News Release
FOR RELEASE - February 27, 2009
Contact: Aaron Ellis, aellis@aapa-ports.org
703-684-5700
American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org
Modern, secure, navigable seaports are vital to the U.S. economy. America's seaports deliver prosperity through trillions of dollars annually in domestic and international trade, and by supporting millions of trade-related jobs. Because the development and maintenance of federal navigation channels are critical to ensure safe and secure access to America's seaports, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is pleased with the Obama Administration's proposal to appropriate a record $5.1 billion in fiscal year 2010 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Civil Works program.
The Administration's budget overview provides that the Corps' Civil Works program will focus construction on high-return investments in the main mission areas of the Corps, including the facilitation of commercial navigation. The nation's economy will benefit from the improvement of federal navigation channels as well as the reduction in the backlog of navigation maintenance (dredging channels to their authorized depths and widths).
Furthermore, the proposed budget cites the Administration's commitment to improving the protection of our critical port infrastructure. It highlights the need for funding to enhance security at U.S. seaports through the Port Security Grant program. AAPA looks forward to continuing to work with Congress and the Administration to enhance seaport security to improve homeland security, increase international trade and commerce, and create jobs.
