<p>DOT Eyes Ports for Stimulus Spending</p>
<p>R.G. Edmonson | Jun 4, 2009 8:26PM GMT
The Journal of Commerce Online - News Story
Washington | Ports/Terminals | Government + Regulation | </p>
<p>United States Merchant Marine Academy in line for improvements, says LaHood
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Thursday that a significant amount of $1.5 billion in federal stimulus money will go for port infrastructure and related freight transportation projects. </p>
<p>We will have some for port enhancements. Were receiving some significant proposals for intermodal projects, and whats more intermodal than a port, LaHood said to the House Appropriations subcommittee on transportation. He said the enhancements would include infrastructure to connect ports with the national transportation system.</p>
<p>DOT is receiving proposals for spending $1.5 billion in discretionary money for transportation infrastructure that was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. LaHood said the money will be used to expand capacity and relieve congestion.</p>
<p>LaHood also told the committee he would like to polish the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point to the same luster as the jewels of the Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.</p>
<p>The Maritime Administrations 2010 budget proposal includes a $12 million increase in Kings Points budget for operations and capital improvements. </p>
<p>LaHood said he will appoint a blue ribbon committee to study the long-term needs of the academy. The committee will be chaired by Thomas Barrett, retired Coast Guard vice admiral and DOT deputy secretary in the Bush Administration.</p>
<p>Contact R.G. Edmonson at <a href="mailto:bedmonson@joc.com">bedmonson@joc.com</a>.</p>