Page 25: of Marine News Magazine (December 2016)

24 26

An analysis of TIGER funded projects tells the story. MARAD has helped complete 44 intermodal projects at ports that were funded through the Department’s TIGER discretionary grant program. Analysis of data collected from these projects reveals a wide range in costs for four main project types. If we just look at the average cost, it does not seem daunting for regions to get port and intermodal infrastructure ready for the next 40 to 50 years.

There has been a ? urry recently of government interest ing what other federal programs may be available to help in ports. This is also true within the U.S. Department of ports. But sometimes ports – the ultimate intermodal hubs

Transportation, which is responsible for the many facets of of the U.S. – have dif? culty competing for funds under our national transportation system. With a strong heritage other programs. And why does this matter?

of safety, and a mission that strives to ensure a fast, safe, An analysis of TIGER funded projects tells the story. ef? cient, accessible and convenient transportation system, MARAD has helped complete 44 intermodal projects at the Department views ports as a part of the overall system. ports that were funded through the Department’s TIGER

When the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was discretionary grant program. Analysis of data collected from launched in 2009, it established the ? rst national multi- these projects reveals a wide range in costs for four main modal infrastructure discretionary grant program that in- project types. (This is understandable as some projects are cluded ports as eligible applicants. more complex than others.) If we just look at the average

Beginning in 2010, the TIGER discretionary grant cost, it does not seem daunting for regions to get port and program also offered funding to infrastructure projects intermodal infrastructure ready for the next 40 to 50 years. for all modes of transportation including ports, and it has But we need to realize that these grant awards cover been oversubscribed in every one of its eight Rounds. The only a portion of the industries’ infrastructure needs. In

FAST Act of December 2015 established the freight in- 2015, the American Association of Port Authorities identi- frastructure grants under the FASTLANE program – and ? ed 125 additional projects at its member ports that are ports are once again invited to compete with the other estimated to cost $28.9 billion, and we can wonder how modes. A pattern is emerging where ports are eligible to those improvements will be made. If ports cannot afford to compete for freight infrastructure funds because they are improve facilities through traditional means, what options a part of our nation’s transportation system … and not are available to them? Will investors – public or private – because they are ports. see a good investment in a safe harbor?

In 2010, the National Defense Authorization Act autho- I argue that the de? nition of ports, our perception of rized the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to establish them and how we talk about them will determine the fu- the Port Infrastructure Development Program to promote, ture ability of communities and our nation to attract part- encourage, and develop ports and transportation facilities ners who will care enough to ensure that ports – as part of in connection with water commerce. MARAD works hard our national system of transportation systems – will be able to assist ports and communities meet future regional and to meet our future freight needs. Who will rise to champion national freight needs. We do this by administering pro- a revolution in our public perception of ports – and who grams such as TIGER and FASTLANE, as well as explor- will champion a better de? nition for the 21st Century?

Projects completed / Cost Ranges

Lauren K. Brand, a member of the Senior Executive Service,

Number Project Average Range in Mil- became the Associate Administrator responsible for Ports and

Completed Type Cost lions

Waterways programs within the Maritime Administration in

January 2015. In this capacity, Mrs. Brand directs StrongPorts, 15Berths$18.56M$2.32 to $47.8 a national port infrastructure modernization program in excess 6Connector $1.58M$0.15 to $3.50 of $1.7 billion – that includes TIGER and FASTLANE

Roads discretionary funds as well as other federal assistance. She is 13Connector $14.31M$1.89 to $43.15 responsible for the continued development of America’s Marine

Rail

Highway initiative and manages the Agency’s offshore energy licensing projects (the Deepwater Port Program).

10Rail Yards$18.48M$2.40 to $108.80

Source: U.S. DOT / Maritime Administration www.marinelink.com

MN 25

MN Dec16 Layout 18-31.indd 25 MN Dec16 Layout 18-31.indd 25 11/21/2016 11:13:09 AM11/21/2016 11:13:09 AM