July 21, 2020 — Inland Rivers Ports & Terminals has advised that the House of Representatives of the 116th Congress has passed the Coastal and Inland Ports and Terminals Commerce Improvements Act, H.R. 7416. The bill, sponsored by Representative Mike Bost (R-IL) and Conor Lamb (D-PA) was included as an Amendment to HR 6395, the National Defense Authorization Act.

The bill establishes a competitive grant matching program for landside infrastructure projects at smaller ports and terminals. In a historic passage, it allows privately-owned terminals that are important contributors of the maritime commerce system eligibility.

“H.R. 7416 addresses inequities in existing law that have placed smaller ports and terminals at a disadvantage when competing for infrastructure investment and create long-term sustainability. The program will help relieve the capital costs needed to increase throughput cargo without passing that capital cost on to customers,” said Aimee Andres, Executive Director of Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals, Inc. of East Alton, Illinois.

This historic piece of legislation, which allows private terminals eligibility, is truly bi-partisan. The bill, sponsored by Bost (R-IL) and Lamb (D-PA), is co-sponsored by Congressmen Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), and Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV), Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Congressman Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR), Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO), Congressman Rodney Davis (R-IL), Congressman Ralph Abraham (R-LA) and Congressman Lacy Clay (D-MO).

“The legislation sponsored by Congressman Bost (R-IL) and Congressman Lamb (D-PA), promotes short sea shipping, helps strengthen America’s maritime industry and promotes maritime careers. We appreciate their leadership on this important issue to IRPT Members”, said Andres.

For more information about the Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals association, please visit the IRPT website.