July 12, Re: 2018 BUILD Grant Application Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project

Transcription

1 July 12, 2018 The Honorable Elaine Chao Secretary of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC Re: 2018 BUILD Grant Application Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project Dear Secretary Chao: I am writing in support of the Port of Long Beach s 2018 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant application for $20 million to help fund its Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement project. This $29 million dollar project will improve the efficiency and sustainability of operations at the Port of Long Beach. The Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project will add approximately 10,000 feet of new track and help the San Pedro Bay Port Complex achieve its goal of moving 35 percent of goods by on-dock rail. It will also enhance both the regional and national long-term economic competitiveness of US businesses seeking better, more reliable access to global markets, by speeding the flow of exports out of rural agricultural and manufacturing centers and facilitating the movement of essential imports into rural communities and urban centers. The Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project incorporates the latest innovations in rail safety, operations and maintenance. This project will also support a state of good repair on the National Highway System, and improve safety, environmental protection, and quality of life in the immediate region and beyond. This Project will facilitate critical rail operations, potentially offset 300,000 truck trips per year by 2035, and accommodate projected growth in national freight movement. Additionally, proposed rail improvements will lower locomotive idling by an estimated 2,500 hours annually and reduce freight-related congestion. The Port of Long Beach is one of the world s busiest seaports, a leading gateway for trade between the United States and Asia. It supports over a million jobs nationally and generates

2 billions of dollars in economic activity each year. Collectively, with the Port of Los Angeles, the San Pedro Bay Port Complex represents the busiest port complex in the nation and the ninth busiest port complex in the world. As a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I have a particular interest in the issues facing the Port of Long Beach. I applaud the Port s on-going effort to improve the infrastructure that supports the health and livelihood of not only my constituents, but the Southern California region and beyond. Thank you for providing your full and fair consideration of this local, regional, and nationally significant intermodal infrastructure project. Sincerely, Alan Lowenthal Member of Congress

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4 STATE CAPITOL P.O. BOX SACRAMENTO, CA (916) (916) FAX DISTRICT OFFICE 5000 East Spring Street, Suite 550 LONG BEACH, CA (562) (562) FAX PATRICK O DONNELL ASSEMBLYMEMBER, SEVENTIETH DISTRICT July 16, 2018 The Honorable Elaine Chao Secretary of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC Re: 2018 BUILD Grant Application Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project Dear Secretary Chao: I would like to express my strong support of the Port of Long Beach s 2018 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant application for $20 million to help fund its Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement project. This $29 million dollar project will improve the efficiency and sustainability of operations at the Port of Long Beach. The Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project will add approximately 10,000 feet of new track and help the San Pedro Bay Port Complex achieve its goal of moving 35 percent of goods by on-dock rail. It will also enhance both the regional and national long-term economic competitiveness of US businesses seeking better, more reliable access to global markets, by speeding the flow of exports out of rural agricultural and manufacturing centers and facilitating the movement of essential imports into rural communities and urban centers. The Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project incorporates the latest innovations in rail safety, operations and maintenance. This project will also support a state of good repair on the National Highway System, and improve safety, environmental protection, and quality of life in the immediate region and beyond. This Project will facilitate critical rail operations; potentially offset 300,000 truck trips per year by 2035, and accommodate projected growth in national freight movement. Additionally, proposed rail improvements will lower locomotive idling by an estimated 2,500 hours annually and reduce freight-related congestion. Collectively, the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles represent the ninth busiest port complex in the world. The Port of Long Beach supports over a million jobs nationally and generates billions of dollars in economic activity each year. I applaud its on-going effort to improve the infrastructure that supports the health and livelihood of not only my constituents, but the Southern California region and beyond.

5 Page 2 Honorable Secretary Elaine Chao As the California State Assemblymember representing the San Pedro Bay Port Complex and as the Chair of Select Committee on Ports and Goods Movement, I applaud the Port of Long Beach s on-going effort to improve the infrastructure that supports the health and livelihood of not only my constituents, but also the Southern California region and beyond. This project will achieve significant reductions in harmful emissions impacting disadvantaged communities in close proximity to the San Pedro Bay Ports. Thank you for your consideration of this local, regional, and nationally significant port rail investment. Sincerely, Patrick O Donnell Assemblymember, 70 th District

