AAPA to work with Congress in a comprehensive infrastructure package

AAPA’s Key Actions for 2017 and Beyond:

Eliminate Bottlenecks and Expand Capacity Through Landside Investments

Multimodal freight movement investments must be a key priority to improve landside connections to seaports and enhance our global competitiveness. Increase investments in Department of Transportation programs that target seaport infrastructure, including TIGER, FAST Act freight programs, the StrongPorts and Marine Highway Programs.

Modernize and Fully Maintain Federal Navigation Channels Through Waterside Investments

Key programs are the Corps of Engineers Coastal Navigation program that manages the maintenance and modernization of federal navigation channels – our water highways to the world market. The NOAA’s navigation charts and real time data that ensure safe vessel passage are also underfunded.

Secure America’s Ports and Borders

Safe, secure and efficient movement of freight through seaports is fundamental to the twin goals of protecting our borders and moving goods efficiently. Adequate staffing and resources for Customs and Border Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard are critical, as is making port authority projects a high priority for FEMA’s Port Security grants.

Enhance the Environment and Build Resilience

Federal investments help ports reduce the environmental impacts of freight transportation, including those to nearby communities. These investments can help make ports resilient to natural disasters and other potential hazards to avoid a long-term disruption of our nation’s freight transportation system.