Emergency Dredging Planned for the Murderkill River
An emergency dredging project is set to begin and be completed by the end of August to restore navigability in the Murderkill River, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced on Tuesday. Permitted by and with modification approvals from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and DNREC regulators, the project calls for removing approximately 52,000 cubic yards of sediment from the riverâs navigation channel. DNREC will then make beneficial reuse of the dredged sand to nourish up to 1âŚ
WRDA 2020 Winds its Way to Passage
In early October, Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI) reported in its newsletter Capitol Currents that the future of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020 hung in the balance, with many unknowns for its chances of being signed into law during the Lame Duck session of Congress that just concluded in late December.But despite twists and turns and a roller coaster ride, WRDA was, indeed, passed by Congress on December 21 as part of the FY21 Omnibus Appropriations that included a $900 billion COVID Relief package.
WRDA 2020: A Historic Win for Inland Waterways -WCI
On December 21, as part of an Omnibus Appropriations and COVID-19 relief funding package, the U.S. House of Representatives passed (359 yeas to 53 nays), and later the U.S. Senate passed (92 to 6) the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020. Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI) called it a historic win for the inland waterways.The package included WCIâs top priority to adjust the cost-share for construction and major rehabilitation of inland waterways projects from 50% InlandâŚ
INLAND FINANCE: But I Donât Need That Much
When enough to meet the need is not enough to get the help.From my office window in downtown St. Louis, I can see a dramatic illustration of the inefficiency in how our country moves freight. My office faces east, and I look down on a stretch of Interstate 70, that major east-west highway that runs from Baltimore to Interstate 15 in Utah. It is not unusual to see the traffic on this highway heavily congested, even at a standstill at times. This congested traffic usually includes many tractor-trailer trucks.
Virginia-Class Submarine Delaware Christened
Huntington Ingalls Industries christened the Virginia-class submarine Delaware (SSN 791) this morning at the companyâs Newport News Shipbuilding division.Jill Biden, the former Second Lady of the United States and the shipâs sponsor, smashed a bottle of sparkling wine against the hull, celebrating the latest milestone of the newest U.S. Navy vessel prior to its launch.âI know it is a tremendous privilege to be selected as a pre-commission crew member, and the sailors standing with us today are the very best the Navy has to offer,â Biden said. âI am grateful to become part of the USS Delaware family and to be their shipmate for life.âThe ceremony took place in Newport Newsâ Module Outfitting Facility and was attended by more than 1,500 guests, including Delaware Gov. John Carney; Sen.
AAPA Mourns Loss of Voinovich
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA)âthe unified and recognized voice of seaports in the Americas â today is mourning the loss of one of Ohioâs most prominent politicians and citizens, George Voinovich, who died in his sleep early Sunday morning just weeks before his 80th birthday. According to AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle, the former Cleveland mayor, Ohio state representative and Ohio governor who later became one of the most popular U.S. senators of his generation, was instrumental in helping Americaâs ports enhance air quality in their communities. âSen. Voinovich was a unifier who represented the best aspects of a dedicated public servant,â said Mr. Nagle. âAlong with Brian Mormino, Sen.
Chilean President Visits Port of Wilmington
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet paid a long-postponed visit to one of her nation's top export destinations, an official call at the Port of Wilmington that ended with private talks on terms aimed at keeping Delaware firmly tied to Chile's trade route. Delaware State announced plans to renew its business relationship with the South American country. The President was welcomed by Governor Jack Markell, U.S. Senator Tom Carper, Congressman John Carney, and dozens of other state and local officials. Delaware is a major entry point for shipments of Chilean fruit. "It has been a great opportunity for me to see how this important port operatesâŚ
AAPA Applauds Senate's MAP-21 Freight Focus Bill
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) says it praises the leadership of the U.S. Senateâs Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee for releasing the six-year MAP-21 Reauthorization Act (S. 2322) that puts a high priority on freight movement investments. âWe commend Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA and Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee), Senator David Vitter (R-LA and Ranking Member of the Committee), Senator Tom Carper (D-DE and Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee) and Senator John Barrasso (R-WY and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee) for introducing the MAP-21 Reauthorization ActâŚ
Multimodal Leaders to Discuss Freight Infrastructure
Trucking, rail and port panelists will explore the benefits of improving Americaâs intermodal freight transportation system. On May 13, American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) President and CEO Kurt Nagle will join forces with CEOs representing trucking, railroad and other transportation interests who will offer a host of oftentimes startling facts, surprising statistics and unique stories about the value of investing in our nationâs freight transportation infrastructure in Washington D.C.
