Virginia Barge and Rail Usage Grant Program

The Virginia Barge and Rail Usage Grant Program (BRU Grant) has been established to provide grant funding for international trade facilities, defined in the BRU program policy, that utilize barge and rail systems to move cargo through port facilities in the Commonwealth of Virginia rather than by truck or other motor vehicles on the Commonwealth of Virginia’s highways. In accordance with the established legislation, eligibility requires a facility to increase their barge and rail cargo volume by a minimum of five percent (5%) year over year. The grant fund is subject to a distinct appropriation cap each year. For fiscal year 2026, the grant program has a spending cap of $500,000. Application for grant award must be made to, and the grant awards are at the discretion of, the Virginia Port Authority. Contact Britni Sherrill Virginia Port Authority 757.683.2173 bsherrill portofvirginia.com Eligibility The company must be an international trade facility. For purposes of this grant award, “international trade facility” is defined as a company: Doing business in Virginia. Engaged in port-related activities including, but not limited forwarding and handling, and goods processing. With sole discretion and authority to choose the method used to move cargo originating or terminating in Virginia. Using maritime port facilities located in Virginia. Using barges and rail systems to move cargo containers through port facilities in Virginia rather than trucks or other motor vehicles on Virginia’s highways (see Code of Virginia § 62.1-132.3:6). Cargo qualifying for this grant award must result from a diversion of shipments from Virginia’s highways. The company entitled to apply for the grant award is the company that: Has increased their barge and rail cargo volume for a calendar year by at least five percent (5%) above the preceding calendar year's volume. Has ownership of the cargo at some point while it is being transported through Virginia (including upon shipment or on delivery). Has control over the method used to move the cargo in Virginia. Ownership is determined by the terms of the contract between the two parties and is evidenced by the bill of lading. Only cargo being shipped through maritime port facilities qualifies for purposes of this grant award. A maritime port facility is the port in Virginia where the cargo is first loaded to or unloaded from a ship or barge. Shipments through inland ports or any other facility where cargo may be reshipped do not qualify for a second grant award. Only international shipments qualify for the Barge and Rail Usage Grant Program. Shipments to a Virginia port from another state, or domestic exports from Virginia, do not qualify for this grant award. Process The Virginia Port Authority will serve as the responsible agency for administering the Virginia Barge and Rail Usage Grant Program and Fund through the evaluation of applicants and disbursement of funds at its discretion. An eligible international trade facility must pre-apply to the Virginia Port Authority between September 1 and October 31st in the year preceding the general application period by submitting a pre-application form found on the Port of Virginia webpage: https://operations.portofvirginia.com/grants. Within in 45 days of the close of the pre-application period, each preapplication form must be reviewed and scored by the Incentive Grant Review Committee (IGRC) The pre-application scoring is considered against the following criteria and description: Anticipated Volume Increase - Grant applications from companies that show the largest absolute increase in cargo volumes will be prioritized for their substantial contribution to port activity and economic growth. Emphasis will be placed on the absolute magnitude of the volume increase, irrespective of percentage growth.

The Virginia Barge and Rail Usage Grant Program (BRU Grant) has been established to provide grant funding for international trade facilities, defined in the BRU program policy, that utilize barge and rail systems to move cargo through port facilities in the Commonwealth of Virginia rather than by truck or other motor vehicles on the Commonwealth of Virginia’s highways. In accordance with the established legislation, eligibility requires a facility to increase their barge and rail cargo volume by a minimum of five percent (5%) year over year. The grant fund is subject to a distinct appropriation cap each year. For fiscal year 2026, the grant program has a spending cap of $500,000. Application for grant award must be made to, and the grant awards are at the discretion of, the Virginia Port Authority.