Marine Navigation Improvement Fund Grant (OR)

Marine Navigation Improvement Fund Grant (OR)

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Business Oregon
Last Updated: May 07, 2025

Summary

The Marine Navigation Improvement Fund Grant (OR) provides essential funding for port projects in Oregon, supporting both federally and non-federally authorized navigation improvements. The program aims to enhance navigation facilities, ensuring they meet safety and operational standards. Eligible projects may receive loans or grants, with funding determined by project type and readiness. Ports interested in applying must adhere to specific criteria and provide necessary documentation to secure funding. This initiative is crucial for boosting local economies and maintaining vital transportation routes.

Overview

NOTE: Applications for funding through the Marine Navigation Improvement Fund are accepted year-round. The following outlines the application process:Letter of Inquiry - This deadline will be represented by Step 1.Step 1: Contact your Regional Development Officer. A Project Notification & Intake form will need to be completed. Full Proposal - This deadline will be represented by Step 2.Step 2: Submit the Intake form. The IFA reviews the form to make sure eligibility for the funding program has been met. A financial review will then take place to determine if the applicant has the ability to repay a loan.Step 3: Award. A letter will be sent notifying the applicant of the award amount, the terms and any conditions of the award. Contract documents will be sent to the applicant for signature. Marine Navigation Improvement Fund Grant (OR) The Marine Navigation and Improvement Fund (MNIF) provides grants and loans that fund either: a federally authorized project that needs matching funds; or a non-federally authorized project that directly supports or accesses an authorized navigation improvement project. Funding ​Funding for projects is limited to money set aside by the Oregon Legislature. Federally authorized projectsThese include projects designed and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The federal government provides 75 percent of the funding; the state Legislature provides the 25 percent match.Projects must be:authorized by Congress; large enough to have a positive national cost/benefit ratio; sponsored by a port; and listed in the port's business or strategic plan.Non-federally authorized projectsThese projects are smaller and cannot qualify for federal assistance. The proposed project must support a certain level of commercial or recreational activity in order to qualify for state funding.These projects must:meet the criteria of a freight project or a commercial/recreation project; be a new water project that directly supports, or provides access to, a federally authorized navigation improvement or navigation channel project; be ready to begin in the biennium funding is requested; and be listed in a port's business or strategic plan. Proposed new navigation facilities don't have an operating history and can't meet the criteria of a freight project. However, the project can still qualify if it is reasonably forecasted to meet the criteria of a freight project within the first two years of operation and usage is forecasted to exceed the minimum criteria thereafter. Projects can be funded: up to 100 percent through a loan, if the port can support that level of debt from its general fund; up to 75 percent through a state grant for projects with a record of activity that meets the minimum criteria; or up to 50 percent through a state grant for new water projects anticipated to meet the minimum criteria within a couple of years of completion. When a local match is required, it may be in the form of cash or a combination of cash and in-kind services. If cash and in-kind services are used for the required match, the in-kind services may not be more than 10 percent of the total project cost. Ports must secure, and be able to provide upon request, a land use compatibility statement from the appropriate jurisdiction(s) where the project is located. Uses Low-interest loans Interest rates are determined during the financial review. Loan terms will not exceed 25 years.GrantsGrants are available for projects that meet one or more of the following criteria:Job creation and/or retention as a direct result for the project. The project deals with critical public safety issues and the IFA's financial analysis determines the port's borrowing ability cannot finance the project. There is an imminent threat that the port will lose permits and the IFA's financial analysis determines the port's borrowing ability cannot finance the project.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. ​Any port incorporated under ORS Chapter 777 or 778 may apply for funding.​