Senator Coons joined his colleagues in the Senate in passing a bipartisan two-year transportation reauthorization last week. This bill includes funding for Amtrak and passenger rail programs, freight rail, bus and public transit, as well as bicycling and pedestrian program. In addition, the reauthorization saves or creates 2.9 million jobs and is fully paid for.
The bill also took a big step towards finally fixing the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) by including a “sense of the Senate” resolution stating we must act to address the chronic backlog of harbor maintenance projects at ports across the country. The resolution supports a bill introduced by Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, the bipartisan Harbor Maintenance Act of 2011, a revenue-neutral bill that requires the fees collected from the HMTF to be used for just that purpose, maintaining ports nationwide.
Currently, importers must pay a fee for utilization of U.S. ports, which is deposited into the HMTF to pay for operation and maintenance of our nations harbors. In recent years the fund has generated a surplus of over $5 billion. However, that surplus is not being spent on our maritime infrastructure, despite the fact that our navigable channels and ports are deteriorating.
The Army Corps of Engineers estimates that the nation’s 59 busiest ports are available less than 35% of the time because they are inadequately maintained. Chris believes this situation is holding back economic growth and job creation and that we must act to ensure that we have the necessary resources to maintain our ports and rivers, which is why he is a cosponsor of the Harbor Maintenance Act.
In 2010 alone, the ports and waterways of the United States were responsible for more than $1.4 trillion in waterborne commerce. The Port of Wilmington is critical to Delaware’s economy and is North America’s number one seaport for imports of fresh fruit, bananas, and juice concentrate. The port’s operations generated over 4,300 direct jobs and about 12,500 related jobs in 2011. Under-maintained maritime channels increase the risk of groundings and the cost of shipping, potentially damaging Delaware’s environment and economy.
This issue is important to the Port of Wilmington and full funding of the HMTF is supported by the Delaware Maritime community and the local International Longshoreman’s Association. Chris has been a vocal supporter of the need to invest in our nation’s infrastructure, and believes that they will not only create jobs in the short run but also enhance our long-term economic competitiveness.
While this “sense of the Senate” resolution is an important step and puts the Senate on the record as supporting the goals of the Harbor Maintenance Act, it is not binding and stronger legislation is needed to ensure that the Port of Wilmington and other ports and their commercial waterways remain safe and open for business. Chris will continue to advocate for the bi-partisan Harbor Maintenance Act and hopes that the Senate will act soon on this legislation.