TPA applauds House T&I Committee passage of WRRDA legislation

TAMPA, Fla.— The Tampa Port Authority (TPA) is very pleased to recognize and strongly support yesterday’s passage of legislation through the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee that streamlines and reforms federal processes related to dredging in our nation’s harbors. This legislation also authorizes needed investment in various American seaports, and it also ensures that more of the $1.8 billion paid by users into the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund is used for its intended purpose by maintaining channels in our nation’s ports.

Thursday of this week, the Committee voted to pass the Committee-drafted Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), H.R. 3080. The Committee press release is available here. The bill is expected to be voted on by the House in October and then be conferenced with the Senate bill.

“WRRDA passage is of critical importance to America’s seaports and to our economic health in the years ahead. The time is now to move ahead with full passage of the bill and to get on track with many projects that have been lagging for years. We at the Port of Tampa are extremely pleased to see movement on the legislation and look forward to the pieces finally coming together for America’s ports,” Paul Anderson, port president and CEO, said. “America is a seafaring nation and cargo is the currency of the world. Our nation’s competitive position in the world marketplace depends on shipping channels that are adequately dredged to support the delivery of America’s goods in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner. This legislation will strengthen and accelerate the navigation project delivery system in our country.”

The Tampa Port Authority acknowledges the leadership of T&I Committee Chairman Bill Shuster, Committee Ranking Member Nick Rahall, as well as Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Bob Gibbs and Subcommittee Ranking Member Tim Bishop. The port authority also gratefully recognizes the tremendous bipartisan support of this legislation from the Florida Congressional Delegation. Leaders from business and port organizations from throughout Florida have rallied in strong support of this legislation, as have leaders from the highest levels of Florida’s state government.

The Tampa Port Authority looks forward to passage of this legislation by the full House soon, followed by a timely conference committee that effectively reconciles the House and Senate versions.

One of the nation’s largest and most cargo-diverse seaports, the Port of Tampa is the largest economic engine in west-central Florida, supporting about 80,000 jobs and generating $15.1 billion in annual economic impact. For more information about the Port of Tampa, visit www.tampaport.com.