WASHINGTON – The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) announced that U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) will receive its Port Person of the Year award. Created in 1994, the award recognizes individuals whose outstanding work or service has made a significant contribution to public port authorities and/or maritime commerce in the Western Hemisphere. AAPA cites Cassidy’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and his efforts in including funding for ports and waterways as reasons for being recognized.
“Because I am from Louisiana, I am particularly honored to receive the American Association of Port Authorities’ Port Person of the Year award,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Louisiana has five of our country’s top 20 ports by tonnage, and they bring goods to market up and down the Mississippi River, and around the world. The nature of our import and export economy depends on our ports. It is critical that we maintain and develop our ports to meet the demands of our economy.”
The award will be presented by Brandy Christian, CEO of the Port of New Orleans, during the AAPA Legislative Summit on Wednesday, March 30th. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) joins Cassidy in receiving this honor.
Signed into law last November, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) includes $9.55 billion for ports and waterways.
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