Jimmy Carter

“ Local control and administration of our Nation's port system has fostered the development of some 170 commercial seaports and numerous inland ports on our navigable inland waterways. As the world's leading trading country, the United States depends upon local port expenditures, modernizations and expansions to accommodate expected growth in trade and improvements in transportation technology. But the benefits extend to the national economy, as well as to local communities. ”

“ Virtually every major metropolitan region of the United States centers around a port, or is closely linked by rail or highway to a port. As waterborne trade in the United States approaches 2 billion tons of cargo per year, the rippling economic effects of expanding port activities will continue to generate employment, revenues, and community development. ”