Port of Everett Executive Director John Mohr testified before Congress today on the maritime infrastructure needs to support the doubling of U.S. exports over the next five years.
To enhance the U.S. marine transportation system so it can handle more exports to compete with Canadian ports and the expanded Panama Canal, Mohr said the federal government needs to reform regulations, invest in port and freight rail infrastructure and modify the fee structure of the Harbor Maintenance Tax.
Mohr said the federal government should help streamline permit requirements to expedite the construction of port facilities. In Washington state, he said it can take up to 10 years to build a new terminal facility and up to 25 years to deepen a shipping channel. These delays result in higher costs to U.S. exporters and los cargo opportunities to foreign competition.