The American Association of Port Authorities on Wednesday lauded the billions of dollars in port investment included in the proposed American Jobs Plan recently announced by President Joe Biden.
The plan calls for $17 billion to be allocated for U.S. ports, waterways, and gateways, “a substantial down payment on the $29 billion in federal investments necessary to modernizing our ports and ensuring that our trade infrastructure remains strong,” according to the AAPA.
“America’s ports connect the nation’s small businesses, farmers, and manufacturers to the global marketplace,” the organization said in a statement, adding that seaports bring $5.4 trillion in economic value and 31 million jobs.
“Investment in port infrastructure supports the growth of opportunity throughout the national economy and ensures continued global competitiveness,” the AAPA stated. “America’s ports look forward to working with President Biden and bipartisan leaders in Congress to advance significant investments in our nation’s infrastructure.”