Virginia Barge and Rail Usage Grant Program
Virginia Barge and Rail Usage Grant Program supports international trade facilities moving cargo by barge or rail through Virginia ports to divert shipments from highways and strengthen port-related trade.
Funder: Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Due Dates: November 1, 2026 (Pre-application) | March 31, 2027 (General application)
Funding Amounts: $25 per TEU, 16 tons of non-containerized cargo, or roll-on/roll-off unit
Summary: Grants support international trade facilities that shift qualifying cargo from Virginia highways to barge or rail through Virginia ports.
Key Information: A mandatory pre-application is required, and barge and rail cargo volume must grow at least 5% year over year.
Description
The Virginia Barge and Rail Usage Grant Program supports international trade facilities that move cargo through Virginia maritime port facilities by barge or rail instead of by truck or other motor vehicle on Virginia highways. Featured by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and administered by the Virginia Port Authority, it recognizes growth in containerized, non-containerized, and roll-on/roll-off cargo moved by those modes.
The program aims to divert international shipments from highways and strengthen port-related trade. In reviewing pre-applications, it prioritizes large increases in cargo volume, use of the Richmond Marine Terminal or Virginia Inland Port, and investments that expand port-related facilities or logistics capacity.
