News Release
FOR RELEASE - July 30, 2015
Contact: Aaron Ellis, Public Affairs Director, aellis@aapa-ports.org
(703) 706-4714
American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org
While pleased that the U.S. Senate today passed a short-term extension to fund surface transportation until Oct. 29, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) – the recognized and coordinated voice of seaports in the Americas – is also hailing Senate passage of the DRIVE Act (H.R. 22), a six-year transportation reauthorization bill.
In response to today’s Senate action, Kurt Nagle, AAPA president and CEO, said:
“AAPA commends the Senate for passing a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill today. This legislation includes a number of provisions advocated by the port industry to help address our nation’s sizable freight transportation needs, including the critical ‘first and last mile’ connections and trade corridors into and out of seaports.
“The legislation also included reauthorization of the Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank that AAPA strongly supports as a tool to increase U.S. exports.
“The Senate today also passed a three-month extension of the current transportation authorization and sent it to the President for his signature. With this short-term patch in place, we’re pleased there will be no lapse in funding for this crucial program since the current authorization was set to expire on July 31.
“AAPA will continue advancing our freight policy priorities with the House as it takes up its reauthorization legislation over this period. We’re hopeful of final enactment of a long-term surface transportation bill, containing robust freight provisions and sustainable funding, by the October 29th deadline, as well as reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank.”