Boxer, Shuster to be AAPAâs 2014 âPort Persons of Yearâ
U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) have been jointly selected to receive the American Association of Port Authoritiesâ (AAPA) 2014 âPort Person of the Yearâ award. The bi-partisan nomination for AAPAâs most prestigious annual award was submitted by the California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA). Marking its 102nd year as the Western Hemisphereâs leading trade association representing port authorities, AAPA selected Sen. Boxer and Cong. Shuster based on their dedication to improving Americaâs water resources, infrastructure and freight transportation policy. Their work toward reforming federal water resources development legislationâŚ
What Will WRDA Legislation Bring?
On November 8, speaking at the Port of New Orleans, President Obama said â⌠corn and wheat is coming down from my home state of Illinois down the river, ending up here and then going all around the world. This was a victory for the inland waterways industry because while the President has recognized ports, dams, levees, trains, trucks and other transportation infrastructure, he has not, heretofore, underscored the value of the inland waterways. The Presidentâs recognition of theâŚ
DHS Opens Headquarters on St. Elizabeths Campus
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Dan Tangherlini has officially opened the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Consolidated Headquarters campus with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the newly built U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters building. The opening of the new facility marks the completion of the first phase of the consolidation project on St. Elizabeths west campus. âToday, we take a major step forward in making our âOne DHSâ vision a reality,â said Secretary Napolitano. âWe are proud to provide the U.S. Coast Guard with a facility that will support the important work they do for the American people,â said GSA Administrator Dan Tangherlini.
AAPA to Honor Hahn, Poe
U.S. Reps Janice Hahn & Ted Poe to Accept AAPAâs âPort Person of Yearâ Award at March 19 Event in D.C.; AAPAâs 2013 âSpring Conferenceâ to focus on key seaport priorities: infrastructure, security, trade. U.S. Representatives Janice Hahn (D-CA) and Ted Poe (R-TX) will be honored on March 19 as the American Association of Port Authoritiesâ (AAPA) 2013 âPort Persons of the Yearâ during the associationâs annual Spring Conference event, March 18-19, at The Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel.
New USS Attack Submarine Sponsored by Second Lady
At Pentagon ceremony Dr Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, with Navy Secretary Ray Mabus announce the new sub's name to be 'USS Delaware'. Wherever the USS Delaware goes after she is launched in 2018, a "piece of my heart will go with her," said Dr. Jill Biden, who will sponsor the Navy's newest Virginia-class fast-attack submarine. Delaware's Sen. Tom Carper and Lt. Gov. Matt Denn also attended the ceremony announcing the submarine's name. Vice President Joe Biden also attended the ceremony and donned a blue ball cap bearing the name of the submarine. This is the seventh U.S.
Mica is AAPA 'Port Person of the Year'
U.S. Rep. John Mica To Accept AAPA âPort Person Of Yearâ Award At March 20 Event Luncheon. AAPA Centennial âSpring Conferenceâ Speakers Will Focus On Raising Priorities For Freight Infrastructure. U.S. Congressman John Mica (R-FL) will be honored on March 20 as the American Association of Port Authoritiesâ (AAPA) âPort Person of the Yearâ during the associationâs 100th anniversary Spring Conference event, March 19-20, at The Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel. Celebrating its first century as the Western Hemisphereâs leading trade association representing port authoritiesâŚ
AAPA's 'U.S. Port Person Of The Year' Award
Award to precede speech on grant opportunities for reducing diesel emissions. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) will be honored in Wilmington, Del., on Oct. 7 as the American Association of Port Authoritiesâ (AAPA) âU.S. Port Person of the Yearâ at a special luncheon given by the Port of Wilmington Maritime Society. AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle will present the award in recognition of Sen. Carperâs many contributions toward improving the nationâs transportation infrastructure, including its deep-draft navigation channels. The award also credits Sen. Carper for his work on enhancing U.S.
Bill Seeks to Spark Offshore Wind Investment
According to a report on SustainableBusiness.com, bipartisan legislation was introduced in the US Senate would create incentives for investments in offshore wind energy. Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) introduced the "Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act," which extends investment tax credits for the first 3,000 MW of offshore wind facilities placed into service - roughly 600 wind turbines. (Source: Sustainable Business.com)
AAPA Hails Senate Passage of Water Resources Development Act
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) welcomed the U.S. Senateâs approval last evening of the long-pending Water Resources Development Act (S. 728), which addresses a six-year backlog of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers programs, including navigation projects, policies and procedures necessary to keep pace with todayâs burgeoning trade. The bill also includes a number of important provisions for the Corps, such as an amendment proposed by Sens. Tom Carper (D-DE) and Arlen Specter (R-PA) to strike decommissioning language for the Corps dredge McFarland and lift restrictions on two other Corps dredges (the Yaquina and Essayons). âAAPA and our member ports are very pleased that this critical piece of legislation is finally headed to conference, thanks in large measure to Sen.