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INDIANAPOLIS (May 17, 2017)

U.S. transportation, business, academic and government leaders will meet in Indianapolis tomorrow to talk frankly about the current state of America’s transportation infrastructure and what improvements are needed. Hosted by the Ports of Indiana and the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), the “Influencer’s Roundtable” will be open to media and provide a forum for discussing major problems and potential solutions related to under-investments in America’s freight transportation infrastructure.

In addition to exploring critical issues facing U.S. ports over the next two decades, roundtable participants will highlight the significant role that Great Lakes and inland river ports play in the nation’s economy and discuss the increasing strain on the country’s freight transportation infrastructure. Maritime shippers are responsible for moving 600 million tons of cargo per year on America’s inland waterways and 160 million tons on the Great Lakes. Indiana’s maritime shipments generate $21 billion per year for the state economy.

The health of U.S. port infrastructure affects not only coastal, Great Lakes and river communities, but has a nationwide impact. Port activity supports 23 million American jobs and generates $321 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue each year. According to a 2015 Martin Associates report, the total value of economic activity related to the nation’s ports is $4.6 trillion, representing 26 percent of the U.S. economy – and it is projected to reach 60 percent by 2030.

The discussion will be led by Ports of Indiana CEO Rich Cooper and AAPA President & CEO Kurt Nagle. Participants will include Robyn Boerstling, Vice President, National Association of Manufacturers · Lauren Brand, Associate Administrator of Intermodal System Development, U.S. Maritime Administration · Kevin Brinegar, President & CEO, Indiana Chamber of Commerce · Brian Burton, President & CEO, Indiana Manufacturers Association · John Crowley, Executive Director, National Association of Waterfront Employers · Tom Easterday, Senior Executive Vice President, Subaru of Indiana Automotive · Doug Ellsworth, Senior Asset Management Specialist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Blair Garcia, Vice President, U.S. Director-Maritime Division, WSP · Dale Heinz, Senior Division Manager, Primary Operations, ArcelorMittal Steel · Michael Hicks, Economist, Ball State University · David Holt, VP Operations & Business Development, Conexus Indiana · Lee Hutchins, Director – Freight Logistics & Planning, AECOM · Gary Langston, President, Indiana Motor Truck Association · Kevin J. Larkin, Vice President, Alliance Coal · Gary R. Long, Senior Vice President, Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services · Joe McGuiness, Commissioner, Indiana Dept. of Transportation · Ted McKinney, Director, Indiana Department of Agriculture · Bill McLennan, CEO, Fastport · William S. Stahlman III, Director of Engineering & Construction, America’s Central Port.

The event is being held during “Infrastructure Week,” a national week of education and advocacy that brings together American businesses, workers, elected leaders and everyday citizens around one message: Its #TimeToBuild. From May 15-19, leaders and citizens around America will highlight the state of our nation’s infrastructure – roads, bridges, rail, ports, airports, water and sewer systems, the energy grid, and more – and encourage policymakers to invest in the projects, technologies and policies necessary to make America competitive, prosperous and safe.

EVENT SUMMARY

To view the agenda and participant bios, click here.

WHO:      National leaders hosted by Ports of Indiana and the American Association of Port Authorities

WHAT:     “Influencer’s Roundtable” to discuss improving America’s freight transportation system

WHEN:     Thursday, May 18, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

WHERE:   Westin Indianapolis Hotel, Conference Room Grand I, 241 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis

MEDIA:     Journalists invited; contact Aaron Ellis at 703-254-7098 or aellis@aapa-ports.org

About the Ports of Indiana

The Ports of Indiana is a statewide port authority managing three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan. Established in 1961, the Ports of Indiana is a self-funded enterprise dedicated to growing Indiana’s economy by developing and maintaining a world-class port system. Information: portsofindiana.com

About AAPA

Founded in 1912, AAPA today represents 140 of the leading seaport authorities in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean and more than 250 sustaining and associate members, firms and individuals with an interest in seaports. According to IHS Inc. – World Trade Service, combined international sea trade moving through Western Hemisphere ports in 2015 totaled 3.45 billion metric tons in volume and US$3.36 trillion in value. Of that total, ports in Central and South America handled 1.69 billion metric tons of cargo valued at US$1.15 trillion, while North American ports handled 1.76 billion metric tons of goods, valued at US$2.21 trillion. To meet the growing demand for trade, the AAPA and its members are committed to keeping seaports navigable, secure and sustainable.  For more information, visit www.aapa-ports.org. On Twitter: http://twitter.com/AAPA_Seaports

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Media Contacts:

Rich Allen, Ports of Indiana, 574-361-7597, rallen@portsofindiana.com

Aaron Ellis, AAPA, 703-254-7098, aellis@aapa-ports.org