On October 28, the Department of Transportation announced over $703 million to fund over 40 projects that will improve port facilities through the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Program. More than 60% of the awards will go to ports in historically disadvantaged communities. Ocean-related investments include:
Ports are hotspots of local emissions and air pollutants, with frontline workers and nearby communities–often historically marginalized and environmental justice communities–suffering disproportionate harm from these pollutants. These investments represent a step in the right direction, but more is needed, including more funding for zero-emissions technology at ports; more stringent emissions regulations for ships from EPA and state-level agencies; and congressional action on maritime decarbonization as outlined in Rep. Lowenthal’s Clean Shipping Act.
Please thank Transportation Secretary Buttigieg and the Department of Transportation for this announcement and celebrate these ocean investments that will benefit port communities, our ocean, and our climate.