Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities Competitive Grants Program

The Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities Competitive Grant Program is administered by the Federal Highway Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation. This program originates from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and represents a federal effort to address emissions associated with port operations, particularly those generated by idling trucks. The program is part of a broader federal initiative to modernize transportation infrastructure while improving environmental outcomes and operational efficiency at ports and intermodal freight facilities across the United States. The primary purpose of the program is to fund projects that reduce emissions from trucks operating in and around port facilities. This includes initiatives that test, evaluate, or deploy technologies and infrastructure improvements designed to reduce idling, improve operational efficiency, and advance electrification. Eligible activities may include development of truck parking infrastructure, deployment of on-truck emission-reducing technologies, congestion mitigation strategies, and improvements to freight movement systems that reduce delays and idle time. Funding for the program totals up to 150 million dollars across fiscal years 2024 through 2026, with potential inclusion of remaining prior-year funds. There is no defined minimum or maximum award size, allowing flexibility for projects of varying scope and scale. Awards are structured as cost-reimbursable grants, and recipients are reimbursed for allowable expenses incurred after execution of the grant agreement. The expected period of performance ranges from one to four years, depending on project scope and complexity. Applicants are required to provide a minimum non-federal cost share of 20 percent of total project costs. Acceptable sources of matching funds include state, local, or private funding, but previously incurred costs cannot be counted toward the match. Applicants must demonstrate that matching funds are secured and provide documentation such as commitment letters. Projects must take place within or adjacent to port facilities or intermodal transfer areas, although testing and evaluation projects may occur elsewhere if clearly tied to port-related emission reduction. Eligible applicants include entities that operate, utilize, or have authority over port facilities or adjacent areas, as well as those engaged in developing or testing relevant emission-reducing technologies. Joint applications are permitted and must designate a lead applicant responsible for financial administration. All applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management and submit applications through Grants.gov using required federal forms and documentation. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive package including a project narrative, budget, and standard federal forms. The narrative must address project eligibility, technical approach, deployment plans, and alignment with evaluation criteria. Applications are evaluated based on three primary merit criteria: reduction of emissions, innovation, and benefits to American families and communities. Additional review includes project readiness assessments focusing on technical feasibility, financial completeness, and permitting risk. Applications opened on May 19, 2026, and must be submitted by June 22, 2026. Following submission, applications undergo a multi-stage review process culminating in final selection by senior leadership within the Department of Transportation. Award announcements are anticipated in Summer 2026. Selected applicants will enter into grant agreements and must comply with federal reporting requirements, including quarterly progress and financial reports, as well as a final report summarizing outcomes and alignment with program goals.

Focus on quantifiable emissions reductions, clearly demonstrate innovation in port operations, and align project benefits with community and economic impacts; ensure strong readiness and permitting plans