This bill would change parts of Title 46 of the U.S. Code that guide the Port Infrastructure Development Program. It adds a requirement that projects selected through the program be distributed equitably among regions of the United States. Specifically, it amends section 54301(a)(6)(B) to add a new clause requiring equitable geographic distribution and amends section 54301(b)(4) to add a similar subparagraph for small inland river and coastal ports and terminals.
If the bill becomes law, agencies that pick projects for port and intermodal grants would have to consider geographic fairness across U.S. regions when choosing awards. Port authorities, terminal operators, and applicants for these grants may see regional balance become an explicit part of how projects are evaluated.
No publicly available information on costs or funding changes is included in the bill text or provided metadata.
The sponsors introduced the bill to require that project selections under the Port Infrastructure Development Program and the assistance program for small inland river and coastal ports and terminals be distributed equitably among U.S. regions. The change is intended to make geographic distribution an explicit factor in project selection.
No publicly available information.