DOT Eyes Ports for Stimulus Spending

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Thursday that a “significant” amount of $1.5 billion in federal stimulus money will go for port infrastructure and related freight transportation projects.

“We will have some for port enhancements. We’re receiving some significant proposals for intermodal projects, and what’s more intermodal than a port,” LaHood said to the House Appropriations subcommittee on transportation. He said the enhancements would include infrastructure to connect ports with the national transportation system.

DOT is receiving proposals for spending $1.5 billion in discretionary money for transportation infrastructure that was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. LaHood said the money will be used to expand capacity and relieve congestion.

LaHood also told the committee he would like to polish the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point to the same luster as the “jewels” of the Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

The Maritime Administration’s 2010 budget proposal includes a $12 million increase in Kings Point’s budget for operations and capital improvements.

LaHood said he will appoint a blue ribbon committee to study the long-term needs of the academy. The committee will be chaired by Thomas Barrett, retired Coast Guard vice admiral and DOT deputy secretary in the Bush Administration.

Contact R.G. Edmonson at bedmonson@joc.com.