Port and Navigation Infrastructure Development to Support U.S. Strategic Interests
Abstract
Economic prosperity in the United States depends on trade with other nations. International trade accounts for a quarter of America s Gross Domestic Product with 95 percent of cargo traded being shipped through one of the nation s seaports. With economic globalization, the ability to transport goods becomes increasingly important to maintaining the U.S. status as a world power. The shipping industry is evolving to larger ships with greater capacity and efficiency to meet increasing global demands, requiring changes to port infrastructure. While countries in Asia and Europe are investing heavily in port infrastructure in preparation for future requirements, the U.S. has reduced spending in this area. Completion of the Panama Canal expansion in 2014 will further altering shipping patterns, creating increased demand on East Coast ports. Although the nation faces fiscal challenges, it needs a national strategy that promotes greater port development if it is to meet future demand. The U.S. must increase spending on infrastructure to keep current with transportation needs and establish systems that prioritize national infrastructure investments, supporting trade and economic policy. It must revise laws to allow greater use of existing funding for port development and update port standards to meet current shipping industry needs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA561656
Entities
People
- Alan Dodd
Organizations
- United States Army War College