Hoyer Statement on Vice President Biden's Visit to the Port of Baltimore

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today after Vice President Joe Biden visited the Port of Baltimore with Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx and Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley to announce a $10 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to improve the Port, which will be matched with $19 million in state funding:

"I thank Vice President Biden for visiting Baltimore today to announce important grant funding that will help keep the Port of Baltimore competitive and attract more business to Maryland. This federal investment will increase cargo storage capacity, widen the channel at Seagirt Marine Terminal, and improve rail access. The Port of Baltimore, a significant economic engine in our state, is already leading the nation's ports in preparing for the new business that is expected when the expansion of the Panama Canal is completed in 2015, and this additional investment will improve its competitiveness.

"I'm pleased the Obama Administration remains dedicated to making the infrastructure investments needed to boost economic competitiveness and long-term growth. The Make It In America plan I'm leading in Congress focuses on infrastructure investments to help American businesses get their products to new markets. I'm hopeful that Congress will take action on this jobs and competitiveness plan, and I remain dedicated to working with federal, state, and local partners to ensure we make the investments needed to enhance U.S. competitiveness, grow our economy, and create jobs here in Maryland and across the country."