AAPA Seaports Advisory
August 29, 2024
 
As Congress approaches the September 30 government funding deadline, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has reviewed the FY 2025 appropriations bills from both the House and Senate, comparing them to AAPA’s funding requests. The Senate has advanced eleven of twelve appropriations bills, while the House has passed five of its twelve bills. If Congress does not pass all appropriations bills or a Continuing Resolution (CR) by October 1, the government could shut down. A CR extending current funding levels is expected, but AAPA continues to advocate for port industry priorities, which will influence future negotiations. Key funding requests include significant investments in port infrastructure, security, and environmental programs.
 
Read AAPA’s letters to Congress with the industry’s appropriations requests here.
 
 
   
 
Early bird registration for the 2025 AAPA Port Opportunities with Energy, Resilience and Sustainability (POWERS) Summit & Expo is now OPEN. Happening on January 21–23, 2025 in Tampa Bay, participants will connect with industry leaders, explore groundbreaking innovations, and drive the future of sustainable port operations!
 
Highlights include engaging keynote speakers, interactive panel discussions, cutting-edge exhibitions, networking opportunities, and exclusive workshops.
 
Reserve your spot today to save money on registration.
 
We are pleased to welcome our newest members to AAPA. Your contributions are vital to our ongoing success, enrich our community, and drive our mission forward. Welcome aboard!
 
STAX Engineering offers emissions capture and control that makes critical industry tools eco-friendly, bridging the gap between the present and a clean-air future.
 
With approximately 900 lawyers across 18 offices, Seyfarth Shaw LLP provides advisory, litigation, and transactional legal services to clients worldwide.
 
HEVI is the first U.S. electric heavy equipment manufacturer to electrify our entire lineup of heavy equipment.
 
Organizational Development Resource Group, LLC
 
   
The Port of Montreal invites the public to the first-ever Port Day on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Grand Quay and Montreal Port Authority building. This free, family-friendly event will feature interactive exhibits on port operations, bus tours, and a variety of maritime-themed activities for all ages. Visitors can explore the Port's role in the community, enjoy food trucks, and take in breathtaking views from the Port of Montreal Tower. Visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the vital role the Port plays in Montreal's maritime and economic landscape.
 
The Port of Oakland saw a consistent rise in full container volume this July, with a 2.4% increase compared to July 2023. Over the past six months, full imports surged by 18.8% year-over-year, driven by strong demand for back-to-school and holiday goods. Despite a few canceled sailings reducing overall cargo volumes, the Port remains optimistic about sustained growth throughout the remainder of 2024.
 
 
   
The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) has appointed United Base Co., Ltd. as its official representative in Vietnam, enhancing trade opportunities between the Pacific Northwest and this vital market. With Vietnam as NWSA’s third-largest trading partner, accounting for 10% of its international containerized volume in 2023, this partnership will strengthen NWSA's position as a leading gateway for trade. The collaboration, led by Francis Lee, aims to boost agricultural exports and capture a larger share of imports, benefiting both U.S. producers and consumers. The partnership begins on September 1, 2024.
 
It was recently announced that voestalpine Roll Forming Corporation (RFC) is set to significantly expand its operations at the Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville, with a $77.9 million investment in a new production line for frame rails. This expansion will create over 100 new jobs that meet or exceed the average wage in Clark County. The project highlights RFC's commitment to the Jeffersonville community and reinforces Southern Indiana's role as a critical hub for industries ranging from aerospace to transportation. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation will support the expansion with up to $4 million in tax credits.
 
 
   
Video wall sponsorships are still available for the AAPA 113th Annual Convention & Expo in Boston. This is an incredible opportunity to secure prime placement for your business, guaranteed to be seen by hundreds of port CEOs and professionals, including some of the industry's top decision-makers. But, there's only a few spots remaining.
 
Reserve your 30-60 second video that will play on a loop for the full three-day convention by emailing your interest to Kevin Traver today.
 
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The Port of San Diego is advancing its Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Program (SSAP) to promote the growth of these emerging industries, which have strong potential for job creation. The program focuses on cultivating shellfish and seaweed, leveraging the region's favorable conditions and existing infrastructure. A discussion draft of the SSAP is now available for public review, and feedback is encouraged through October 25, 2024. The Port aims to develop this program to support future aquaculture growth while balancing environmental stewardship.
 
