The US Conference of Mayors (USCM) has established a Metro Exports and Ports Task Force to find ways to strengthen US ports, generate cargo-related jobs and thus revitalise both national and local economies, IFW reports.
The USCM told IFW that the organisation considered ports a key national infrastructure tool that must be invested in to spur economic growth.
Port infrastructure development issues such as funding will be a primary focus of the task force.
The USCM also said that ports and intermodal transportation would be key in any national transport plan and investment strategy.
Alvin Brown, Mayor of Jacksonville, Florida, was this week appointed to lead the task force. Port development in Jacksonville is one of his top priorities, and now he will bring this commitment to a national level.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Chair of the USCM, said he expected Brown “to develop a proactive, aggressive strategy to strengthen the nation’s ports”.
Brown’s stated goals for the task force include increased federal spending for ports, streamlined review processes for proposed harbour improvements and job creation.
Brown’s two vice-chairs are Mayor RT Rybak, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Mayor Ashley Swearengin, of Fresno, California.
According to the USCM, the task force is currently in an “organisational phase” and additional members are still being selected. As many as 15 to 20 mayors are expected to make up the task force.
The USCM told IFW that the organisation considered ports a key national infrastructure tool that must be invested in to spur economic growth.
Port infrastructure development issues such as funding will be a primary focus of the task force.
The USCM also said that ports and intermodal transportation would be key in any national transport plan and investment strategy.
Alvin Brown, Mayor of Jacksonville, Florida, was this week appointed to lead the task force. Port development in Jacksonville is one of his top priorities, and now he will bring this commitment to a national level.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Chair of the USCM, said he expected Brown “to develop a proactive, aggressive strategy to strengthen the nation’s ports”.
Brown’s stated goals for the task force include increased federal spending for ports, streamlined review processes for proposed harbour improvements and job creation.
Brown’s two vice-chairs are Mayor RT Rybak, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Mayor Ashley Swearengin, of Fresno, California.
According to the USCM, the task force is currently in an “organisational phase” and additional members are still being selected. As many as 15 to 20 mayors are expected to make up the task force.