Port authorities urge for crtical relief from US government to manage COVID-19 impact

US port authorities have advocated for critical relief to manage the “extremely negative impacts” on the seaport industry brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic as US policymakers begin negotiations on the next coronavirus aid package.

Letters have been sent to the US House, Senate and Administration leaders urging them to provide US$1.5bn for seaports to cover business-critical expenses that ports have incurred due to COVID-19.

In these letters it sheds light on how ports have been neglected in previous coronavirus aid legislation despite being crucial for ensuring the nation is able to quickly recover.