6 July 6, 2018 MAYOR ROBERT GARCIA CITY OF LONG BEACH The Honorable Elaine Chao Secretary of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC Re: 2018 BUILD Grant Application Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project Dear Secretary Chao: On behalf of the City of Long Beach, I am writing in strong support of the Port of Long Beach s 2018 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant application for $20 million to help fund its Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement project. This $29 million project will improve the efficiency and sustainability of operations at the Port of Long Beach. The Port of Long Beach is one of the world s busiest seaports, a leading gateway for trade between the U.S. and Asia. It supports over a million jobs nationally and generates billions of dollars in economic activity each year. The United States Department of Agriculture ranks the Port of Long Beach among the top 20 U.S. ports moving waterborne agricultural trade. Collectively, with the Port of Los Angeles, the San Pedro Bay Port Complex represents the busiest port complex in the nation and the ninth-busiest port complex in the world. The Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project will add approximately 10,000 feet of new track and help the San Pedro Bay Port Complex achieve its goal of moving 35 percent of goods by on-dock rail. It will also enhance both the regional and national long-term economic competitiveness of U.S. businesses seeking better, more reliable access to global markets, by speeding the flow of exports out of rural agricultural and manufacturing centers and facilitating the movement of essential imports into rural communities and urban centers. In addition, by incorporating the latest innovations in rail safety, operations and maintenance, this project will also facilitate critical rail operations, potentially offsetting 300,000 truck trips per year by 2035, and accommodate projected growth in national freight movement. Proposed rail improvements will decrease locomotive idling by an estimated 2,500 hours annually and reduce freight-related congestion, while supporting a state of good repair on the National Highway System and improving safety, environmental protections, and quality of life in the immediate region and beyond. Thank you for your consideration of this locally, regionally, and nationally significant port rail investment. If you have any questions regarding my support for this project, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Sincerely, Mayor Robert Garcia City of Long Beach West Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, California 90802

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8 July 16, 2018 The Honorable Elaine L. Chao Secretary United States Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC RE: United States Department of Transportation Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development Transportation Discretionary Grants Program Port of Long Beach Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project Dear Secretary Chao: On behalf of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), I would like to offer this letter of support for the Port of Long Beach s (POLB) application to the United States Department of Transportation s (USDOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grants Program for $20 million in funding for their Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project. This $29-million dollar project would improve the efficiency and sustainability of operations at the POLB. The POLB is one of the world s busiest seaports, a leading gateway for trade between the United States and Asia. It supports over a million jobs nationally and generates billions of dollars in economic activity each year. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ranks the POLB among the top 20 U.S. ports moving waterborne agricultural trade. Collectively, with the Port of Los Angeles, the San Pedro Bay Port Complex represents the busiest port complex in the nation and the tenth busiest port complex in the world. The Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project will add approximately 10,000 feet of new track and help the San Pedro Bay Port Complex achieve its goal of moving 35% of goods by on-dock rail. This Project will facilitate critical rail operations, potentially offset 300,000 truck trips per year by 2035, and accommodate projected growth in national freight movement. The Project will enhance both the regional and national long-term economic competitiveness of U.S. businesses seeking better, more reliable access to global markets by speeding the flow of exports out of rural agricultural and manufacturing centers and facilitating the movement of essential imports into rural communities and urban centers. The proposed rail improvements will lower locomotive idling by an estimated 2,500 hours annually and reduce freight-related congestion. They will also support a state of good repair on the National Highway System, and improve safety, environmental protection, and quality of life in the immediate region and beyond. The Project incorporates the latest innovations in rail safety, operations, and maintenance.

9 The Honorable Elaine L. Chao United States Department of Transportation July 16, 2018 Page 2 of 2 As a project that is consistent with the policies and goals set forth in the adopted Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategies (RTP/SCS), we support the POLB s efforts and respectfully request that the USDOT give full and fair consideration to this important project proposal. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Annie Nam, Manager of Goods Movement & Transportation Finance, at (213) or by at nam@scag.ca.gov. Sincerely, Hasan Ikhrata Executive Director

