Federal officials and Maryland’s congressional delegation announced nearly $39.7 million in funding to expand freight capacity at Tradepoint Atlantic, a move tied to efforts to increase cargo flow and job creation at the Port of Baltimore.
The funding, awarded through the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program, will support development of the Sparrows Point Container Terminal. Lawmakers said the project is expected to expand container cargo capacity in Baltimore by roughly 70% while generating an estimated 1,100 International Longshoremen Association jobs and supporting another 7,000 positions tied to port activity.
“The new Tradepoint Atlantic Terminal being constructed at Sparrows Point represents a tremendous opportunity for the people of my district and the State of Maryland as a whole,” said U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.). “The new well-paying jobs for the people of Dundalk and Turner Station, and the additional marine traffic in the Port of Baltimore will be an economic boon for our State and will cement our Port as one of the nation’s busiest and most prominent commercial gateways.”
The funding follows a push by Maryland lawmakers who wrote to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in support of the project. The letter outlined plans for expanding freight handling capacity through Phase 2 of the container yard project, including development of about 22 acres and upgrades to cargo-moving infrastructure.
“This effort to modernize the Sparrows Point Container Terminal will support good-paying union jobs and increase the Port’s capacity, efficiency, and reliability,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).
U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) said the Port of Baltimore is an”economic engine” for Maryland and beyond.
“I will always stay committed to ensuring the Port of Baltimore can continue fueling our local, national, and global economy,” she said.
The project builds on earlier federal investments in the same region. In 2023, Maryland lawmakers announced $47.3 million through the same federal program to support development of an offshore wind manufacturing hub at Tradepoint Atlantic. That funding targeted site preparation, environmental remediation, and heavy cargo capacity at the former Bethlehem Steel site.
Officials said the combined investments are intended to transform Sparrows Point into a modern logistics and manufacturing center, with capacity for large container vessels and expanded intermodal transport connections. The current container yard expansion is expected to increase storage capacity while improving efficiency and lowering transportation costs.
“By expanding capacity at Tradepoint Atlantic, we are fueling our economy, creating good-paying jobs, and amplifying the State’s ongoing investments to ensure Maryland remains a competitive, premier hub for global commerce,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said.
