Press Releases

Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act Would Ensure Fair, Federal Funding for Inland and Great Lakes Ports

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) joined Representatives Dave Joyce (OH-14), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Frank Mrvan (IN-01), Randy Weber (TX-14), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Erin Houchin (IN-09), and Robin Kelly (IL-02) to introduce the Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act. This legislation ensures federal port infrastructure funding is distributed more equitably across all regions of the country, including inland Great Lakes ports that have historically been underfunded. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate.

“Our ports are the backbone of our regional economy and serve as a critical link in keeping America’s supply chains moving,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy. “In the Great Lakes region, these ports support good-paying jobs and strengthen our national security. The Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act ensures that federal infrastructure dollars are distributed fairly, so inland ports and surrounding communities can reap the economic benefits from modernized and resilient infrastructure.” 

“Inland ports are the backbone of the nation’s supply chain. When they fall behind, America falls behind, and our economic security and national security are put at risk,” said Congressman Joyce. “Federal port infrastructure dollars can’t just flow to major coastal hubs. The Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act guarantees that ports across the Great Lakes, Gulf Coast, and inland waterways can compete for critical upgrades that keep goods moving, reduce bottlenecks, and strengthen America’s strategic and economic competitiveness. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Congressman Kennedy and grateful for his continued advocacy on behalf of the Great Lakes.”

“The Port of Buffalo is proud to endorse the Securing Smart Investments in Our Ports Act,” said Jamie M. Hypnarowski, VP & GM of Gateway Trade Center and the Port of Buffalo. “Ports—and the industries we serve—are economic engines for our communities and the Great Lakes Ports deserve our fair share of Port Infrastructure Development Program funding. We applaud Congressmembers Kennedy and Joyce for standing up for the Port of Buffalo.” 

The bill updates the Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) by directing the agency to consider geographic distribution when awarding grants. By explicitly including inland ports, such as those on the Great Lakes, inland waterways, and other interior terminals, the legislation ensures ports of all sizes and locations have a fair opportunity to compete for federal investment. While PIDP provides critical funding for port modernization, the majority of resources have historically flowed to large coastal ports. Since Fiscal Year 2019, only two percent of PIDP funding has gone to the Great Lakes region, compared to 38 percent for West Coast ports and 34 percent for East Coast ports. This imbalance has left inland and smaller ports at a disadvantage, despite their central role in national supply chains and regional economies. 

Inland ports support manufacturing, serve millions of Americans, and are essential to transporting bulk materials such as iron ore, cement, and aggregates. They also contribute to national security by offering resilient, secure alternatives to exposed coastal shipping routes. By ensuring more balanced investment, the Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act would strengthen supply chains, reduce congestion on roads and rail, lower emissions, and improve the overall efficiency and resilience of freight movement. Modernizing inland and coastal ports alike through dredging, dock upgrades, and improved intermodal connections will help accommodate larger vessels, manage seasonal surges, and keep goods moving on time.

The legislation is endorsed by the Great Lakes Commission and the American Great Lakes Ports Association, underscoring broad regional and industry support for a more inclusive, strategic approach to port infrastructure investment.

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