A bipartisan, bicameral coalition of Congress members introduced legislation that would strengthen the Port Infrastructure Development Program by distributing federal investments more evenly across the country.
U.S. Reps. Dave Joyce (R-OH), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Frank Mrvan (D-IN), Randy Weber (R-TX), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Erin Houchin (R-IN), and Robin Kelly (D-IL) introduced the legislation that would rebalance how funds are awarded, which would “unlock the full economic and national security potential of ports across the interior” of the country.
“Inland ports are the backbone of the nation’s supply chain. When they fall behind, America falls behind, and our economic security and national security are put at risk,” Joyce said. “Federal port infrastructure dollars can’t just flow to major coastal hubs. The Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act guarantees that ports across the Great Lakes, Gulf Coast, and inland waterways can compete for critical upgrades that keep goods moving, reduce bottlenecks, and strengthen America’s strategic and economic competitiveness. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Congressman Kennedy and grateful for his continued advocacy on behalf of the Great Lakes.”
The law makers said currently, inland and Great Lakes ports receive a smaller share of federal support which limits their ability to modernize infrastructure, expand capacity and remain competitive. The bill would direct the U.S. Department of Transportation to consider geographic distribution when selecting projects for the Port and the Intermodal Improvement Program. The legislation explicitly includes inland ports along inland waterways, and other interior ports for funding. The legislation also directs ports of all sizes be considered for federal funding.
U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate.
The bill is supported by the American Great Lakes Ports Association and the Great Lakes Commission, among other organizations.
“As a leading advocate for Ohio and the Great Lakes, Congressman Joyce has been instrumental in creating good-paying American jobs and strengthening our communities,” Brian Oszakiewski, Executive Director of the American Great Lakes Ports Association, said. “This legislation helps ensure the Heartland receives its fair share of federal investment. We are grateful for Congressman Joyce’s leadership and thank his congressional colleagues for their support of balanced, long-term funding for critical port infrastructure across the Great Lakes region.”