(April 29, 2026) – The City of Chickasaw was notified on Monday, April 27, 2026, of a $6,954,000 grant award from the US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) Port Infrastructure and Development Program (PIDP) “Small Port, Small Project” program. These funds will assist with the rehabilitation of a property located within the Port of Chickasaw.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) recently announced $488.6 million in FY2025 PIDP grants, with $122.2 million reserved specifically for “Small Projects at Small Ports.” The PIDP is a discretionary program awarded competitively to projects that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of goods movement within port infrastructures.

City consultant Jessica James submitted applications for this funding for three consecutive years. “Bringing the right people to the table, hard work, and persistence pay off if you just don’t give up on what you believe in,” James said. “We’re so excited that MARAD agrees with our vision for the Port of Chickasaw.”

Mayor Tyran Colvin expressed excitement regarding the growth opportunities this federal award brings. “Folks from all over the country will now take notice of the great work we’re doing in Chickasaw and at our port,” Mayor Colvin stated. “We have revived the City’s Industrial Development Board to further support the work already being done and recent investments being made at the Port. Supporting the Port of Chickasaw supports the City in unimaginable ways.”

“With the explosive growth of the Port of Mobile, these funds will be a catalyst to rehabilitate 80-plus-year-old infrastructure to support today’s maritime transportation needs,” added grant

awardee Matt Zarzour, co-owner of Chickasaw Marine Terminal. “We believe MARAD recognized that. The renaissance of the Port of Chickasaw continues.”

The Port of Chickasaw is a historic site, originally developed as a company town for the Chickasaw Shipyard in the early 20th century. Today, it serves as a vital economic hub, home to numerous companies, including Gulfstream Properties, UOP/Honeywell, Southern Ionics, Delta Marine, Occidental Electro Chemical, MC Marine, and Crimson Shipping Company.