Although America’s ports support more than a quarter of the US economy and 31 million American jobs, these front-line facilities still haven’t received federal funding to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite emergency relief for other transportation sectors. That may change with passage of the Maritime Transportation System Emergency Relief Act (MTSERA).
Introduced in July, MTSERA was later included as an amendment to the House’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) urged Congress to pass this proposal as soon as possible. The House voted to approve the act Dec. 8, and the Senate was expected to vote any day as this issue of The Journal of Commerce went to press.
MTSERA authorizes the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) to provide grants to ports to cover pandemic-related costs, including emergency response, cleaning, staffing, workforce retention, paid leave, procurement of personal protective equipment, and debt service payments. AAPA has steadfastly requested $1.5 billion in COVID-19 relief for ports since the outset of the pandemic.
Long-term, following a hurricane, earthquake, tsunami, flood, pandemic, or other disaster, MSTERA enables Congress and MARAD to provide crucial emergency grants. This will help America’s seaports maintain an adequate state of readiness to meet the requirements of US manufacturers, shippers, employers, farmers, and consumers.
AAPA also urged $1 billion in supplemental funding to augment MARAD’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) in the FY21 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill. These funds, in addition to $300 million proposed in the FY21 PIDP appropriation, would be instrumental in modernizing port infrastructure nationwide.
Every day, America’s seaports deliver critical goods and materials to communities fighting COVID-19. Essential port personnel, who aren’t able to work remotely, ensure that consumer goods get to the doorsteps of millions of Americans who are safely working from home. It’s vital that Congress provide America’s ports with the resources necessary to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, and to ensure the long-term strength and resilience of our country’s transportation infrastructure.