Senator Murray Tours Port of Tacoma, Discusses How Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is Bringing Major Federal Dollars Home to WA Ports

Statement

"Our ports are truly the gateway to the world for so many people and businesses in Washington state. And the Port of Tacoma is a prime example of that--supporting over 42,000 jobs and generating $3 billion in economic activity every year.That's why I've always championed strong federal investments in port infrastructure, staring with making sure ports were eligible for the RAISE program I created way back in 2009, which was the first time port authorities were eligible to apply for competitive federal grants!

It was great to see firsthand today how investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are paying off in a major way for Washington state's ports--and how the Inflation Reduction Act will bring even more opportunities to compete for federal funding. I've worked to secure $1.1 billion for the Port Infrastructure Development Program since the program was established in 2019, and I fought to make sure our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included another $2.25 billion for PIDP. Ports are such an essential part of Washington state's economy and our global competitiveness--we cannot take them for granted or let them fall behind. As Appropriations Chair, I am pushing to continue funding important programs that support our ports in the final government funding bills we're negotiating right now."

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