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16 July 12, 2018 The Honorable Elaine Chao Secretary of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC Subject: 2018 BUILD Grant Application Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project Dear Secretary Chao: The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) is pleased to support the Port of Long Beach s 2018 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant application for $20 million to help fund its Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement project. This $29-million dollar project would improve the efficiency and sustainability of operations at the Port of Long Beach. PMSA is a nonprofit association of owners and operators of marine terminals and US- and foreignflagged vessels operating throughout the world. With almost 60 member companies, PMSA engages in community, regulatory, and legislative affairs in California and Washington. PMSA serves as a clearinghouse to stakeholders for goods movement and environmental practices, and community involvement across the West Coast. The Port of Long Beach is one of the world s busiest seaports, a leading gateway for trade between the United States and Asia. It supports over a million jobs nationally and generates billions of dollars in economic activity each year. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ranks the Port of Long Beach among the top 20 U.S. ports moving waterborne agricultural trade. Collectively, with the Port of Los Angeles, the San Pedro Bay Port Complex represents the busiest port complex in the nation and the tenth busiest port complex in the world. The Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project will add approximately 10,000 feet of new track and help the San Pedro Bay Port Complex achieve its goal of moving 35 percent of goods by on-dock rail. The Project will facilitate critical rail operations, potentially offset 300,000 truck trips per year by 2035, and accommodate projected growth in national freight movement. The Project will enhance both the regional and national long-term economic competitiveness of US businesses seeking better, more reliable access to global markets, by speeding the flow of exports out of agricultural and manufacturing centers and facilitating the movement of essential imports to inland destinations. The proposed rail improvements will lower locomotive idling by an estimated 2,500 hours annually and reduce freight-related congestion. They will also support a state of good repair on the National Highway System, and improve safety, environmental protection, and quality of life in the

17 2018 BUILD Grant Application Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project Page 2 July 12, 2018 immediate region and beyond. The Project incorporates the latest innovations in rail safety, operations and maintenance. Thank you for your consideration of this local, regional, and nationally significant port rail investment. Should you or your staff have any questions regarding support for this project, please contact me at tjelenic@pmsaship.com or (562) Sincerely, Thomas Jelenić Vice President

18 Coalition for America s Gateways and Trade Corridors AECOM Alameda Corridor-East Project, San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Broward County s Port Everglades California Department of Transportation Cambridge Systematics, Inc. Canaveral Port Authority Cascadia Center Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning City of Chicago COMPASS Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho Dewberry Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana Florida Department of Transportation Florida East Coast Railway Florida Ports Council Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (Washington State) Gateway Cities Council of Governments HERZOG HNTB Corporation Illinois Soybean Association Intermodal Association of North America Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Majestic Realty Co. Maricopa Association of Governments Memphis Chamber of Commerce Metal Fatigue Solutions Metropolitan Transportation Commission July 13, 2018 The Honorable Elaine L. Chao Secretary United States Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC Dear Secretary Chao: The Port of Long Beach (POLB) is seeking $20 million in BUILD discretionary funds for its Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement project. POLB is a long-time member of the Coalition for America s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC), a national group dedicated to improving our nation s freight infrastructure. This project, which will cost a total of $29 million, will add approximately 10,000 feet of new track and help the San Pedro Bay Port Complex achieve its goal of moving 35 percent of goods by on-dock rail. The project will facilitate critical rail operations, potentially offset 300,000 truck trips per year by 2035, and accommodate projected growth in national freight movement. Should the BUILD grant be awarded, POLB will use the funds to enhance both the regional and national long-term economic competitiveness of U.S. businesses by speeding the flow of exports out of rural agricultural and manufacturing centers and facilitating the movement of essential imports into rural communities and urban centers. The Port is one of the world s busiest seaports and is a leading gateway for trade between the United States and Asia. It supports over a million jobs nationally and generates billions of dollars in economic activity each year. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ranks the Port of Long Beach among the top 20 U.S. ports moving waterborne agricultural trade. Collectively, with the Port of Los Angeles, the San Pedro Bay Port Complex represents the busiest port complex in the nation and the tenth busiest port complex in the world. The project will help to improve the efficiency and sustainability of operations at this vital U.S. gateway. We hope you ll consider the merits of POLB s Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement project. As an organization, we support investments in freight infrastructure and we encourage USDOT to continue investing in goods movement projects through the BUILD grant program. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Sincerely, Elaine Nessle Executive Director Moffatt & Nichol National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association NASCO North American Strategy for Competitiveness The Northwest Seaport Alliance Nossaman LLP Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of Governments Orange County Transportation Authority Oregon Department of Transportation Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Port Houston Port Newark Container Terminal Port of Hueneme Port of Long Beach Port of Los Angeles Port of Oakland Port of Portland, OR Port of San Diego Port Tampa Bay Port of Vancouver USA Prime Focus, LLC Puget Sound Regional Council RAILCET SANDAG - San Diego Association of Governments Southern California Association of Governments Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Tennessee Department of Transportation Washington State Department of Transportation Will County Center for Economic Development WSP 1625 K Street, NW Suite 1100 Washington, DC phone fax

