The Port Authority will make investments to improve the barge program that transports containers between Red Hook in Brooklyn, New York, and Port Newark, New Jersey, under a $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD).

The grant, obtained with the assistance of the New York and New Jersey’s Congressional delegation, will help the Port Authority build on its existing barge program that last year moved 35,000 containers—resulting in 60,000 fewer trucks on the region’s roadways. Last year, the agency eliminated 1,600 tons of CO2 related to the barge service.

“The work of our New Jersey-New York Port Congressional delegation and the U.S. DOT to secure this grant will help the Port Authority’s ongoing efforts to enhance barge operations, with the potential to reduce truck traffic and resulting diesel pollutants in New York and New Jersey,’’ said Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye. “Additionally, it represents another important investment in the ongoing modernization, safety and efficiency of our port operations, which means job growth and continued global competitiveness.”

Overall, MARAD’s grant of $1,632,296 to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will support improved barge operations, efficiency and safety in New York Harbor, and represents the full amount of funds requested by the bi-state agency for three critical projects. The federal grant will be supplemented with matching funds from the Port Authority and other sources.

The grant will support the creation of the New York Harbor Crane Operators Training Center, including the purchase of two state-of-the-art simulators that will help train members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) on operating the newest generation of ship-to-shore and yard cranes. The award of $492,480 will be matched by $328,320 committed by both the New York Shipping Association and Port Newark Container Terminal.

The grant will also enhancing the fender system at Berth 6 in Port Newark, specifically the Red Hook Barge Terminal, to help protect both Port Authority-owned barges and the berths from damage during docking and undocking operations. The award of $157,500 will be matched by $192,500 from the Port Authority. The Port authority will also purchase two new high-tech machines to augment existing container handling equipment at Red Hook Container Terminal. The award of $982,316 will be matched with $327,439 from Red Hook Container Terminal.