A $300 Million Opportunity: Why Local and Domestic Content Will Define Winning Port Infrastructure Proposals in New York

New York State’s NYSERDA RFP 6041 represents one of the most significant public infrastructure funding opportunities available for maritime ports, with up to $300 million in grant funding to modernize and expand port facilities that support the offshore wind industry while remaining viable for multiple uses. This opportunity is not just about physical upgrades. It is a strategic investment designed to strengthen New York’s local economy, domestic manufacturing base, and long-term workforce capacity.

RFP 6041 is focused on improving existing ports across New York State that can support offshore wind activities such as component manufacturing, staging, logistics, vessel operations, and maintenance, while also serving other industries. Eligible projects must be located in New York State, demonstrate a clear connection to offshore wind, maintain multi-use capability, and be ready to begin construction within two years of award. NYSERDA funding may cover up to 75 percent of total project costs, capped at $100 million per project, with at least 25 percent provided through non-state matching funds.

A defining element of this opportunity is its emphasis on domestic content. Grant recipients must make commercially reasonable efforts to use U.S.-manufactured structural iron and steel for all permanently installed, load-bearing components. Proposers are required to commit to specific dollar amounts for U.S. iron and steel, and those commitments are tracked and enforced through the funding agreement. This ensures that public investment directly supports American manufacturing and strengthens domestic supply chains.

Local content is equally important. While the RFP does not mandate fixed local or MWBE participation percentages, it requires awardees to provide New York State companies with opportunities to compete for major supplier and subcontracting contracts. Proposals are evaluated on in-state spending, job creation, workforce development, and community engagement, many of which can become binding obligations after award. Projects that integrate local contractors, workforce pipelines, and community partnerships are better positioned to score competitively and manage delivery risk.

Ports across New York State that may be well positioned for this opportunity include:

• Port of Albany
• Port of Buffalo
• Port of Oswego
• Port of Ogdensburg
• Port of Rochester
• Port of Syracuse (inland port and logistics facilities)
• Port of New York and New Jersey (New York-side terminals)
• South Brooklyn Marine Terminal
• Brooklyn Navy Yard waterfront facilities
• Staten Island waterfront and maritime terminals
• Port Jefferson Harbor
• Montauk Harbor
• Newburgh Waterfront and Hudson River ports

Taken together, RFP 6041 is more than a port infrastructure program. It is a vehicle for building resilient, locally anchored economic infrastructure that delivers long-term benefits to New York’s workers, businesses, and communities. Ports and developers that treat local and domestic content as a core strategy, rather than a compliance afterthought, will be best positioned to succeed.