Logistics managers can help ports achieve their infrastructure goals

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has launched a campaign is urging Congress to meet the dredging funding commitments made in the 2014 Water Resources Reform & Development Act (WRRDA).

Dubbed “Hit the HMT Target!” the AAPA is asking stakeholders to speak with one voice on the issue.

WRRDA established a new funds distribution approach to address increased Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) related appropriations, including funding for expanded uses at donor ports, emerging harbors, underserved and Great Lakes ports. 

It established incrementally increasing targets over a 10-year period culminating with full use of HMT revenues beginning in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. AAPA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, along with individual ports and other maritime stakeholders, are pressing Congress to “Hit the HMT Target!” each fiscal year, beginning in FY 2015.

As our readers know, ports have a vital role in job creation and economic prosperity for every American and every constituent – even though most Congressional Districts do not themselves contain ports.

The HMT is collected from users to fund navigation channel maintenance, enabling freight movement to and from the global marketplace.  HMT tax collections and interest are estimated to be $1.79 billion in FY 2014. This tax must be fairly and equitably utilized.

Now Congress needs to “Hit the HMT Target!” in the Energy and Water Development Act appropriations. FY 2015 has a target of 67 percent of FY 2014 HMT revenues - $1.17 billion.  The House hit the HMT target, thanks to a floor amendment that passed overwhelmingly 281-137. The Senate subcommittee report proposes to appropriate $1.075 billion, which while an increase over FY 2014 funds, does not hit the target.

Navigation Stakeholder Opportunities for Involvement:

• Navigation Stakeholders are encouraged to add their organization’s name to a letter to House and Senate appropriators urging Congress to “Hit the HMT Target!” To add your organization’s name to the letter, please contact Lois McKuhen.

Congressional Opportunities for Involvement:

• U.S. Senators can sign onto a “Dear Colleague” letter to Senate appropriators.
• House Members can sign onto a “Dear Colleague” letter to House appropriators.