project at the Port of Redwood City, California, will expand truck access to the facility and speed up cargo transportation. The project, estimated to cost $321 million, will also redesign the interchange between I-101 and I-84 to ease congestion and improve the flow of freight trucks to and from the port.
Once completed, the project will enable the Port to receive FEMA designation to serve as a federal staging area in the event of a natural disaster. The project will eliminate a five-way intersection, add multi-lane entrance and exit ramps, and eliminate ramps. New interchange ramps will improve access to the Port. The project will add more than four miles of bicycle and pedestrian amenities to the intersection area. Right-of-way acquisition and planning, specifications, and estimating work are currently underway, and construction will begin in early 2027.
The Richford Land Port of Entry near Richford, Vermont, will undergo a $25 million to $35 million upgrade and modernization. The facility’s interior will see a variety of improvements, including improvements to work areas, security bays and screening areas, as well as numerous mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades. The work will also upgrade the port’s traffic lanes, adding mechanical doors, guardrails and ballistic-resistant officer screening booths. It will also improve security and speed the flow of commercial cargo and traffic. The design phase has just begun, with construction bidding set for 2025.
Similar port-related projects will be launched by the end of 2024, with more to follow in 2025. America’s economic vitality depends on these projects, so interested contractors will have plenty of new opportunities.
About the Author
As President and CEO Strategic Partnerships Ltd. Mary Scott Nabors is a former Texas State Public Official with decades of experience in both the public and private sectors. Her unique expertise is successfully bridging the two sectors. Mary is also a recognized expert in the P3 field and a true business development professional. Published by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Government Market Newsthe premier platform connecting public and private sector leaders in the government marketplace.
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