The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) welcomed news that Congress has completed negotiations on the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that specifies the budget, expenditures and policies of the U.S. Department of Defense. Included in that legislation is language to establish a new Maritime Transportation System Emergency Relief Program (MTSERP) to provide needed funding to ports following natural disasters and emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
AAPA President and CEO Christopher J. Connor said, “AAPA thanks House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) for their stalwart support and hard-fought efforts to protect and ensure the viability of our nation’s ports. They are the true champions of the emergency relief program for ports in the NDAA. Our next steps are to strongly advocate that Congress pass this bill and then appropriate funds to this new emergency relief program in the next COVID-19 relief package.”
“By putting forward this legislation, it’s clear that Congress understands the nation’s need for strong and resilient ports and supply chains,” said Mr. Connor. He added: “Including the new Maritime Transportation System Emergency Relief Program in the FY21 NDAA bill is a definitive statement by our federal policymakers about the criticality of America’s ports and how essential they are in keeping the goods we need and depend on moving, whatever the circumstances or calamities that may impact them. We hope that Congress passes this proposal soon, and that President Trump signs it into law.”