In a major move to enhance the resilience and efficiency of American supply chains, the Biden-Harris Administration has announced an investment of over $653 million in 41 port improvement projects across the nation. The funding, provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) under the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), aims to bolster coastal seaports, Great Lakes ports, and inland river ports.

As part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, these port improvement projects will play a crucial role in expanding capacity, increasing efficiency, and ensuring a smoother movement of goods across crucial transportation hubs. With over 2.3 billion short tons of domestic and international U.S. commerce being transported by water, these investments are poised to strengthen supply chain reliability and contribute to economic growth.

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the significance of ports in the nation's supply chain, stating, "Everything from the food we eat to the cars we drive to the lumber and steel used to build our homes passes through America's ports, making them some of the most critical links in our nation's supply chain." The funding allocated under the PIDP will facilitate the expansion of capacity, leading to cleaner air, the creation of new jobs, and faster delivery of goods.

The investment comes at a time when global supply chains have been under immense pressure due to the pandemic. When President Biden took office, the strain on these chains was evident, with higher prices and longer waiting times for essential goods. The backlog of over a hundred ships waiting to dock at West Coast ports highlighted the urgent need for strengthening supply chains. However, through the collective efforts of the Biden Administration and port workers, a significant decrease in container ships waiting at U.S. ports has been achieved, accompanied by a substantial reduction in global container shipping costs.

With the largest dedicated funding of nearly $17 billion for ports and waterways in history, as part of the President's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these investments further underscore the administration's commitment to bolstering U.S. ports and fortifying supply chains against future disruptions.

The projects chosen for funding were carefully selected based on their potential to improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of goods movement. Factors such as non-federal funding commitments, economic vitality, workforce development support, climate change mitigation, sustainability, and advancing equity were also considered during the evaluation process.

Some notable projects receiving funding include the Dock Infrastructure Replacement in Cold Bay, Alaska, which will construct a new dock to accommodate commercial use and emergency services. The North Harbor Transportation System Improvement Project in Long Beach, California, aims to enhance cargo movements and increase safety at key railroad crossings near the port. The reconstruction of Berth PN-308 in Newark, New Jersey, will increase the port's capacity and improve its resilience to future flood events. Additionally, the Agricultural Maritime Export Facility Phase 2 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will see the construction of grain storage silos and expanded cargo handling capacity.

Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips highlighted the wide-ranging benefits of port infrastructure development, stating, "By funding port infrastructure development, the Biden-Harris Administration is ensuring that goods move reliably and in greater quantities, strengthening supply chain resiliency across all modes of transportation, and addressing the negative impacts of port operations on public health and the environment that have harmed communities living near ports."

The Biden-Harris Administration's investment in port development is not only a testament to their commitment to improving the efficiency of supply chains but also their dedication to creating sustainable and resilient infrastructure. These projects will undoubtedly contribute to economic growth, job creation, and the overall well-being of communities across the country.