Port development grants totaling $5.3 million were awarded to three projects that support freight movement on the state’s waterways, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced Friday.

The Port Development Assistance program will help one project in the Twin Cities metro area and two projects in greater Minnesota improve the transportation system and support growing industry and business.

The funding helps leverage local and private funding for a total construction program of $8.3 million.

“Improving ports and waterways in Minnesota benefits the economy and enhances the safe movement of cargo and passengers,” said Commissioner Charlie Zelle. “Projects selected under this competitive program best demonstrated local government’s willingness to invest in the transportation system and the private sector partners’ commitment to job creation.”

 

Twin Cities area project

• St. Paul Port Authority ($2.6 million): The project will install a new barge-receiving system, complete with a new dock wall equipment platform, two barge structures that aid in docking, construction of a new barge access bridge and walkway, and a new underground pneumatic transport pipeline from the waterfront to storage tanks. Total project cost is $3.2 million.

 

Greater Minnesota projects

• Duluth Seaway Port Authority ($2.2 million): The new warehouse construction will include an asphalt building foundation and an approximately 112,500 square foot fabric warehouse with three concrete truck bays. Total project cost is $4.4 million.

• Winona Port Authority ($487,500): The project will rehabilitate an old dock facility by installing new sheet piling. Total project cost is $626,550.

The PDA program has awarded more than $40 million since it was established in 1994.

More information about the selected projects and the PDA program is at www.mndot.gov/ofrw/waterways/pdap.html.