In many ways, our nation\u2019s 300+ ports \u2013 from the largest ports in Seattle, Long Beach and Savannah, to small ports in rural communities up and down our coastlines and along our rivers \u2013 are the workhorses of the infrastructure world.<\/p>\n
* By Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) * <\/em><\/p>\n When people hear the phrase \u201cinfrastructure investment,\u201d they may think of a new bridge or highway. They may think of relief for the congestion plaguing their daily commute or repairs to a well-worn road. Indeed, building roads and bridges is a critical piece of improving our nation\u2019s infrastructure, but it only tells part of the story of our economy and our nation\u2019s ability to move goods across the country and around the globe.<\/p>\n That\u2019s where ports come in. In many ways, our nation\u2019s 300+ ports \u2013 from the largest ports in Seattle, Long Beach, and Savannah, to small ports in rural communities up and down our coastlines and along our rivers \u2013 are the workhorses of the infrastructure world. Most of the public may not realize the utility of ports, yet port activity affects everyone by supporting millions of family-wage jobs and driving 26 percent of our nation\u2019s economy. And just like the bridges and highways that allow cars and freight to move across our country, our maritime infrastructure needs regular investment to ensure ports keep pace with the demands of our economy. Recent estimates put port-related infrastructure needs at $66 billion over the next decade alone.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why I am committed to ensuring the federal government is a good partner to ports, and building on strong partnerships with freight stakeholders, the private sector, local and state governments, and more. It\u2019s common sense. Supporting our ports has a significant return on the dollar, so what\u2019s good for ports is also good for our economy and for the millions of men and women who work at U.S. ports, transport our goods, and send products overseas and across the United States.<\/p>\n