January 22 - The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has noted that several high priority programmes crucial to safe, efficient and competitive operation of American seaports are included in the USD1.1 trillion Consolidated Appropriation Act o
The bill, which was passed by Congress this week, includes funding for the US Department of Transport's Transportation Infrastructure Generation Economic Recovery (TIGER) discretionary grants; US Corps of Engineers' navigation-related programmes; FEMA state and local programmes grants which include dedicated funds for port security; EPA's Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grants; and funding for several of NOAA's subprogrammes that aid navigation.
The section of the bill granting USD600 million in funding for TIGER discretionary grants is particularly important to America's freight movement and represents a 20 percent increase over last years's USD500 million appropriation.
"The funding provided to port-related infrastructure programmes is recognition that lawmakers appreciate that seaports, the connections with them and the trade flowing through them, are vital to creating and sustaining jobs, economic growth and enhancing US international competitiveness," said Kurt Nagle, president and ceo of AAPA.
"As Congress and the Administration grapple with the multiple goals of reducing the nation's deficit while growing jobs and the economy, federal investment in ports and connecting infrastructure will continue to be an essential, effective utilisation of limited resources paying dividends through increased trade, jobs and tax returns,' added Nagle.
Port of Seattle
