November 2 - The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has confirmed that it will provide USD500 million for 39 transportation projects in the country, from its TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) programme.
The DOT received 627 eligible applications from 50 states and several US territories, requesting a total of USD10.1 billion in funds necessary for a range of transportation projects.
Of the total projects selected to receive TIGER grants, five included infrastructure improvements at US ports.
One of those ports - the Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville - will receive USD10 million in TIGER discretionary grant to enhance and expand the gateway's infrastructure.
"The awarding of this TIGER grant underscores the port's goal of increasing maritime commerce through a domestic barge service," said U.S. maritime administrator Paul Jaenichen.
The grant will provide partial funding for USD17 million in infrastructure enhancements that will add nearly four miles (6.4 km) to the port's existing 11-mile (17.7 km) rail network.
The project will also enhance and overhaul the railroad infrastructure and intermodal capabilities throughout the entire port, said the authority.
"This is an exciting time for southern Indiana as this area is poised for exceptional growth," said Governor of Indiana, Mike Pence.
"The recent USD2.3 billion dollar investment in two new interstate bridges spanning the Ohio River, the construction of a heavy-haul transportation corridor connecting the port to the 6,000-acre River Ridge Commerce Center, and now additional expansion of the port's cargo handling capabilities, helps position this region to further attract new bulk cargoes and large scale industrial projects that require multimodal transportation connections."
