AAPA Remembers Cong. Oberstar As ‘Tireless Proponent of America's Transportation Infrastructure'

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Awarded ‘Port Person of Year’ in 2003

Following the passing on Friday, May 2, of former Cong. James Oberstar, American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) President and CEO Kurt Nagle today said the past chair of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee was “a tireless proponent for investing in America’s transportation infrastructure.”

“In 2003, AAPA honored Cong. Oberstar with its prestigious ‘Port Person of the Year’ award for his many contributions to advancing America’s freight transportation system, including authoring or co-authoring six Water Resources Development Acts from 1986 to 2000, and various Coast Guard and Coastal Zone Management reauthorizations and amendments,” said Mr. Nagle. “He was among the most knowledgeable of all members of Congress about the value of our nation's ports and waterways for delivering economic sustainability and job growth.”

In March 2010, Cong. Oberstar returned to the AAPA stage as a keynote speaker to share his views about the importance of authorizing new surface transportation legislation. “This passionate and committed 18-term legislator was one of America’s strongest advocates for investing in transportation infrastructure, and he will be missed.”

Port Name: American Association of Port Authorities

About AAPA

Founded in 1912, AAPA today represents 160 of the leading seaport authorities in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean and more than 300 sustaining and associate members, firms and individuals with an interest in seaports. As a critical link for access to the global marketplace, each year, Western Hemisphere seaports generate trillions of dollars of economic activity, support the employment of millions of people and, in 2008, imported and exported more than 7.8 billion tons of cargo, valued at $8.6 trillion, including food, clothing, medicine, fuel and building materials, as well as consumer electronics and toys. The volume of cargo shipped by water is expected to dramatically increase by 2020 and the number of passengers traveling through our seaports will continue to grow. To meet these demands, the AAPA and its members are committed to keeping seaports navigable, secure and sustainable.