U.S. Port Person of the Year champions inland waterways

The nation’s inland waterways are a vital and “green” transportation resource that has only a handful of champions in Government. It is reassuring, then, to note that Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) will be honored in Wilmington, Del. today as the American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) “U.S. Port Person of the Year” at a special luncheon given by the Port of Wilmington Maritime Society.

AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle will present the award in recognition of Sen. Carper’s many contributions toward improving the nation’s transportation infrastructure, including its deep-draft navigation channels.  The award also credits Sen. Carper for his work on enhancing U.S. port security and reducing harmful diesel emissions at seaports and other transportation facilities.

AAPA’s Port Person of the Year award is presented to honor an individual or individuals whose outstanding work or service has made a significant contribution to public port authorities and/or maritime commerce in the Western Hemisphere. Nominees may be recognized for positive contributions with international impact or for benefits to ports within a country or region.

As the AAPA has noted, Senator Carper is one of our country’s leading public servants dedicated to advancing and growing the competitiveness of the nation’s transportation system and the maritime industry. His accomplishments in Congress, such as championing the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) of 2010, demonstrate that he’s an unwavering advocate of the port industry, of port communities, and of the 13.3 million Americans whose jobs are linked to port activities.  His advocacy is enabling seaports to operate safely and efficiently while creating and sustaining good-paying jobs.