2010-11_ANNUAL_REPORTS_-_FINAL_VERSION_(3)

The summit was the first time a Secretary of Transportation has met with the Nation’s port directors to
discuss the development issues facing this transportation sector.
In response to recommendations from the National Port Summit, MARAD established the Secretary’s Port
Advisory Council. This council is linked to the newly reestablished Marine Transportation System
National Advisory Council (MTSNAC) and held its first meeting during the first quarter of fiscal year
2011.
The Second Annual National Port Summit, held in Chicago, IL, on April 21, 2011, drew more than 100
port directors, senior port staff, and other members of the Maritime community. The participants
provided important input regarding critical issues facing U.S. ports and potential national transportation
policy responses. The recommendations were provided to the MTSNAC’s Port Subcommittee which
has made several recommendations to the Secretary on how to improve port infrastructure throughout
the country. The Secretary also encouraged participants to write their congressional representatives to
share the same concerns and recommendations.
Maritime Administrator David T. Matsuda addresses the first annual National Port
Summit meeting at the Port of San Diego, California, on February 4, 2010.
Port Infrastructure Programs
The Maritime Administration’s mission to improve and strengthen the U.S. marine transportation system
and meet the economic and security needs of the Nation includes the upkeep, maintenance,
modernization, and repair of the Nation’s marine transportation system infrastructure. Development
issues, such as increased land value, competing land uses, funding challenges, and access in urban
areas, can constrain economic growth if not addressed. The consequences of these delays include a
slower supply chain, increased costs to consumers, and decreased transportation efficiency.
Marine transportation is now a system of systems — an integrated network, not just within the United
States, but around the world. It must operate seamlessly. Taking full advantage of America’s wealth of
waterways, the Marine Transportation System requires vessels of all kinds suited to all kinds of cargo.
It requires an advanced network of ports and terminals, fleets of trucks, rail cars and barges to carry
these goods to the customer. As part of the overall marine transportation system our Nation’s ports tie
together all transportation modes to move goods for economic benefit and strategic needs. In order to
ensure that ports meet requirements placed on them a number of federal assistance programs have been
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