Maritime Administration Information Related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th, 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression, and includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

Implementing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act)

Under the terms of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Maritime Administration received $100 million for the Small Shipyards Grant Program, which had been funded at $10 million in 2008. This program provides 75 percent federal funds with 25 percent matching funds from the shipyard for capital improvements and related infrastructure improvements which will foster efficiency, competitive operations and quality ship construction and repair. Grant funds may also be used for maritime training programs to foster technical skills and operational productivity.

Of the $100 million, $75 million is reserved for shipyards with 600 employees or less and up to $25 million may be awarded to yards with up to 1200 employees.

Additionally, the Secretary of Transportation was allocated a Supplemental Discretionary amount of  $1,500,000,000 to provide other grants for a national surface transportation system. The specific criteria will be announced by the Department of Transportation in a Federal Register Notice and will be posted on this site. The specific language can be found in the final legislation by clicking on the link to the right.

Agency Plans and Reports

The deadline for applications has passed.  Recipients will be announced by August 17, 2009. More information is available on the Maritime Administration Small Shipyard Grants site.  

Learn More About Our Programs

The Maritime Administration is the agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation dealing with waterborne transportation. Its programs promote the use of waterborne transportation and its seamless integration with other segments of the transportation system, and the viability of the U.S. merchant marine. The Maritime Administration works in many areas involving ships and shipping, shipbuilding, port operations, vessel operations, national security, environment, and safety. The Maritime Administration is also charged with maintaining the health of the merchant marine, since commercial mariners, vessels, and intermodal facilities are vital for supporting national security, and so the agency provides support and information for current mariners, extensive support for educating future mariners, and programs to educate America's young people about the vital role the maritime industry plays in the lives of all Americans.