Input Stories

As part of its Infrastructure Week activation, the NAM is advocating for increased, stable federal funding and a complete modernization of the permitting process that delays construction for years. But we also have good news about infrastructure to celebrate, including the Department of Transportation’s dispersal of federal funding into ports, roads and bridges around the country. Here are some recent highlights.

Funding for ports: Earlier this month, the DOT awarded $774 million in port infrastructure grants (Transport Topics), through its Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program.

• “The 37 awards are for projects at coastal seaports, Great Lakes ports and inland river ports. The largest total funding allocations were given to Alaska ($115.4 million), Texas ($97.7 million), Florida ($55.4 million), Georgia ($53 million) and Louisiana ($43.3 million).”

Port MacKenzie: Alaska’s Port MacKenzie will receive $34 million for an expansion project.

• “Funds will help build a 110-acre cargo laydown area and warehouse as well as complete a rail spur and rail loop,” while also supporting improved security and other upgrades.  

Port Houston: The grants also include $48 million for Texas’ Port Houston for upgrades at its Bayport Container Terminal (FreightWaves). The grant will help fund a new container yard and a new exit gate at the terminal.

• “The project is expected to increase capacity by about 440,000 TEUs and reduce congestion by cutting truck turn times, saving millions of hours over the life of the project.”

Safe streets and roads: The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—of which the NAM was a leading advocate—funded the Safe Streets and Roads for All program at the DOT, which is now in its final year and accepting applications (Smart Cities Dive).

• With $1 billion to disperse this year to communities around the country, the department funds “planning, infrastructure and other initiatives to prevent fatalities and serious injuries for all roadway users.”
• “The transportation department awarded $3.9 billion in federal funding to more than 2,000 communities in the first four fiscal years of the program.”

The NAM says: “Manufacturers and American communities depend not only on Congress to pass the legislation that funds essential infrastructure in their communities, but also on the Department of Transportation and other agencies to distribute it effectively and efficiently. The NAM commends the DOT and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy on ensuring these funds get where they need to go,” said NAM Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Policy Kirbie Ferrell.