An Infrastructure Crossroads
Aging port has big challenge
By Steve Ribuffo
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers
(ASCE), the United States is facing a critical juncture. Infra-
structure throughout our country is in a sad state of disrepair,
deteriorating rapidly in 16 major categories. The situation is
impeding our nation’s ability to compete in a thriving global
economy, and dramatic improvements are necessary to ensure
the country is built for the future.
I, and others charged with the safekeeping of crucial
infrastructure facilities, feel the U.S. can no longer afford to
defer infrastructure investment. Reversing a trajectory fueled
by decades of underinvestment in the nation’s infrastructure
will require transformative action from government entities,
states, and infrastructure owners.
In a recent ASCE study, which graded the American
infrastructure system at a D+, to close the 10-year, $2 trillion
investment gap, address future need, and restore a global com-
petitive advantage, the nation must increase investment from
all levels of government and the private sector from 2.5% to
3.5% of U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025.
While many people automatically think of bridges and
roads when it comes to infrastructure, ports are also a major
infrastructure thoroughfare. Specifically, the U.S.’ 926 ports
are essential to the nation’s competitiveness, serving as the
gateway for 99% of overseas trade. In 2014, ports were respon-
36 January 2018
sible for $4.6 trillion in economic activity – roughly 26% of
the U.S. economy. Nearly $1.75 trillion worth of cargo moved
through seaports in 2013, and the top 10 U.S. ports accounted
for 78% of U.S. foreign water trade in 2015. The movement of
goods through ports supports 23.1 million jobs and provides
$321.1 billion in tax revenue to federal, state, and local gov-
ernments.
Why does a collapsing U.S. infrastructure matter to
Alaska? Infrastructure in Alaska, like so many things, is
different when compared to other areas of the U.S. Covering
a vast area of more than 663,000 square miles and supporting
a population of just over 730,000, there is no one mode of
transport, and weather at different times of the year may alter
routes. Alaska’s commercial waterway, specifically the main
port facility located in Anchorage, is a critical statewide artery
that needs to be maintained and operated in a safe, efficient,
and sustainable manner, with not only an eye on the now but
a view of the future.
Despite the state’s relatively young age, Alaska is not
being spared the reality of failing infrastructure, but among us
are visionaries who understand the unique aspects of Alaska’s
transportation network. October 17, 2017, marked a water-
shed moment: The Anchorage Assembly officially changed the
name of the Port of Anchorage to the Port of Alaska to signify