Water Bill boost for US ports

Last week’s overwhelming positive vote by the US House of Representatives for the 2014 Water Resources Reform Development Act has secured various projects for the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, along with the Port of Jacksonville.

The bill now moves to the US Senate where it is also expected to be approved.

The vote ensures that US ports that contribute the most to the Harbour Maintenance Trust Fund, based on the value of cargo handled, will benefit the most from the fund; Los Angeles contributes around US$260m, while Long Beach pays more than US$200m annually.  The two ports will use the money received through the fund for dredging and other maintenance projects.