The US government is seeking to boost its maritime supply chain with grants for projects that will improve the movement of goods along waterways and expand existing waterborne freight services in Alaska, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The US Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) said it awarded nearly $12 million in grants to the eight marine highway projects across the nation under the United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP). 

"Our country has always relied on American waterways to get vital goods where they need to go," said Pete Buttigieg, US Transportation Secretary.

"Today, we are delivering new funding for eight marine highway projects across the country that will strengthen our supply chains and improve our ports."

Ann Philips, Maritime Administrator, said the U.S. Marine Highway Program is focused on increasing waterborne transport through the nation's navigable waterways.

"By integrating our internal waterways into the nation's surface transportation system, we will be utilizing a more efficient, effective, and sustainable option for moving passengers and large freight," she said.

The United States Marine Highway grants can be used to purchase low-emission U.S.-manufactured equipment, such as container reach stackers and cranes, with the condition that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials are produced in the United States.

In addition, funds can be used to purchase intermodal equipment that can alleviate supply chain bottlenecks.