Restoring Critical Funding for U.S. Ports: An Urgent Call to Action

[By: American Association of Port Authorities]

Today, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and a broad coalition of every donor and energy transfer port have joined forces to send a powerful message to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees and the Energy and Water Development Subcommittees leaders. In a compelling letter, they urge the committees to reverse a harmful funding diversion and restore critical support for ports through the FY2026 appropriations process.

The ports are clear in their message: without the restoration of Section 102 and 2106 funding from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF), the U.S. port system stands to lose over $1 billion in direct investment during the remainder of the Trump administration. This loss would have far-reaching consequences, impacting national security, supply chain resilience, and energy exports.

The letter, signed by 23 organizations, emphasizes the importance of correcting this misstep and ensuring that the funds are utilized for their Congressionally intended purpose to carry out the WRDA 2020, Section 102 program at donor and energy transfer ports.

Background and Urgency

Congress enacted Section 102 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020 with bipartisan support to ensure fair allocation of Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) revenues. However, the FY2025 Army Corps Work Plan eliminated this funding entirely, going against explicit congressional direction in the FY24 Energy & Water conference report. The Administration’s FY2026 budget request also excludes funding for Section 102 and 2106, putting critical port projects and economic development at risk.

The coalition is calling on Appropriations Committee leadership to include bill language in the FY2026 Energy & Water Appropriations Act that directs the Army Corps of Engineers to allocate $417.6 million in HMTF funding for donor and energy transfer ports, provides $62 million from the general fund for additional eligible projects under Section 2106, and reaffirms Congressional intent to implement WRDA 2020 as written.

AAPA’s Commitment

AAPA is fully committed to aggressively advocating for the restoration of this critical port funding. The organization acknowledges and appreciates the leadership shown by the donor and energy transfer ports on this vital issue and pledges to continue working with partners in Congress to ensure U.S. ports receive the fair and full investment they deserve.

Read the full letter to Congressional appropriators here.