ASCE to Release New Report Detailing Trade Impacts

ASCE to Release New Report Detailing Trade Impacts of Failing to Invest in America’s Seaports/Inland Waterways. Engineers, International Trade and Ports Experts to Outline Modernization Needs; Opportunities for Job Creation

The nation’s seaports and inland waterways are critical links that make commerce possible. With the expansion of the Panama Canal by 2015, these facilities require rapid modernization. Recognizing this, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) will unveil a new economic study on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th at 10 AM.  The study measures the impacts on jobs, GDP and other economic indicators if the nation fails to meet the investment needs of our ports infrastructure on our national economy. Attendees can RSVP by emailing [email protected].

The nation’s ports facilitate international trade, a significant driver of growth in the U.S. economy.  Exports alone supported approximately 9.7 million jobs in 2011 with every billion dollars of exports supporting 5,080 domestic jobs.

The expansion of the Panama Canal will transform the trade sector by opening the route to larger ships that require wider and deeper harbors at port facilities.  Ports throughout the world are focused on ensuring they remain competitive by preparing their facilities to accommodate these larger vessels. The U.S. must make the same type of infrastructure improvements or we will fall behind.

The fourth report in ASCE’s Failure to Act series quantifies the macro costs to the economy of unmet investment needs in America’s waterborne and airport infrastructure – including job losses, impacts on GDP, U.S. exports, household budgets and personal incomes. It also projects the level of investment needed by 2020 to circumvent these consequences.

The panel discussion will convene experts in international trade, ports, and inland waterways to explore the report’s implications for U.S. consumers and businesses and discuss other near-term challenges facing the sector.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the moderator-led discussion and a light breakfast will be provided.

WHAT:

Panel Discussion/Teleconference to Discuss the Release of Failure to Act: The Economic Impact of Current Investment Trends in Airports, Inland Waterways, and Marine Ports Infrastructure

WHO:

.Andy Herrmann, P.E., President of American Society of Civil Engineers
(ASCE)

.Grant D. Aldonas, Principal Managing Director of Split Rock International, Former Under Secretary of Department of Commerce for International Trade

.Stephen A. Curtis, P.E., At-Large Director of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

. Rick Calhoun, Immediate Past Chairman of Waterways Council, Inc., President, Cargo Carriers, a business of Cargill, Inc.

.Jerry A. Bridges, Chairman of the American Association of Ports Authorities and Executive Director, Virginia Port Authority

WHEN:
Thursday, Sept. 13th, 10:00 a.m. EST

WHERE:

The Glover Park Group,  1025 F Street NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC

*The GPG offices are located on F Street NW between 10th and 11th streets directly above the Metro Center metro stop.

DIAL-IN:

Call Name: American Society of Civil Engineers Seaport and Inland Waterway Infrastructure report

888-778-8895 (U.S. and Canada), 2786041 (teleconference access ID)

RSVP:  Attendees are asked to RSVP by emailing [email protected].