VAA Helps Land Largest PIDP Grant in Illinois

VAA’s expertise helps clients secure an over $38 million grant award.

Pymouth, Minn. (November 21, 2024) – The Maritime Administration announced Friday the recipients of the Port Infrastructure Development Program, or PIDP, grant funds for 2024.  In partnership with the Village of Hennepin, VAA is excited to share its success in securing the largest PIDP grant awarded to the state of Illinois since the program’s inception in 2019.  The $38 million grant will meet demand for soybean distribution in the Northern Illinois area, a major hub for soybean products and co-products. The project will include a modern barge terminal and dolphin to accommodate cargo loading/off-loading, a new pipeline and conveyor system to streamline product transport, upgraded lighting and electrical infrastructure to high-efficiency systems, and a 700-foot waterfront dock. 

PIDP grant funds are awarded highly competitively to projects that improve efficiency, safety, and overall reliability of the transport of goods within and surrounding a port.  MARAD will invest nearly $580 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund 31 port improvement projects in 15 states, $38 million of those funds will be awarded to the Village of Hennepin thanks in part to the support of VAA’s grant funding assistance services. 

VAA’s Port and River Terminal Design team is harnessing years of Grant Funding Assistance expertise complimented by our depth of experience in the maritime industry to strategize, develop and execute funding opportunities for local, state and federal grant programs  VAA’s grant expertise doesn’t lie solely in the application process though, the VAA Team also supports clients through the life of the grant funding process by offering skilled advocacy, detailed tracking and reporting, and timely reimbursement management. 

With a notable track record in securing state and federal funding VAA’s Port and River Terminal Design team is looking forward to the 2025 applications.  To learn more about this service or to get in contact with a VAA representative for Maritime Grant Funding Assistance please visit here.

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