August 1 - Six TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grants, totalling USD61.8 million, have been awarded to seaports in the USA or projects directly aiding the efficient movement of goods to and from the country's ports.
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) said it was pleased that six ports have received grants, but believes a broader range of port projects - including at major maritime freight gateways - should also get federal help.
AAPA ceo Kurt Nagle noted that direct funding for maritime infrastructure projects, including connections to ports, will improve freight mobility, which in turn helps reduce transportation costs and makes US exports more attractive to overseas buyers.
"We're pleased that a number of port projects were included in the eighth round of TIGER grants just announced, but this year's grants included few funds for major maritime freight gateways," said Nagle.
"It's important that projects from the full range of port sizes and types receive grant awards in upcoming rounds of TIGER funding."
The six projects receiving TIGER grants include maritime infrastructure improvements at the Port of Albany to enhance project cargo handling; the renovation and reconstruction of a ro-ro dock at Gordon A. Finch Terminal on the Virgin Islands; the south terminal modernisation project at the Port of Everett, which will strengthen the dock and create increased ro-ro handling capacity; the reconstruction and expansion of a wharf at the Port of Guam; rail and road infrastructure improvements at Portland Marine Terminal in Oregon; and improvements to the Little Rock Port Authority in Arkansas.
See the whole list of TIGER grants awarded here (https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/TIGER 0.000000act%20Sheets%20-%207-28.pdf).
www.aapa-ports.org
