The US Congress approved the 2017 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which will maintain or increase funding for several programs in a variety of federal agencies that help America’s seaports deliver economic prosperity, create U.S. jobs and benefit local communities, according to American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA).
The funding aims to benefit U.S. ports in seaport-related infrastructure, port security and diesel emissions reductions efforts.
“AAPA’s U.S.-member ports are especially encouraged by the robust funding provided for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Navigation Program, which is a critical partner in ensuring that America’s waterside infrastructure is prepared for growing volumes of both export and import trade” said Kurt J. Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO.
In particular, the 2017 Omnibus Appropriations Bill includes the funding of the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s TIGER program, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program, the Maritime Administration’s Marine Highways Program and others.
“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 Mr. Nagle. “The 2017 Omnibus Appropriations Bill will better enable seaports to meet a growing demand for the safe, efficient movement of freight.”
