US waterways funding boost

The USMHP program funds infrastructure and equipment to promote waterborne shipping around the US. This year, some of the US$12 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will go to several ports working to reduce vehicle traffic, emissions, and community impact by shifting cargo on to waterways.

“Investments in America’s seaports are good for the US and its trading prowess,” said incoming AAPA president and chief executive, Cary Davis. “AAPA and the port industry thank our seaports champions in Congress, the Federal Government, and MARAD Administrator Rear Admiral Philips in particular, for their commitment to strengthening the United States’ maritime supply chain.”

Recipients

The Kaskaskia Regional Port District has been awarded US$1,008,750 to buy shuttle cars, the final piece in its infrastructure project to transport coiled steel and cut down on millions of annual truck miles.

The Port of Beaumont Navigation District of Jefferson County, Texas has received US$2,041,925 to buy two reach stackers, critical to augment barge shipping capacity and reduce emissions along the Houston ship channel.

The Port of Bellingham has been awarded US$1,021,747 to buy equipment necessary to move cargo along M-5, a marine highway between Washington state and San Diego, parallel to the congested I-5 road route.

The programme has been slightly expanded this year to acknowledge the US’s North American supply chain integration and now includes water routes to Canada and Mexico.