19 July 20, 2018 The Honorable Elaine L. Chao United States Secretary of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC Re: Support for POLB s BUILD Grant Application for Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project Dear Secretary Chao: On behalf of Mobility 21, I am writing to support the Port of Long Beach s 2018 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant application for $20 million to help fund its Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement project. This $29-million dollar project would improve the efficiency and sustainability of operations at the Port of Long Beach. The Port of Long Beach is one of the world s busiest seaports, a leading gateway for trade between the United States and Asia. It supports over a million jobs nationally and generates billions of dollars in economic activity each year. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ranks the Port of Long Beach among the top 20 U.S. ports moving waterborne agricultural trade. Collectively, with the Port of Los Angeles, the San Pedro Bay Port Complex represents the busiest port complex in the nation and the tenth busiest port complex in the world. The Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project will add approximately 10,000 feet of new track and help the San Pedro Bay Port Complex achieve its goal of moving 35 percent of goods by on-dock rail. The Project will facilitate critical rail operations, potentially offset 300,000 truck trips per year by 2035, and accommodate projected growth in national freight movement. The Project will enhance both the regional and national long-term economic competitiveness of US businesses seeking better, more reliable access to global markets, by speeding the flow of exports out of rural agricultural and manufacturing centers and facilitating the movement of essential imports into rural communities and urban centers. The proposed rail improvements will lower locomotive idling by an estimated 2,500 hours annually and reduce freight-related congestion. They will also support a state of good repair on the National Highway System, and improve safety, environmental protection, and quality of life in the immediate region and beyond. The Project incorporates the latest innovations in rail safety, operations and maintenance. Thank you for your consideration of this local, regional, and nationally significant port rail investment. Should you or your staff have any questions regarding support for this project, please contact me at jlarios@mobility21.com or Sincerely, Jenny Larios Executive Director

20 July 11, 2018 The Honorable Elaine Chao Secretary of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC Re: 2018 BUILD Grant Application Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project Dear Secretary Chao: On behalf of the Agriculture Transportation Coalition, I am writing to support the Port of Long Beach s 2018 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant application for $20 million to help fund its Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement project. This $29-million dollar project would improve the efficiency and sustainability of operations at the Port of Long Beach. The Agriculture Transportation Coalition (AgTC) represents U.S. agriculture exporters nationwide. Many member companies rely on the Port of Long Beach to ship exports such as dried fruit and nuts, hay, forest products, frozen and chilled meat, and other products to foreign markets. Agriculture exporters are limited in their choice of ports based on geography. The Port of Long Beach serves as a critical port for agriculture exports with origins as far as the Midwest. Transportation constitutes a substantial component of the total landed cost of U.S. agriculture and forest products, and thus plays a critical role in determining the competitiveness of our U.S. products in foreign and domestic markets. US agriculture and forest products exporters depend on a network of properly functioning roads, bridges, rail, marine terminals, and particularly ports, in order to export their products. This project is vital to keep the Port of Long Beach competitive. The Port of Long Beach is one of the world s busiest seaports, a leading gateway for trade between the United States and Asia. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ranks the Port of Long Beach among the top 20 U.S. ports moving waterborne agricultural trade. The Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project will add approximately 10,000 feet of new track and help the San Pedro Bay Port Complex achieve its goal of moving 35 percent of goods by on-dock rail. The Project will enhance both the regional and national long-term economic competitiveness of US agriculture exporters seeking better, more reliable access to global markets, by speeding the flow of exports out of rural agricultural regions. The Project incorporates the latest innovations in rail safety, operations and maintenance. Thank you for your consideration of this port rail investment which will benefit our U.S. agriculture exporters. Sincerely, Peter Friedmann Executive Director

