The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) announced yesterday that it is encouraged by the release of the infrastructure investment outline by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats.
According to AAPA, the recognition that ports and waterways play a vital role in the nation’s economy, jobs and supply chain raises hopes for future investments in the infrastructure.
“ Coupled with President Trump’s stated intention to make major improvements in America’s infrastructure, we’re optimistic that long overdue infrastructure investments will be made ,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO .
America’s seaports, each of which are international trading hubs, are vital economic engines to their community, their region and the nation. Seaport cargo activity accounts for 26 percent of the U.S. economy, generating nearly $4.6 trillion a year in total economic activity, supporting some 23 million American jobs, and producing more than $321 billion federal, state and local tax revenues annually, said AAPA.
AAPA has sent its freight transportation infrastructure policy and funding recommendations to the Trump Administration and Congressional leadership. Among its recommendations are ways to eliminate bottlenecks and expand capacity through landside investments, modernize and fully maintain federal navigation channels through waterside investments, secure America’s ports and borders, enhance the coastal environment and build resilience.