The state of Maryland has received funding for key transportation and port infrastructure projects in Baltimore.
Announced by US senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin, congressmen Kweisi Mfume, governor Wes Moore, and Maryland transportation secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld, the funding will go towards rehabilitating the Dundalk Marine Terminal, the largest general cargo facility at the port, and the Curtis Creek Drawbridge.
“With these major federal investments, we are priming the port for future growth – while sustaining the thousands of jobs it already supports – and modernising an essential bridge for commuting and commerce. These efforts will help drive Baltimore’s economic success and create more good paying jobs for Marylanders,” said Van Hollen.
The funding was awarded by the US Department of Transportation’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Grant Program (INFRA).
Nearly USD31 million will go towards Dundalk Marine Terminal to reconstruct berth 11, including rehabilitating and replacing 597 ft (182 m) of wharf deck including pilings, substructure, and flood barriers. The remaining USD7.5 million will be used to rehabilitate parallel drawbridges over Curtis Creek on the I-695 motorway.
“With this latest round of awards, dozens of major and much-needed projects – projects that are often difficult to fund through other means – are getting the long-awaited investment they need to move forward,” said US transportation secretary, Pete Buttigieg.
On October 29, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that Maryland Port Administration and Maryland Department of Transportation have been selected to receive more than USD147 million through EPA’s Clean Ports Program for the deployment of zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure, and climate and air quality planning. The majority of the funds will go towards zero emissions technology, including electrified cargo handling equipment and drayage trucks, charging infrastructure, battery energy storage systems, and electrical infrastructure upgrades. This grant is funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Ac
