The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the release of more than $703 million for the funding of 41 projects in 22 states and one territory to improve port facilities through the Maritime Administration's Port Infrastructure Development Program.
The funding will be used to improve coastal seaports, Great Lakes ports and inland river ports by improving supply chain reliability through increased port capacity and resilience, more efficient operations, reduced port emissions and new workforce opportunities, according to an Oct. 28 news release. The funding was provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as well as additional Congressional appropriations.
“So many of the goods we all count on, from appliances to furniture to clothes, move through our nation’s ports on their way to us,” DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the release. “Using funds from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this year we're awarding record levels of funding to improve our port infrastructure, strengthen our supply chains and help cut costs for American families.”
The Port Infrastructure Development Program supports the efforts of ports and industry stakeholders to improve port and related freight infrastructure to meet the country's freight transportation needs and ensure its port infrastructure, the release reported. The program also makes plans regarding capital funding and project management assistance.
Creating a stronger and more resilient national supply chain has been a key focus for President Joe Biden, according to the release. His administration has the support of Buttigieg and the DOT as a whole, as it has engaged in near-term actions to resolve supply chain disruptions and create a more resilient long-term chain.
“President Biden’s commitment to modernizing our infrastructure - from the beginning of his administration - has resulted in an unprecedented investment in all segments of our port infrastructure to enable us to move goods more quickly, strengthen supply chain resiliency and reduce the climate impacts of port operations themselves," Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips said in the release.
