Biden to unveil $3 bn to boost US port infrastructure

The White House stated that US President Joe Biden, who is visiting the port of Baltimore one week prior to election day, is anticipated to announce a $3 billion investment in port infrastructure on Tuesday.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate in the election, is still in a close battle with Republican contender Donald Trump at the time of Biden’s visit to the port, a significant hub for the auto sector.

The most recent announcement included $3 billion in funds provided under the Inflation Reduction Act, a significant set of social and energy transition changes.

The White House announced in a statement that the money would be used to upgrade and electrify port infrastructure.

This entails assisting with the acquisition of hydrogen-powered and battery-electric machinery, including cargo handling equipment, as well as infrastructure for fuelling and charging.

The entire amount of grants, including $147 million for the Maryland Port Administration, are distributed to grantees in 27 states and territories.

US ports employ more than 100,000 union workers nationwide.

Additionally, both Trump and Harris have been vying for the support of blue-collar workers as Election Day approaches, particularly in battleground areas.

“Our nation’s ports are a major source of pollution for workers and surrounding communities,” the White House stated on Tuesday.

The awards were made public on Tuesday as part of the ‘clean ports’ initiative, which aims to construct ‘clean, zero-emission freight and ferry technologies along with accompanying infrastructure’ in the ports in order to enhance air quality.

According to the White House, the goal is to eradicate over three million metric tonnes of carbon emissions in ten years.

The initiatives support the “goal for a zero-emission goods sector” set forward by the Biden-Harris government.

Biden’s visit also occurs months after the Francis Scott Key bridge collapsed in March, killing six workers and halting ship movement into and out of the port of Baltimore.

The Biden-Harris administration “remains committed” to assisting Baltimore and the state of Maryland in their long-term rehabilitation, according to the White House.