The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced a significant investment of nearly $580 million in Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) awards, set to fund 31 projects across 15 states and one territory. This move, hailed by American port leaders, is expected to bolster the nation’s supply chain resilience and address environmental and health impacts on port communities.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Fuels Port Development
The funding, sourced from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be administered by the USDOT’s Maritime Administration (MARAD). Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips emphasized the importance of modernizing America’s port infrastructure, stating that it is crucial to strengthening the multimodal network that supports the nation’s supply chain. With approximately 2.3 billion short tons of goods moving through U.S. waterways annually, the benefits of developing port infrastructure extend far beyond the maritime sector.
Industry Group Advocates for Continued Funding and Efficiency
As the new awardees commence the necessary paperwork, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) continues to urge Congress to maintain full funding for PIDP. The AAPA is also advocating for the passage of the bipartisan Permitting Optimization for Responsible Transportation (PORT) Act, which aims to cut red tape, streamline outdated permitting, and make the process more efficient and predictable. AAPA President and CEO, Cary Davis, expressed gratitude to bipartisan Congressional leaders and the USDOT for making these critical awards possible.
In this funding injection is a significant step towards enhancing the nation’s port infrastructure. However, the real challenge lies in efficiently deploying the funds and getting shovels in the ground as soon as possible to realize the benefits to the nation’s supply chain and its people. Will this funding be the catalyst needed to expedite these crucial infrastructure upgrades?
