America’s seaports and maritime industry need infrastructure investments now in all supporting modes water, surface (roads, bridges, tunnels) and rail to keep the U.S. competitive in the world economy.
Making freight transportation infrastructure investments a high priority can play a major role in America’s road to recovery. Such investments will create jobs and help construction and engineering businesses, small and large, immediately. These investments will also pay dividends in the mid- and longer term by making the movement of goods more efficient, with less congestion and less air pollution, and delivering economic prosperity throughout the country.
Significant investments are needed in all aspects of our transportation system, but the area that has to date received less focus and is increasingly vital to our economy is the infrastructure that carries the nation’s cargo. An efficient freight transportation system provides consumers the choices they demand at prices they can afford. It also helps U.S. farmers and manufacturers compete and thrive in the global economy.
There are major infrastructure challenges that need to be addressed and that could help America on its road to economic recovery. Investing resources into seaport infrastructure waterways (through dredging projects) and the roads, rails, bridges and tunnels that connect with the ports is imperative for meeting both consumer and economic demands. Greater investment in maintaining and improving deep-draft navigation harbors and channels; greater investment in surface transportation projects near ports to alleviate congestion and resulting pollution; additional seaport security improvements; and use of greener technologies . . . these are infrastructure investments that will create jobs and make America strong.
By making investments in seaport infrastructure now we can help solve the challenges facing ports today capacity, congestion, security and environmental improvement and create a world-class freight transportation system of tomorrow.