CAMPUS MODERNIZATION
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Campus Modernization Plan
Source: US Army Corps of Engineers New York District Website
UPDATED March 2, 2025
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
On April 11, 2025, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District entered into a long-term agreement for the revitalization and modernization of the USMMA campus.
USMMA's Campus Modernization Plan has a total of 41 projects that will provide new and refurbished academics and barracks, athletic facilities, and waterfront infrastructure. Capital improvements will take place over a 16-year period.
The goal of the Campus Modernization Plan is to provide a safe, secure, and sustainable campus environment; to develop adaptable and modern real property, to preserve historic character, and to enhance the USMMA institutional legacy.
The project is currently in the planning and design phase.
EXECUTIVE ORDER
The United States Merchant Marine Academy Campus Modernization Plan builds upon the previous master planning efforts and provides a comprehensive and technically sound plan that can be executed over the next ten years. During the planning process on April 9, 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order (EO) Restoring America's Maritime Dominance, authorizing the developing of a Campus Modernization Plan, campus improvements, and modernization of facilities over the next 5- and 10-year periods.
PROGRAM UPDATE (AS OF 2 MARCH 2026)
| Task No. | Task Name | Phase | Current Status |
| 1 | SWMS Assessment & Utility Locating | P&D (Planning & Design) | Preparing the required reports for stormwater flow monitoring, stormwater network conditions, utility and topographic site mapping. |
| 2 | Seawall | P&D | AE selection process underway. |
| 3 | Hague Basin Dredging | P&D | USACE completing design package in preparation for solicitation. Advance Notice to Bidders posted on 23 February 2026. |
| 4 | Campus Design Guide and Engineering Design Standards | P&D | Preparing the Campus Design Guide and Engineering Design Standards package. |
| 5 | 307 Steamboat Road Demo | P&D | USACE PDT being developed and requirement packages being provided for in-house design and contracting. |
| 6 | Campus-Wide Utilities Upgrading | P&D | USACE PDT being developed and preparing scope of work. |
| 7 | Athletic Fieldhouse | P&D | USACE PDT being developed and preparing scope of work. |
| 8 | Central Utility Plants/Fitch Hall | P&D | USACE PDT being developed and preparing scope of work. |
**For contracting opportunities, visit SAM.gov **
Ryan Ferguson
Program Manager
Ryan.M.Ferguson@usace.army.mil
917-790-6156
CAMPUS MODERNIZATION – SITREP ONE
The Executive Order Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance is remarkable not just for its intent to revitalize Kings Point but the speed it mandates. Among other requirements, the Secretary of Transportation must ‘take immediate action’ to provide a long-term master facility plan.
Two years ago, we began establishing a relationship with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the hope of creating a modern campus that could better serve the needs of our midshipmen. Finally, our leadership team secured permission for a ten-year Interagency Agreement with the Army Corps.
Suddenly – coincidentally – with a dramatic Executive Order demanding rapid action and a plan, we were able to produce a comprehensive blueprint almost immediately.
On Friday, April 11th, we formally signed the Interagency Agreement. The following week, in a five-day workshop, we completed a ‘charrette’ formalizing our long-term master facility plan.
Charrette is French for a negotiation, often a conflict resolution, but the process of reaching a solution. The Academy leadership, Army Corps, and representatives from our faculty, staff, alumni, and parent communities were joined by planners from two architectural and engineering firms (contracted by the Army Corps) to establish the priorities and procedures that will transform Kings Point.
It is important to point out that the information provided in surveys and interviews by midshipmen, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents played a major role in our decisions.
The result is a dramatically reimagined campus. However, the heart of Kings Point will not change. Wiley Hall, Delano, and Barney Square, where we gather from every direction, will remain. We, the campus community, the real heart of Kings Point, will also remain, as buildings around us rise and fall.
Details of the plan that will be provided to Secretary Duffy in May and the White House immediately afterward cannot be shared until they are approved.
With fire, steel, and stone, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will help bring to life the determination and spirit the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy has shown for more than 80 years. We are excited for our future, yet we will always see in it a reflection of our glorious past.
This message will be the first of many to keep our community informed throughout the planning and construction process.
Thank you all for your continued support of this amazing place and all who call Kings Point home.
Click the link below to view the USMMA Campus Modernization Plan
USMMA CMP_30May2025(B).pdf (36.89 MB)
Last updated: Monday, March 2, 2026