AAPA maintains steady focus as federal funds thaw

Following widespread uncertainty around federal funding, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is pleased to report that EPA Clean Ports Program monies and grants administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation appear to be unfrozen, allowing grantees to access funds as normal. However, ports are still reporting slow communication with Federal Agency staff, and some ports who have received awards but have not yet signed grant contracts are reporting slow or frozen action on their permitting and grant agreements. AAPA is committed to ensuring ports receive all grant dollars authorized, appropriated, and obligated by the Federal Government. We will continue working closely with government contacts behind the scenes so that the full benefits of these grants can be realized.

To that end, there are several opportunities for our ports to partner with AAPA and advance our industry's cause. First, we encourage ports to continue keeping AAPA updated on any delays. AAPA is extensively tracking all reports of frozen, delayed, or normal action on all port member grants and sharing information with Federal Agency and Congressional staff regularly. Specific stories and examples are powerful tools to share with key decision makers in the Executive and Legislative branches as well as contacts in the media when necessary. Please reach out to Director of Government Relations, Ian Gansler, with any updates on federal funding.

Next, Congress has scheduled two hearings on Wednesday, February 26, related to spending programs relevant to ports:

• The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hold a hearing titled, "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Implementation and Case Studies" which starts at 10 a.m. ET.

◦ Coastal states represented on this Committee include Alaska, California, Delaware, Maryland, Mississippi, Ohio, Rhode Island, and South Carolina

• The House Energy and Commerce Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee will hold a hearing titled, "Examining the Biden Administration’s Energy and Environment Spending Push" starting at 10:30 a.m. ET.

AAPA staff is meeting with relevant Committee staff following the hearings. Ports are encouraged to contact their respective Members of Congress on these Committees, to share their support and success stories from mainstay grant funding programs and awards. AAPA is ready to support additional or specific follow ups as necessary.