The AAPA Legal Issues Workshop, held on February 22 at the offices of Port Houston, featured a number of timely legal topics. The morning sessions addressed leasing issues, ranging from assignment and subleasing to regulatory restrictions under the Shipping Act and recent Federal Maritime Commission decisions. Panelists also discussed the use of eminent domain and condemnation authority, as well as the litigation challenges involved, including a Louisiana Supreme Court decision handed down just 3 weeks prior to the event. The workshop concluded with a discussion of emergency management—from drills to best practices to insurance recovery techniques. The 50-plus workshop attendees were very engaged in the discussions, which made for aninteractive and engaging program. The presentations and other supporting materials are posted on the AAPA website.  

Port Canaveral expanded its parking lot at the Cove on the port’s south side. Eight new shuttle trucks are being prepared for service at Virginia International Gateway (VIG) to support the Port of Virginia's capacity expansion project.

The Port of Los Angeles announced results from the 2017 program and publicly recognized the 11 shipping companies that participated in an initiative to cut air pollution and protect whales. The Port of San Diego and City of Chula Vista are joining the City of Imperial Beach in suing a federal agency to halt the flow of toxic waste and sewage from the Tijuana River to the Pacific Ocean.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed outer harbor dredging at the Port of Savannah, marking the midpoint of the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP). 

The Port of Long Beach is accepting applications during the month of March for its community sponsorship program. The Harbor Department provides sponsorship funds to local groups for community events and programs that help inform residents about the port's role as an economic engine and a leader in environmental sustainability.

A new rail spur is handling inbound freight in the Port of Coos Bay because of the collaborative efforts of a tribal entity, a public agency and a private business. Highly trained master riggers moved two locomotives each weighing more than 363,000 pounds through the heavy lift and specialty cargo berth at JAXPORT's Blount Island Marine Terminal.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority released the 2017 year-end statistics for cargo through the Port of Vancouver. Overall cargo volume through the port reached a record high of 142.1 million tons, up five percent from 2016.