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

Seaports Maintain Strong Presence In Final Stimulus Bill

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 - Use or lose - 120 days for states to spend 50% - 1 year for 100% to spend - DOT will start a web site on projects	$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 funds to be distributed by 9/30/2011 Projects from $20 million to $300 million No match required DOT Secretary will control	$0	$5.5 billion	$1.5 billion
Port Security Grants - Cost-share waived - DHS expected to open the round of grants in early June. - Focus is on construction projects and those that create jobs.	$0	$100 million	$150 million
Corps of Engineers	$4.5 billion	$4.6 billion	$4.6 billion
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 - Cost-share requirements are waived	$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	A broader discount program included for bonds	Included	Included