US ports call for funding

Central to AAPA’s recommendations is a call for advanced appropriation of US$10.9 billion over five years for the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).

This figure matches the total funding applied for by ports over the last five years and reflects the growing demand for robust port infrastructure investment.

“Infrastructure takes time to build,” said Cary Davis, AAPA president and chief executive.

“It cannot be expanded or contracted rapidly in response to crises or market trends. It is therefore critical to set up our ports for success with ample funding to prepare the American maritime industrial base to compete and win in a world marked by intense global competition and economic pressures.”

According to AAPA, PIDP not only aligns with efforts to revitalise the US maritime industry but also encourages non-federal investment. Ports typically match every federal PIDP dollar with one dollar from state, local, or private sources, maximising return on federal investments.

Additional priorities submitted by AAPA include:

Equitable funding for ports relative to other transport modes

Greater access to formula-based federal funding for port infrastructure

Streamlining Build America, Buy America compliance rules

Expedited and efficient permitting reform.

With global competition intensifying and infrastructure demands rising, AAPA’s proposals seek to ensure ports are properly funded and prepared to support long-term US economic resilience and trade competitiveness.