Prosperity and security flow through U.S. ports

OPINION:

My home state of Alaska is roughly three times the size of Texas at low tide, and we have the longest coastline in the entire country. I can’t overstate just how important our ports are they move people as much as they move goods. They support our military operations, our international trade routes, and, in Alaska, our Arctic security.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw just how fragile our supply chains are, especially in rural areas like Alaska. If we don’t update our ports, we’ll face these issues in the future, again and again. Modern, efficient ports signify a robust economy. By contrast, outdated and congested ports highlight vulnerabilities with far-reaching consequences.

The condition of our ports is an ongoing and pressing concern, and that’s why I introduced the Permitting Optimization for Responsible Transportation (PORT) Act. My legislation would simplify permit approval for port projects, cutting red tape and accelerating infrastructure development.

When our ports are inefficient, the repercussions ripple across the nation, directly impacting our daily lives. Over 95% of U.S. cargo arrives by ship, so problems in these crucial gateways lead to delays, increased costs, and ultimately a weakened economy.

Remember when the price of eggs ballooned in the Lower 48? Or when everyday goods became scarce due to import delays? These problems were compounded in Alaska, where we already work harder to access what we need for everyday life. Now, the Lower 48 has tasted the consequences of inefficient ports firsthand.

Even already-secured funding can be hard to get to our ports. Just this year, my team had to step in to help save funding for Anchorage’s Don Young Port of Alaska that was at risk due to bureaucratic red tape and permitting issues. This important port named after my predecessor was at risk of being forfeited.

Now, recent global supply chain disruptions continue to highlight the critical role our ports play. They are the linchpin of our trade system. The Red Sea shipping crisis has echoed the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing production costs and hurting economies. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining secure and open maritime routes, especially amid rising global tensions.

In short, we need to pass my PORT Act. By making this bill law, we’d be investing in long-overdue port permitting reform and modernization. With my bill, we can strengthen our economy, improve trade, and stay competitive globally.

• Rep. Mary Sattler Peltola, D-Alaska, represents Alaska’s lone congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives.