(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, along with Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, Steny H. Hoyer, Elijah E. Cummings, John P. Sarbanes, Andy P. Harris, M.D., John K. Delaney, Anthony G. Brown and Jamie B. Raskin have announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $6,554,575 in federal funding for the Maryland Port Authority. The grant will be used to construct a second berth capable of serving ultra large container ships and cargo, as part of the Port of Baltimore’s Seagirt Marine Terminal modernization project. The expanded wharf will dramatically increase Baltimore’s shipping and trade capacity, bringing added economic opportunities and jobs to Maryland. 

“These federal funds are an investment in Maryland and all our working families, who deserve a stable job market and a healthy local economy. This grant will keep the Port of Baltimore competitive among deep-berth ports and will provide continuing economic dividends for Baltimore’s workforce and across the state. We appreciate Secretary Chao working with us on this important issue -- Team Maryland stands united to use every opportunity to ensure these kind of investments in Maryland’s economy continue through the next Congress,” the lawmakers said.

The funds come from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. In July, the full delegation sent a letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao requesting that the Maryland Port Authority be fully considered for a grant, writing: “Baltimore’s multimodal port supports nearly 34,000 jobs, produces $2.9 billion in personal income, and generates $2.2 billion in business revenue […] This project would significantly benefit the nation, mid-Atlantic region, and the State of Maryland.”  

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