Ports + Politics

Coastal, Great Lakes, and inland ports are critical to the U.S. economy. Aside from moving freight, ports across the country may have a variety of non-freight activities – like cruise ships, commercial fishing, and recreation.

Our supply chain needs to be harmonized. I believe that the U.S. public would be startled at the level of dependency that our nation’s economy derives from all of the products that we ship through U.S. ports.

Returning to business as normal before the pandemic is simply not going to cut it. This change will require a whole-of-government approach and sustained investment in our nation’s ports and multimodal transportation system.

As global affairs and consumer demand continue to put pressure on the supply of energy, a coherent strategy and consistent regulatory policy are crucial for ports.

Ports must remain mindful of the ongoing thereat posed by climate change.

Ports + Politics By Derek Miller, Government Relations Manager, AAPA For years “Infrastructure Week” has been a running joke in Washington. “It is really going to happen this week?” was a common refrain. Well, the wait is finally over, and no one is joking anymore. On November 15, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) into law. ...

AAPA extends its congratulations to U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, on his plans for retirement in 2022. Chairman DeFazio has proven instrumental to seaports in his advocacy over the course of his time in this role. He was key to the restoration of Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) legislation in every Congressional session from 2014 ...

Members of AAPA’s Government Relations team were honored to attend the 2021 Connie Award ceremony in Newark, N.J., this week where Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, was awarded this year’s Connie, and Bill Mongelluzzo, senior editor of the Journal of Commerce, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. AAPA heartily congratulates both Gene and Bill on their outstanding achievements.

Carl Uchytil Chris Connor Mario Cordero By Carl Uchytil, Port Director, Port of Juneau Chris Connor, President & CEO, AAPA Mario Cordero, Executive Director, Port of Long Beach; Chairman, AAPA On August 10, the U.S. Senate passed an important $1.3 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package. During the process, AAPA members and staff were actively engaged with lawmakers to ensure that ports ...

To access this article in full digital version of Seaports, click here. By Paul Aucoin, Executive Director, Port of South Louisiana Louisiana is dependent on infrastructure to thrive. Ports, roads, and waterways ensure that the Pelican State is a critical junction for both industry and global trade. In fact, the Port of South Louisiana alone, one of five ports in ...