Sadler testified.
Georgia Ports Authority COO Ed McCarthy, speaking on behalf of NAWE, emphasized the need for funding to improve waterways to accommodate mega-ship cargo containers.
Witnesses at the hearing agreed that President Biden’s $20 billion directive for ports infrastructure is a step in the right direction but stressed the need for trillions of dollars in funding to truly address the nation’s maritime infrastructure needs.
Rep. Carlos A. Giménez highlighted the importance of funding for ports, stating that major disruptions can harm local economies and connectivity.
MARAD Associate Administrator William Paape noted the importance of maritime transportation for economic and national security and highlighted the over-subscription of the Port Development Program grant, emphasizing the urgent need for measures to strengthen the nation’s supply chains.
Crowley Shipping Senior VP/General Manager James Fowler stressed the importance of continued vigilance and investment to ensure the safety, security, and resilience of ports and supply chains, stating that while progress has been made, more funding is needed to maintain resiliency in the nation’s supply chains. Fowler emphasized the importance of PRD grants in expanding electrification efforts in ports like Jacksonville and called for their expansion.
Port of Miami Deputy Port Director Frederick Wong Jr., representing the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), stressed the need for increased federal funding and streamlined construction to enhance capacity and reduce emissions at ports nationwide. Wong highlighted the importance of full federal support for these endeavors.
Despite a recent $20 billion boost, Wong noted that more investment is needed as annual appropriations for port infrastructure development programs have decreased in previous years. He urged Congress to fund port infrastructure projects at levels comparable to other modes of transportation to improve project delivery across all ports.
Wong also addressed deficiencies in the permitting process and regulatory environment, citing a shortage of officers and inspectors at U.S. Customs & Border Protection that impacts processing time at seaports. He highlighted the proposed CBP SPACE Act as a solution to address these specific needs.
The article also discussed the lack of competitiveness in U.S. ports compared to Chinese ports, emphasizing the need for a national maritime initiative to modernize and ensure safe maritime operations. The initiative would focus on incentivizing investment in American-flag commercial shipping, expanding shipbuilding and repair capacities, and enhancing maritime infrastructure resilience to cyber attacks.
In conclusion, the article emphasized the importance of safeguarding the nation’s ports economy and defense through a national maritime initiative to address sea blindness and enhance economic and national security. Please rewrite the following sentence:
“The cat jumped onto the table and knocked over the vase.”
Here is the rewritten sentence:
“The feline leaped onto the table and caused the vase to fall over.”
Source link
