News Release
FOR RELEASE - May 2, 2019
Contact: Jade Davis, Port of Cleveland / Aaron Ellis, AAPA, aellis@aapa-ports.org
(216) 377-1366 / (703) 684-5700
American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org
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This year’s Infrastructure Week capstone event will be hosted by the Port of Cleveland and the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) on Monday, May 20. It is an invitation-only, thought-leaders roundtable discussion at the Port of Cleveland followed by a bus and boat tour examining port infrastructure assets, needs and successes.
The May 20 event is billed as Infrastructure Week’s “Infrastructure Influencer’s Roundtable.” It will feature elected officials, transportation agency heads, Great Lakes port executives, construction consultancies and other transportation industry thought-leaders addressing a set of facilitated questions about freight transportation infrastructure modernization needs and possible funding solutions.
At a time when the Administration and Congress are focused on creating family-sustaining American jobs, propelling the economy and modernizing infrastructure, the role played by America’s freight transportation system, including seaports, is more critical than ever. However, federal investment into landside, waterside and port-related transportation infrastructure has lagged, impacting the flow of goods to the farmers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers who need access to the global marketplace. This roundtable discussion is an opportunity to discuss these important issues and look at innovative solutions to address the lack of investment hampering America from building for tomorrow.
While the discussion will focus primarily on the needs of Great Lakes ports and states, it will contribute to the national dialogue on developing and maintaining America’s 21st century infrastructure for goods movement.
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WHO: |
Port of Cleveland and American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) |
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WHAT: |
Infrastructure Influencer’s Roundtable and Port of Cleveland Tour |
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WHEN: |
Monday, May 20, 2019. 9:00am – Noon for the Roundtable; Noon – 1:00pm for a hosted lunch; 1:00 pm – 4:30pm for the Port of Cleveland tour |
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WHERE: |
Port of Cleveland, 1100 West 9th Street Suite 300 Cleveland, OH 44113 |
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WHY: |
Capstone event for 2019 Infrastructure Week |
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MEDIA: |
Credentialed journalists who RSVP by May 10 are invited to participate in both the Roundtable and the port tour. Journalists interested in covering this event from a news perspective are asked to contact Aaron Ellis at aellis@aapa-ports.org, or by phone at (703) 706-4714, to RSVP for the Roundtable and/or media tour. All participants, including media, are also asked to provide a brief bio and headshot for the event’s Briefing Book, which will be distributed at the event. |
About Infrastructure Week
Infrastructure Week comprises more than 500 affiliate organizations, companies, and cities hosting over 100 events nationwide, participating in the press and on social media, and leading the fight to rebuild and modernize America’s infrastructure. Infrastructure Week is held annually each May and focuses on America’s businesses, workers, citizens, and elected leaders from all levels of government – all united around one message: America’s future will be shaped by the infrastructure choices we make today. So let’s #BuildForTomorrow.
About Port of Cleveland
The Port of Cleveland is one of the largest ports on the Great Lakes. Over 20,000 jobs and $3.5 billion in annual economic activity are tied to the roughly 13 million tons of cargo that move through Cleveland Harbor each year. The Port of Cleveland is the only local government agency whose sole mission is to spur job creation and economic vitality in Cuyahoga County. The Port is an economic engine for the community, a key to Northeast Ohio's global competitiveness, and a crucial partner in building Cuyahoga County's future
About AAPA
Founded in 1912 and recognized as the unified voice of seaports in the Americas, AAPA today represents 140 of the leading seaport authorities in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean and more than 250 sustaining and associate members, firms and individuals with an interest in seaports. According to IHS Markit’s World Trade Service, combined international sea trade moving through Western Hemisphere ports in 2016 totaled 3.49 billion metric tons in volume and US$3.01 trillion in value. Of that total, ports in Central and South America handled 1.71 billion metric tons of cargo valued at US$941 billion, while North American ports handled 1.79 billion metric tons of goods, valued at US$2.07 trillion. To meet the growing demand for trade, the AAPA and its members are committed to keeping seaports navigable, secure and sustainable. For more information, visit www.aapa-ports.org. On Twitter: http://twitter.com/AAPA_Seaports