21 P.O. Box 768 San Pedro, CA BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Joseph Hower, PE, DEE, Chair Ramboll Susan Sifuentes Trigueros, Chair-Elect SoCalGas LaDonna DiCamillo, Secretary The BNSF Railway Co. Jim St. Martin, PE, Treasurer Chandler s Palos Verdes Sand & Gravel BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert Stemler Keesal Young & Logan Damon Hannaman Southern California Edison Jared Moore Jacobs Frances Keeler Clyde & Co Matthew Means Watson Land Company John Ochs APM Terminals Pacific, Ltd. Tiffany Rau Andeavor Patty Senecal Western States Petroleum Association Doug Thiessen, PE Moffatt & Nichol Jesse Urquidi P2S Engineering, Inc. Lupe Valdez Union Pacific Railroad Tara Voss Peacock, Piper, Tong & Voss ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS George Kieffer FuturePorts Founding Member Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP Fran Inman Majestic Realty Co. PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS Bay Planning Coalition Inland Empire Economic Partnership Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles County Business Federation Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation Pacific Merchant Marine Council-Navy League of the United States San Pedro Chamber of Commerce South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce Wilmington Chamber of Commerce July 18, 2018 The Honorable Elaine Chao Secretary of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC Re: 2018 BUILD Grant Application Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project Dear Secretary Chao: On behalf of FuturePorts, I am writing to support the Port of Long Beach s 2018 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant application for $20 million to help fund its Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement project. This $29-million dollar project would improve the efficiency and sustainability of operations at the Port of Long Beach. The Port of Long Beach is one of the world s busiest seaports, a leading gateway for trade between the United States and Asia. It supports over a million jobs nationally and generates billions of dollars in economic activity each year. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ranks the Port of Long Beach among the top 20 U.S. ports moving waterborne agricultural trade. Collectively, with the Port of Los Angeles, the San Pedro Bay Port Complex represents the busiest port complex in the nation and the tenth busiest port complex in the world. The Terminal Island Wye Rail Enhancement Project will add approximately 10,000 feet of new track and help the San Pedro Bay Port Complex achieve its goal of moving 35 percent of goods by ondock rail. The Project will facilitate critical rail operations, potentially offset 300,000 truck trips per year by 2035, and accommodate projected growth in national freight movement. The Project will enhance both the regional and national long-term economic competitiveness of US businesses seeking better, more reliable access to global markets, by speeding the flow of exports out of rural agricultural and manufacturing centers and facilitating the movement of essential imports into rural communities and urban centers. The proposed rail improvements will lower locomotive idling by an estimated 2,500 hours annually and reduce freight-related congestion. They will also support a state of good repair on the National Highway System, and improve safety, environmental protection, and quality of life in the immediate region and beyond. The Project incorporates the latest innovations in rail safety, operations and maintenance.

22 Thank you for your consideration of this local, regional, and nationally significant port rail investment. Sincerely, Marnie Primmer Interim Executive Director FuturePorts

23 July 2, 2018 The Honorable Elaine L. Chao Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC Dear Secretary Chao: The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is writing to express its strong support for public seaports applications for FY 2018 BUILD grants. AAPA has been a strong advocate for the program since its inception in The BUILD/TIGER program has made real improvements in our nation s maritime transportation system and needed investments in our multimodal freight infrastructure. Founded in 1912, AAPA is the unified and collective voice of the seaport industry in the Americas. AAPA empowers port authorities, maritime industry partners and service providers to serve their global customers and create economic and social value for their communities. Our activities, resources and partnerships connect, inform and unify seaport leaders and maritime professionals in all segments of the industry around the western hemisphere. Our letter today is on behalf of our U.S. members. American seaports and their private-sector partners annually spend more than $30 billion collectively in marine terminal capital improvements that help handle freight and cruise passengers more efficiently. BUILD grant investments in port projects help to move these projects forward. In addition to the ability to leverage additional funding, BUILD is extremely valuable because it is multimodal, which means it funds a variety of transportation modes and projects that are beneficial to ports, the surrounding communities and our national supply chain. To highlight the need for multimodal investments, AAPA recently released the State of Freight III Rail Access and Port Multimodal Funding Needs Report. The report addresses the need for improved rail access efficient transfer of containers and other bulk goods directly from a maritime vessel to a rail car and vice versa. Sixty-seven percent of our members report that funding and financing options are significant barriers to improved rail access. Forty-three percent of our members report that

24 AAPA Support Letter for Maritime BUILD Funding 2 improving rail access would contribute to over 25 percent more throughput capacity. Other members with smaller projects report good, although lower throughput gains. Overall, AAPA members identified upwards of $20 billion in multimodal project investment needs over the next decade. In the past, these grants have helped fund seaport intermodal connectors and facilities (including rail, road and short sea shipping), wharf and dock rehabilitation and expansion, improvements in yards, piers, breakwaters and cranes, and improvements overall to rail movements throughout the United States to improve freight mobility. As the Department of Transportation begins to evaluate the applications for FY 2018 BUILD grants, we urge you to provide, at a minimum, 25 percent or more of available funding for seaports freight-related projects. These projects will help maintain and expand the maritime infrastructure that is so critical to U.S. exports and imports, which are vital to our nation s economy, standard of living and U.S. jobs. Sincerely, Kurt J. Nagle President and CEO