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mage:Port of Los Angeles
WASHINGTON – In a significant move to fortify American supply chains, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has unveiled a substantial investment of over $653 million. This funding is allocated to support 41 crucial port improvement projects across the nation under the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).
This funding, a pivotal component of Investing in America agenda, aims to bolster capacity and enhance efficiency at coastal seaports, Great Lakes ports, and inland river ports. It is worth noting that over 2.3 billion short tons of both domestic and international U.S. commerce are transported by water, underscoring the vital role ports play in the nation’s supply chain.
This announcement marks a watershed moment, as these investments represent the largest dedicated funding for ports and waterways in history, totaling nearly $17 billion. This substantial allocation is made possible through the implementation of the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the critical importance of ports, stating, “Everything from the food we eat to the cars we drive to the lumber and steel used to build our homes passes through America’s ports, making them some of the most critical links in our nation’s supply chain.”
The U.S.faced a significant challenge as the pandemic strained global supply chains. This resulted in prolonged wait times and increased costs for everyday goods. The administration, in tandem with port workers, has made remarkable progress. The number of container ships waiting at U.S. ports has decreased by over 90 percent, and global container shipping costs have plummeted by more than 80 percent since their peak in 2021.
The PIDP is geared towards enhancing port and related freight infrastructure to meet the nation’s freight transportation needs. It provides vital support in planning, capital funding, and project management to bolster the capacity and efficiency of ports, benefiting urban and rural areas alike.
Awards announced today include more than $172.8 million dedicated to 26 small ports, ensuring their continued growth and capacity expansion. This investment not only boosts local and regional economies but also safeguards surrounding communities from air pollution.
Future-Forward Selection Process
Projects were carefully selected based on their potential to enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability in the movement of goods. Consideration was also given to the applicant’s commitment of non-federal funding, economic impact, workforce development, climate change mitigation, sustainability, equity, and alignment with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative.
Exemplary Grants
Among the selected grants, a few noteworthy projects include:
- Dock Infrastructure Replacement in Cold Bay, Alaska ($43,376,746)
- North Harbor Transportation System Improvement Project in Long Beach, California ($52,633,331)
- Reconstruction of Berth PN-308 at Port Newark, New Jersey ($32,000,000)
- Ko’Kwel Wharf Improvements Project in North Bend, Oregon ($7,729,650)
- Port of Ogdensburg Terminal Expansion Project in Ogdensburg, New York ($5,107,649)
This comprehensive investment in port infrastructure is set to have a transformative impact on American supply chains, ensuring greater reliability, efficiency, and resilience. The commitment to small ports and the strategic selection process highlights a forward-thinking approach to fortifying the nation’s maritime capabilities. Biden-Harris Administration’s unwavering commitment to fortify U.S. ports and enhance supply chain resilience.As these projects come to fruition, the benefits will be felt not only in economic terms but also in the enhanced safety and sustainability of port operations.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation
