The federal funding is necessary to bolster and upgrade port infrastructure and could be the catalyst that spurs private financing, AAPA said.
“The consequences of decades-long under-investment in maritime infrastructure are playing out in real time in the form of supply chain disruptions and delays that have been exacerbated by the pandemic,” said AAPA President and CEO Chris Connor. “Current disruptions will diminish over time, but with global trade volumes forecasted to increase, now is the time for significant and sustained federal investment in a stronger and more resilient port infrastructure.”
Spending one dollar on maritime infrastructure brings back two to three dollars to the national economy in terms of jobs, growth and productivity, said Connor.
“Port funding yields a strong return on investment for American workers and will continue to help drive the nation’s recovery,” he said. “Congress must act now.”