The recently approved federal infrastructure plan will provide more than $15 billion to help U.S. ports and Waterways through the Biden-Harris Action Plan for America's Ports and Waterways, the Department of Transportation said Nov. 8.
"The Biden-Harris Administration is announcing a set of concrete steps to accelerate investment in our ports, waterways, and freight networks," Department of Transportation officials said in a release. "These goals and timelines will mobilize federal agencies and lay the foundation for successful implementation of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal."
The announcement comes as the U.S. and global economy try to rebound during a worldwide pandemic that has wreaked havoc on supply chains, particularly in the United States as the nation heads into the holiday season.
The $17 billion made available through President Joe Biden's infrastructure plan would benefit coastal, inland and land ports at border entry points and waterways, Transportation Department officials said in a release.
"These resources will deliver near-term assistance and make long-term investments to strengthen supply chain resiliency," federal transportation officials said. "Along the way, these investments will create good-paying jobs and help America outcompete China. Together, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal is the single largest federal investment in our ports in U.S. history."
According to the 2021 Report Card for America's Infrastructure Report issued by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 2018 saw America's ports support more than 30 million jobs and approximately 26% of the United States GDP. However, that same report warned that the ports in which a fourth of the economy rests now face extensive challenges, including the modernization of infrastructure and maintenance for essential facilities that are currently under threat from rising sea levels and other aspects of climate change.
"This action plan will increase federal flexibilities for port grants; accelerate port infrastructure grant awards; announce new construction projects for coastal navigation, inland waterways, and land ports of entry," said transportation officials, "and launch the first round of expanded port infrastructure grants funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal."
