The US Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) has designated 848 new miles (1,360 kilometres) of navigable waterways and approved 14 new sponsors for the US marine highway program (USMHP).
MARAD said the network, which now covers 27,139 miles (43,676 kilometres) across 35 designated routes, "supports US supply chains, critical infrastructure, and maritime workforce development."
Included in this expansion is the strengthening of the M-90 route, which runs 2,345 miles (3,774 kilometres) through the Great Lakes, connecting Minnesota to New York.
Seven new sponsors have joined M-90: the State Departments of Transportation for Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, and New York, as well as the Ports of Indiana and the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority.
"By adding local sponsors to the marine highway program who know these regions well, we can help more American communities and businesses prosper," said MARAD Acting Administrator Sang Yi. "Bringing more partners into the marine transportation network is a no brainer."
MARAD said US marine highways offer, "a reliable way to move goods while easing congestion on [the] nation’s busy road and rail systems."
The USMHP awards federal grants to eligible public and private-sector projects along designated routes. Route sponsors are responsible for endorsing applicants seeking federal assistance under the USMHP grant program.
Sponsors also ensure localised oversight for marine transportation proposals within their regions.