News Release
FOR RELEASE - October 19, 2023
Contact: Shawn Balcomb, sbalcomb@aapa-ports.org
American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org
Washington, D.C. — Today, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) announced its strong support of Representative Pete Stauber’s (R-MN) amendment to the Transportation Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill which, if implemented, would restore funding for the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).
“The Feds have made a serious, laudable, bipartisan down payment on port infrastructure modernization with $1.45 billion awarded through PIDP so far. Don’t stop now, Congress,” said Cary Davis, AAPA President and CEO. “To wit, during its four years, PIDP has been oversubscribed by more than $4.8 billion. America’s seaports thank Rep. Stauber for his leadership in offering this amendment and encourage Congressional support to protect our ports' ability to operate and deliver prosperity for our nation.
“Our Great Lakes ports owe much of our success and growth in recent years to consistent and robust PIDP funding,” stated Deb DeLuca, Duluth Seaway Port Authority Executive Director and AAPA Board Member. “I sincerely thank Rep. Stauber for his efforts to preserve this crucial investment in our nation’s infrastructure and call on his colleagues to renew their commitment to our maritime gateways.
Rep. Stauber’s amendment would reallocate $213 million from the THUD budget back to PIDP, for a total of $282.7 million, exceeding the Senate companion bill which received unanimous passage out of its committee. As written, the House bill currently allocates only $69.7 million to PIDP.
According to the U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS), federal spending on maritime transportation system infrastructure could produce economy-wide returns of as much as $2 or $3 for every dollar spent.
AAPA will continue to aggressively advocate for robust PIDP funding on Capitol Hill as the appropriations process continues.
The appropriations in question are separate from the $450 million per year allocation PIDP receives from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through 2026.
About AAPA
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is the unified voice of port leaders and maritime industry partners across the Western Hemisphere who serve a vital role in job-creation, international competitiveness and economic prosperity. Connecting small business owners, retailers and manufacturers to the global marketplace, AAPA member organizations sustain 31 million jobs and 26 percent of the U.S. economy, and advocate for national policies and infrastructure investments in support of a resilient global supply chain and a positive impact on the way people live, work, travel and engage in commerce. Visit www.aapa-ports.org or on Twitter @PortsUnited.
