WASHINGTON: The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is applauding Congress for approving the 2017 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which will maintain or increase funding for several programs in a variety of federal agencies that help America’s seaports deliver economic prosperity, create US jobs and benefit local communities. President Donald Trump signed the measure yesterday after it was passed by the United States Senate. The House of Representatives approved the legislation on Wednesday.
The legislation is an important milestone in AAPA’s America: Keep It Moving campaign, which informs policymakers, and those who influence policy, about the job-creating power of US ports. The nation’s manufacturers, farmers and other workers count on modern and efficient seaports to move American products to vital overseas markets. “The funding levels in this legislation will benefit US ports by ensuring the federal government continues to contribute its share of capital to seaport-related infrastructure, port security and voluntary diesel emissions reductions efforts,” said Kurt J. Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO. “AAPA’s US-member ports are especially encouraged by the robust funding provided for the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Navigation Program, which is a critical partner in ensuring that America’s waterside infrastructure is prepared for growing volumes of both export and import trade.”
