AAPA highlights US ports’ critical role

The agenda aims to revitalise America’s ports, enhance national security and drive sustainable economic growth. Developed with extensive input from AAPA’s members, the policy framework will serve as a key advocacy tool, guiding federal policymakers and industry stakeholders on the port industry’s top priorities.

“There’s no such thing as a strong America without strong ports,” said AAPA president and chief executive, Cary S. Davis.

“As trade and cargo volumes continue to grow, our nation’s ports must continue working with the federal government to invest in and build the next generation of port infrastructure so we can deliver for America.”

Davis, along with vice president of government relations, John Bressler, recently met with President-elect Trump’s transition team and the team of US Department of Transportation Secretary nominee, Sean Duffy. During these discussions, they highlighted the policy agenda, reinforcing the critical role ports play in the nation’s economy and security.

The policy agenda includes:

• Reauthorising oversubscribed mainstay infrastructure grant programmes.
• Ensuring timely passage of navigation channel funding.
• Opposing tariffs that hurt consumers and stifle growth.
• Reforming burdensome federal permitting.
• Pushing back against and educating stakeholders on the harmful effects of vessel speed restrictions.
• Empowering ports to power America with an all of the above energy strategy.
• Securing ports and their assets from potential threats.
• Expediting Build America Buy America waivers and incentivising domestic manufacturing of ship-to-shore cranes.