AAPA Seaports Advisory
March 11, 2020
 
   
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced the availability of $9.5 million in grant funding for the America’s Marine Highway Program (AMHP) that supports port and landside infrastructure development and expansion projects. Eligible projects for grant awards are Marine Highway Projects previously designated by the Secretary of Transportation. Applications for the grants are due by 5:00 p.m. EDT on April 10. Additional information is available in the Federal Register notice or by contacting Fred Jones, Office of Ports and Waterways Planning, at Fred.Jones@dot.gov or 202-366-1123.
 
Nucor Skyline
Center for Advances in Port Management, Lamar University
 
   
AAPA announced it has cancelled the annual Spring Conference and Fly-In next week (March 17-19) in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The Executive Committee of AAPA convened yesterday via conference call to discuss appropriate actions based on guidance by U.S. health experts to help control the spread of COVID-19. AAPA’s top priority is the health and safety of its members, staff, stakeholders, families and community.

You must cancel your own hotel room by tomorrow, March 12, directly with the Grand Hyatt at (202) 582-1234 to avoid any cancellation penalties on your end. For additional information, click on the link below.
 
The Association will conduct necessary governance meetings virtually next week on March 17-18 (the same dates as the cancelled Spring Conference) between 1:00-4:00 p.m. EDT. The Executive Committee, Legislative Policy Council and Board of Directors will all convene via virtual meeting, as will a Port Directors Only meeting. If you are a member of these groups, you will receive calendar invitations with virtual meeting information.

In addition, AAPA is working to reschedule the Finance Seminar that was scheduled for April 15-16 in Seattle. New dates will be announced soon.
 
 
   
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is present throughout the Western Hemisphere, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently issued guidance regarding cruise travel. AAPA encourages cruise ports throughout the Western Hemisphere to play a leadership role in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Respecting the significant expertise that public health officials and others bring to the disease response, we strongly recommend that ports support screening and quarantine protocols recommended or mandated by these agencies. The resources required to successfully implement screening and quarantine protocols will likely vary from port to port, and we encourage ports to be meaningful partners with public health agencies in implementing these protocols.
 
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A reduction of ship visits attributed to the coronavirus outbreak overseas contributed to cargo volume decline at the Port of Long Beach in February. Terminal operators and dockworkers moved 538,428 TEUs last month, down 9.8% compared to February 2019. Imports dropped 17.9% to 248,592 TEUs, while exports increased 19.3% to 125,559 TEUs. The coronavirus is taking a toll on cargo volume at the Port of Los Angeles. The Port moved 544,037 TEUs in February, a 22.9% decrease compared to last year. “While cargo volumes are important, the coronavirus is first and foremost a public health crisis that needs to be brought under control with the collaboration of governments and medical experts from around the world,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka.
 
 
   
The Port of Hueneme hosted its first-ever job fair, offering 450 members of the local community the opportunity to apply for over 200 jobs. The City of Chula Vista and the Port of San Diego invite the public to take an online survey that will help guide the branding of the Chula Vista bayfront. The Port of Vancouver USA is postponing two March public events in response to recommendations by health care professionals to practice social distancing and limit possible exposure to the COVID-19 virus. 
 
The Port of Coos Bay announced the opening of the Lost Creek Rock Products Coastal Reload Yard on the North Spit in Coos County, Oregon. Lost Creek and the Port will be jointly marketing the facility to support job growth, enhance economic vitality and reduce truck traffic on the Coastal Highways. 
 
 
   
Seaport OPX is responsible for the development and 24/7 operational management of cloud-based services to ports and waterway operators, owners and regulators. Its core service, a digital port solution, NCOS Online, uses the most advanced physic-based technology to support its large vessel traffic management system. Seaport OPX is a wholly owned subsidiary of DHI, an independent, international research and consulting organization with more than 50 years of experience in over 30 countries, delivering innovative technologies within the fields of water and environment.
 
For the first time in its 50-year history, the Port of Cleveland has a female Chairperson leading the board of directors. The Port Authority also made history by appointing an all-female slate of officers including newly elected Chairwoman Jan Roller, Vice Chair Patricia Ramsey and Secretary/Fiscal Officer Harriet Applegate. The Ports of Indiana Commission selected Micah Vincent as its next chair, succeeding Ken Kaczmarek, who previously served as chairman for 15 years. David Fagan was also recently appointed commissioner and replaces Miriam Robeson.
 
For the eighth consecutive year, the Port of Brownsville Finance Department earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its 2019 comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).
 
Green Marine
Director of Sales, Vancouver, WA; Port of Vancouver USA

Engineering Project Manager, Philadelphia, PA; PhilaPort

Commercial Strategy Manager, Portland, OR; Port of Portland

Director of Communications, Oakland, CA; Port of Oakland

Assistant Director of Program Management, Long Beach, CA; Port of Long Beach

Director of Communications, Vancouver, WA; Port of Vancouver USA
 
12
Mar 2020
 
with Dr. Walter Kemmsies
2:00 PM EDT
Staff Contact: Tom Hranac
13
Mar 2020
 
with Alysa Hutnick from the firm of Kelley Drye
12:00 PM EDT
Staff Contact: Cary Davis
24
Mar 2020
 
with MARAD staff to discuss the requirements for PIDP grants 
4:00 PM EDT
Staff Contact: Evan Chapman