By Scout Nelson
Red Wing Port Authority and Red Wing Grain, LLC, have received $10,161,985 in federal funding to improve port infrastructure and support agricultural transportation in Minnesota. Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) helped secure the funding through the Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program.
The funding will help replace aging barge infrastructure and support important upgrades at the Red Wing port. These improvements aim to increase efficiency and speed up the loading of corn and soybeans. The project is expected to support grain transportation and help local agricultural businesses move their products to markets more efficiently.
Congressman Finstad also supported the project by sending a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in May 2026. In the letter, he expressed his support for the City of Red Wing and Red Wing Grain, LLC, and encouraged the department to approve their grant application.
Red Wing Grain plays an important role in supporting farmers and the regional agricultural economy. The company purchases corn and soybeans from more than 1,200 farmers and agricultural producers located within a 60- to 115-mile radius of Red Wing. This makes the facility an important part of the grain supply chain in the region.
The company also handles a large amount of grain for transportation. It ships more than 500 river barges of grain every year to international markets through the Gulf of America. These shipments help connect Minnesota farmers with buyers in different parts of the world.
The infrastructure improvements will help maintain the port's ability to handle agricultural products and support the movement of grain from farms to global markets. Replacing older equipment and improving loading facilities can also help reduce delays and make transportation operations more efficient.
“This project is an amazing investment in Red Wing and our regional agricultural economy,” said Rep. Finstad. “The Port of Red Wing plays a key role in the transportation of grain from my fellow Minnesota farmers to markets around the world. I was proud to advocate for Red Wing’s application earlier this year, and I am excited to see these federal dollars make their way home to the First District.”
The funding is part of a larger $498 million investment announced by the Trump administration to modernize ports across the United States. The investment focuses on improving port facilities, strengthening transportation systems, and supporting America's maritime industry.
Ports play an important role in moving agricultural products, manufactured goods, and other materials across the country and to international markets. For agricultural producers, reliable port infrastructure helps ensure that crops reach buyers on time and transportation systems continue to operate smoothly.
Photo Credit: Finstad
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Government & Policy