September 15 - The Port of Everett has expressed its support for the American Association of Port Authorities' (AAPA) call for U.S. Congress to support critical freight mobility provisions in a major transportation bill that will be deliberated this autum
"As a specialty breakbulk port, the types of cargoes we handle vary based on the current economic condition of the U.S.," said Port of Everett ceo Les Reardanz. "The best way we can prepare for these market shifts is to have adequate infrastructure and a national freight strategy."
In the AAPA's 2015 The State of Freight report, Washington port executives identified the need for more than USD386 million in landside freight infrastructure investments over the next decade. The report also identified a USD28.9 billion need for improvements at ports nationwide.
"With port activity accounting for more than a quarter of the entire U.S. economy, it's critical that our seaports have seamless links to other segments of the nation's freight transportation network," said AAPA president and ceo Kurt Nagle.
"Congress must fully fund landside seaport connections that are required to keep freight moving for American manufacturers, workers, farmers, consumers and communities nationwide."
The Port of Everett supports the AAPA's 'Freight: Keep it Moving' campaign, which aims to inform industry leaders and educate lawmakers about the importance of landside infrastructure at U.S. ports.
"The ability of U.S. seaports to efficiently move freight is threatened by conditions that severely limit productivity and competitiveness," added Nagle. "Fully funded freight provisions in the next surface transportation bill will help us build world-class port connections and maintain a leading role in global trade and domestic job creation."
Project cargo loaded onto a barge at the Port of Everett.
