News Release
FOR RELEASE - May 23, 2024
Contact: Shawn Balcomb, sbalcomb@aapa-ports.org

American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org

PORT Act Sails to House House Floor in Key Defense Bill

Washington, D.C. — Today, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) applauds the inclusion of key provisions of our permitting reform bill, the Permitting Optimization for Responsible Transportation (PORT) Act (H.R. 7587), in the United States House of Representatives' Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation passed the House Armed Services Committee.

"Thanks to the diligent and bipartisan of work of our Congressional port champions, we are one step closer to realizing the benefits of federal investment in upgraded port infrastructure with less bureaucracy and faster permitting," stated AAPA President and CEO, Cary Davis. "America's ports sincerely thank House Armed Services Committee Chair Rogers and Ranking Member Smith and the Members of the Committee for including key provisions of Reps. Peltola and Rouzer’s PORT Act in the FY25 NDAA. We encourage swift passage and implementation for the sake of our nation's critical port infrastructure."

The following provisions of the PORT Act are included:

• Require that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) update its list of categorical exclusions and set out a process to regularly update that list;
• Direct MARAD to expeditiously approve infrastructure project budget updates when the only change is a small adjustment due to inflationary pressures;
• Require MARAD to extend the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) application deadline when significant amendments are made to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO); and
• Require MARAD to provide Congress with annual updates on grant obligation timelines and staffing shortages. 

AAPA will continue to lobby Congress to pass an NDAA that includes these sections of the PORT Act, as well as a $750 million authorization for PIDP.

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 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.