Portage, Indiana – October 29, 2026 -- Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor has been awarded $11.2 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to modernize cargo handling and prepare for future international container service.
Burns Harbor award is part of a $498 million PIDP round covering 35 projects
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the $498 million round, which funds 35 port projects across 19 states. The Burns Harbor grant is one of those awards.
Ports of Indiana contributes $2.8 million to a $14 million equipment project
The Burns Harbor Container Handling Modernization Project totals $14 million. Ports of Indiana is providing a $2.8 million match, and the federal grant covers the rest.
Funding will buy a mobile harbor crane, bulk-handling attachments, reach stackers, a top handler and off-road yard trucks, among other equipment.
Convertible crane lets Burns Harbor handle steel, bulk and project cargo before container demand arrives
The mobile harbor crane can switch between bulk grabs, breakbulk lifting gear and container spreaders. This allows the port to handle more steel, bulk materials, construction materials and project cargo now, and container traffic when market demand arises.
Ports of Indiana Chief Financial Officer Erica Jackson said the grant, paired with the port's own funding, "puts existing docks and terminal space to work" and creates new revenue to support the port long term.
State and federal officials back the project as a trade link for Indiana producers
Governor Mike Braun said the investment gives Indiana farmers and manufacturers a more direct path to customers worldwide. U.S. Senator Todd Young said he has prioritized federal funding to expand Burns Harbor's shipping capabilities for years. Senator Jim Banks and Congressman Frank Mrvan also endorsed the award.