New projects for the Maritime Administration’s Marine Highway Program seek to prepare for the transportation future of the United States.
During the next 30 years, the American population will increase by 70 million people. By the year 2045, the volume of goods transported by American rails, roads, water and air will rise more than 45 percent. This makes transporting life necessities a key challenge for U.S. leaders to address.
This increase places pressure on leaders to prepare transportation infrastructure today. The U.S. Department of Transportation is working toward solutions including navigable waterways within the U.S., an underused resource that will soon be included in the U.S. transportation system.
Marine transportation services have become increasingly efficient and sustainable freight options. All 22 Marine Highway Routes will soon receive development and investments to offer more choices to customers and shippers, helping to relieve rail and road congestion.
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has already chosen three new projects for marine highways that will make these routes an important part of the nation’s transportation system. Leaders anticipate positive changes from these projects.