 
   
The Port of Redwood City is excited to welcome Chu Chang, Mike Claire, and Dani Gasparini as the newest Board of Port Commissioners, while thanking outgoing Commissioners Richard Claire, Ralph Garcia, and Lorianna Kastrop for their service. As summer wraps up, the Port invites everyone to enjoy waterfront activities, including the upcoming PortFest 2024 on October 5, featuring boat rides, live music, and more. The Port also honors National Coast Guard Day, celebrated on August 4, recognizing those who protect our maritime environment.
 
 
   
The Port of Portland, supported by a coalition of stakeholders, has presented Governor Tina Kotek with a business plan to maintain container service at Terminal 6, Oregon’s only international container terminal. The plan highlights the critical role of Terminal 6 in supporting the state’s economy, including creating 1,500 jobs and generating $20 million in state and local tax revenue annually. To continue operations and avoid further financial losses, the Port is seeking $40 million in state investment, including immediate operational support and future capital improvements. Governor Kotek has proposed this funding, which will be reviewed by legislators in September and during the 2025 Legislative Session.
 
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
 
   
Keynote Speaker Jason Schenker, Chairman of The Futurist Institute & President of Prestige Economics will speak on Future Trends, Opportunities, and Risks for Port Growth in the Americas at the AAPA 113th Annual Convention & Expo on October 27-30 in Boston.
 
Join the top-ranked economist, bestselling author, and futurist Jason Schenker for a high-energy discussion of the most important trends that will shape the future of port growth in the Americas for years to come. This keynote will focus on critical dynamics in the economy, including growth, inflation, interest rates, the health of consumer and labor markets. The talk will include a non-partisan discussion of the upcoming 2024 U.S. election and its potential policy impacts on trade, taxes, and manufacturing. This discussion will also include an evaluation of global supply chain threats, tariffs, labor market tightness, and evolving trade flows likely to stem from Cold War Two geopolitical risks. Register to attend today.
 
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves has provided an update on his "24 for '24" priorities, a comprehensive set of goals aimed at enhancing city services and infrastructure. Key projects include the upcoming construction at Terminal 6, significant investments in affordable housing initiatives, and the commencement of major revitalization efforts like the Brownsville Commercial Revitalization Project and the Hollice T. Williams Greenway. The city is also focused on improving internal communications, modernizing customer service, and enhancing public spaces. The strategic plan is expected to be completed and presented in October.
 
 
   
The Port of Port Arthur Navigation District has released information regarding the 2024 property tax rates. The notice details two key tax rates: the no-new-revenue tax rate, which would impose the same amount of taxes as last year on properties taxed in both years, and the voter-approval tax rate, the maximum rate that can be adopted without requiring an election. Both rates are calculated per $100 of property value as required by state law.
 
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Managing Director, Economic Development; Seattle, Washington; Port of Seattle
 
Port Engineer; Palm Beach, Florida; Port of Palm Beach
 
CEO & Executive Director; New Orleans, Louisiana; The Port of New Orleans
 
Director of Communications; Port of Long Beach, California; Port of Long Beach
 
President and Chief Executive Officer; San Diego, California; Port of San Diego
 
Chief Human Resources Officer; Tacoma, Washington; Port of Tacoma
 
EMEA Technical Operations Manager; Dublin, Ireland; Cushman Wakefield Multifamily
 
Green Marine
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC
10
Sep 2024
 
Join AAPA and BOXBAY for a free upcoming webinar on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 from 1-2pm ET. 
 
10
Sep 2024
 
Time: 1:00-2:00 pm ET
Meeting Topic: Path Forward
 
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA Staff Liaison, Charissa Meikle.
10
Sep 2024
 
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm ET
Meeting Topic: Port Security Grant Program
 
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA Staff Liaison, Holden Haley.
11
Sep 2024
 
Time: 3:00-4:00 pm ET
 
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA Staff Liaison, Melodie George.
13
Sep 2024
 
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm ET
Meeting Topic: Corn Belt Ports
 
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA Staff Liaison, Shannon McLeod.
18
Sep 2024
 
Time: 3:00-4:00 pm ET
Meeting Topic: Light Pollution
 
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA Staff Liaison, Ian Gansler.
19
Sep 2024
 
Join AAPA and BayoTech for a free webinar on Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 1-2pm ET.
 
7
Oct 2024
 
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm ET
Meeting Topic: Legislative Update - Cruise Restrictions Discussion
 
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA Staff Liaison, Shawn Balcomb.
27
Oct 2024
 
October 27-30, 2024, Boston, MA
Register Here 
Orion Marine Group