Imagine a cargo ship laden with goods from around the world finally approaching U.S. shores after a long voyage, only to encounter congested docks, outdated equipment, and lengthy delays. This scenario isn't fiction—it reflects the current reality of America's strained supply chains, where aging port infrastructure has become a bottleneck for economic growth.
Historic Investment in Port Infrastructure
The Biden administration has positioned port modernization as a cornerstone of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), allocating $17 billion—the largest federal investment in U.S. port history—to coastal ports, inland waterways, and border crossings. This funding aims to both provide immediate relief and build long-term resilience in supply chains.
Key Allocation Areas:
- Coastal ports: Upgrading berths, cranes, and terminal operations to reduce vessel wait times
- Inland waterways: Improving locks, dams, and navigation channels to enhance barge transport
- Border crossings: Modernizing inspection facilities to accelerate international trade
White House Action Plan
The administration has implemented a six-point strategy to expedite infrastructure improvements:
1. Enhanced Funding Flexibility
Port authorities can now redirect cost savings to address immediate supply chain challenges, with streamlined approval processes accelerating project implementation.
2. Savannah Port Expansion
A $8 million investment will create five pop-up container yards in Georgia and North Carolina, freeing valuable portside land and improving cargo flow through America's leading agricultural export hub.
3. Port Infrastructure Grants
Over $240 million will be distributed within 45 days through the Port Infrastructure Development Program—the only federal initiative exclusively dedicated to port modernization.
4. Army Corps of Engineers Projects
Within 60 days, $4 billion will be allocated to deepen harbors and repair aging infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels.
5. Border Crossing Upgrades
$3.4 billion will modernize northern and southern border facilities within 90 days to facilitate more efficient international commerce.
6. Additional Funding Rounds
An initial $475 million in competitive grants will be awarded for port and marine highway infrastructure improvements.
Industry Priorities and Future Vision
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has long advocated for:
- 100% multimodal funding for freight projects
- A comprehensive national freight strategy
- Creation of a federal infrastructure and multimodal policy office
AAPA's ambitious proposal includes $20 billion for deepwater port connections, funding for electrification and zero-emission equipment, $6 billion for coastal navigation projects, and $500 million for offshore wind port development.
The Road Ahead
This port modernization initiative represents more than immediate supply chain relief—it's a strategic investment in America's long-term economic competitiveness. By enhancing operational efficiency and multimodal connectivity, these improvements will strengthen U.S. participation in global trade while creating employment opportunities and potentially lowering consumer costs.