News Release
FOR RELEASE - February 17, 2009
Contact: Aaron Ellis, aellis@aapa-ports.org
703-684-5700
American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org
President Obama today signed into law a sweeping economic recovery bill that will better enable America's seaports to deliver prosperity and fulfill their vital role as part of the nation's critical transportation infrastructure.
"AAPA is extremely pleased that the President signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The law will enable America's seaports to play a sizable role in creating jobs and reinvigorating America's economy quickly, while enhancing the environment and port security," stated AAPA President Kurt J. Nagle.
The following chart is a side-by-side comparison of the U.S. House and Senate versions of the major portions of the economic recovery bill which do or may apply to seaports, along with the final compromise version that became law.
Program | House | Senate | Final Agreement |
State Highway Program - No cost-share | $27 billion | $30 billion | $27.5 billion |
Discretionary Transportation Grants New competitive grant program for state and local government including projects that could enhance ports
| $0 | $5.5 billion | $1.5 billion |
Port Security Grants - Cost-share waived | $0 | $100 million | $150 million |
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Electrification Grants A newly funded DOE program for ports and others | $200 million | $200 million | $400 million |
Diesel Emissions Reduction - EPA program with funds to be distributed through regional cooperatives | $300 million | $300 million | $300 million |
NOAA A variety of programs including charting | $1 billion | $1 billion | $830 million |
Alternative Minimum Tax Waiver on Bonds | Two-year | Two-year | AMT Waived for Calendar Years 2009 and 2010 |
Build America Bonds |
| Included | Included |