Minutes 05/26/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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May 26, 2026 Background:  The Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) is a discretionary grant program administered by the Maritime Administration. Funds for the PIDP are awarded on a competitive basis to projects that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods into, out of, around, or within a port.  PIDP grants support efforts by ports and industry stakeholders to improve port and related freight infrastructure to meet the nation’s freight transportation needs and ensure our port infrastructure can meet anticipated growth in freight volumes. The PIDP provides funding to ports in both urban and rural areas for planning and capital projects. It also includes a statutory set-aside for small ports to continue to improve and expand their capacity to move freight reliably and efficiently and support local and regional economies.  Eligible projects are defined as projects within the boundary of a port, or outside the boundary of a port and directly related to port operations, or to an intermodal connection to a port that improves the safety, efficiency, or reliability of: The loading and unloading of goods at a port; o The movement of goods into, out of, around, or within a port; o Operational improvements at a port; o Resiliency in response to environmental factors; or o Infrastructure that supports seafood and seafood-related businesses. o Discussion:  Crofton Construction Services, Inc. is seeking construction funds to replace and modernize a critical heavy-lift asset which supports the regional maritime and defense industrial base. Additionally, Crofton is seeking planning funds to establish scope of work and environmental feasibility to modify its operations site at 16 Harper Avenue by constructing a new bulkhead to increase shoreside capacity.  These projects aim to increase the volume of cargo within the Hampton Roads harbor by expanding Crofton’s operational capacity to lift, transport, and/or receive breakbulk and over-dimensional cargo with the heavy-lift crane and at their operations site at 16 Harper Avenue.  The application will seek a grant from PIDP. Crofton Construction Services, Inc. will expend its own funds to serve as the match for the grant.  The project will represent a significant capital investment and ultimately result in increased business operations for the region.  The City will have no liability for the project or obligation to commit any local funding to the project.  The Resolution proposed for City Council consideration affirms the Council’s support for the project and is required in order for the Port Infrastructure Development Program application to be submitted. The application will be submitted by the Portsmouth Port & Industrial Commission. Financial Impact:  If the application is successful, the project would be funded entirely by the U.S Department of Transportation and private funding. No City or PPIC funds are required to be expended as a match for the Port Infrastructure Development Program grant. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the Resolution. Strategic Pillar #3: Economic Growth & Citywide Revitalization. Next Steps Following Council Action:  Submission by the City of Portsmouth’s Ports & Industrial Commission of its Port Infrastructure Development Program grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation.