U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently announced two new Marine Highway Routes in Alaska, extending the system by more than 6,750 miles. The initiative aims to strengthen the nation's supply chains, improve port operations and contribute to the affordability of goods for American families, according to an Aug. 16 news release.
“America’s marine highways are vital links in our supply chains, helping to move goods quickly, cleanly and efficiently,” Buttigieg said in the release. “By expanding our marine highway system, we can strengthen our supply chains, improve port operations, and help keep goods affordable for American families.”
The Marine Highway Program, launched in 2010, promotes the increased use of America's navigable waterways to alleviate congestion on land, enhance efficiency in transportation and boost the productivity of the surface transportation system, the release reported. By fostering partnerships with public and private organizations, the program aids in creating and sustaining American jobs in U.S. ports, shipyards and vessels, further fortifying the nation's supply chains.
Sponsored by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, the M-11 route will add more than 6,500 miles to the marine highway system. This extension includes coastal and river ports in southwestern and northern Alaska, ranging from the Aleutian Islands to the Canadian border, the release said.
The region, already a hub for waterborne transportation, will benefit from improved accessibility to ports, rivers, barge landings and airports. The M-11 Route is designed to amplify the transportation options in these communities and foster a broader spectrum of waterborne transportation choices, according to the release.
Co-sponsored by the Port of Pittsburgh and the Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization, the M-79 route extends the Ohio River system by almost 250 miles. It includes the easternmost tributary rivers, catering to local businesses in the region that are exploring waterborne transportation as a reliable and cost-effective alternative to other surface transportation forms, the release reported.
The M-79 route is expected to serve as an incentive for increased operations, infrastructure investments and freight movement, particularly for new commodities planned to move on water in the future, the release said.
With these additions, the Marine Highway Program has designated a total of 31 Marine Highway Routes. These routes, comprised of navigable waterways capable of transporting freight within the U.S. or its territories, could play a crucial role in enhancing the resilience and flexibility of the nation's supply chain, according to the release.
