AAPA Statement in Response to Release of President Trump’s Infrastructure Initiative
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Feb. 13, 2018) - Yesterday, President Donald Trump announced a national infrastructure rebuilding plan that includes $200 billion for direct federal spending for U.S. infrastructure over the next 10 years, including ports.
In what the President hopes will be “the most comprehensive infrastructure bill in our nation’s history,” he called on Congress to pass legislation that would “build a better future for all Americans.”
The Administration’s framework also includes reforms the President said would “strengthen the economy, make our country more competitive, reduce the costs of goods and services for American families, and enable Americans to build their lives on top of the best infrastructure in the world.”
In reaction to the plan’s release, American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) President and CEO Kurt Nagle remarked:
“We are pleased the White House has made rebuilding American infrastructure a priority this year, and we look forward to working with members of Congress as they craft a final legislative package that includes a commitment to U.S. ports and waterways.
“With freight volume projected to grow 45 percent over the next two decades, our country needs world-class ports and modern infrastructure to remain competitive and ensure that American goods are able to reach vital global markets. Failure to modernize the nation’s infrastructure could lead to a $4 trillion loss of GDP by 2025, and increase the costs of consumer products by $14 billion.
“For these reasons – and the jobs and communities sustained by U.S. ports – we are encouraged by this important step toward modernization that will support our manufacturers, exporters, farmers and employees who count on a strong national infrastructure to keep America moving.”
About AAPA
Founded in 1912, AAPA today represents 130 of the leading seaport authorities in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean and more than 200 sustaining and associate members, firms and individuals with an interest in seaports. According to IHS World Trade Service, combined international sea trade moving through Western Hemisphere ports in 2014 totaled 3.48 billion metric tons in volume and US$3.75 trillion in value. Of that total, ports in Central and South America handled 1.68 billion metric tons of cargo valued at US$1.36 trillion, while North American ports handled 1.79 billion metric tons of goods, valued at US$2.39 trillion. To meet the growing demand for trade, the AAPA and its members are committed to keeping seaports navigable, secure and sustainable. For more information, visit www.aapa-ports.org.
