GLDPartners News Blog
US tax reform proposals threaten viability of economic development initiatives: Eric Peterson
Economic development advocates, infrastructure developers, local elected officials, governors and members of state legislatures should be concerned and motivated to let their representatives in Congress know of their concern about proposals included in both the outlines of the House and Senate tax reform proposals as far as supporting efforts aimed to create jobs, rebuild infrastructure and promote the competitiveness of American industry.
GLDPartners Advances Partnership for US West Coast Port Manufacturing + Logistics Hub
GLDPartners has helped to craft a unique partnership agreement between the Port of Los Angeles (portoflosangeles.org) and the Mid-California International Trade District (MCITD, midcalitd.com). This an extremely unique project in the United States with a formal partnership linkage between the busiest seaport in North America and a major industrial manufacturing and logistics hub, both in California. Both parties felt that collaboration would benefit each individually and also the wider economy in the State, which represents the 6th largest economy in the world. This project reflects the Port's vision for a larger "Connecting California" strategy. The partnership engineers a structured intersection between industrial policy, real asset development, public/private investment, transport infrastructure, labor force development and global logistics connectivity.
TIGER FUNDING: $500M For National Infrastructure Investments – Deadline Oct 16
Another round of TIGER funding has been announced by the USDoT. Project applications are due by October 16th, 2017. Please contact us for more information about the program and views about the kinds of projects that DoT is seeking to fund. One of our senior partners would be pleased to chat with you about your project or project concept and offer advice. As described in the official announcement, eligible projects for TIGER Discretionary Grants are capital projects that include, but are not limited to: •road or bridge projects eligible under title 23, United States Code; •public transportation projects eligible under chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code; •passenger and freight rail transportation projects; •port infrastructure investments (including inland port infrastructure and land ports of entry); •intermodal projects This notice is substantially similar to the final notice published for the TIGER Discretionary Grants program in the Federal Register on February 26, 2016 (81 FR 9935) for FY 2016 funds. The selection criteria remain fundamentally the same as previous rounds of TIGER Discretionary Grants, but the description of each criterion was updated. The FY 2017 TIGER program will additionally give special consideration to projects which emphasize improved access to reliable, safe, and affordable transportation for communities in rural areas, such as projects that improve infrastructure conditions, address public health and safety, promote regional connectivity, or facilitate economic growth or competitiveness. For this round of TIGER Discretionary Grants, the maximum grant award is $25 million, and no more than $50 million can be awarded to a single State, as specified in the FY 2017 Appropriations Act.
NCRR to Invest in Rail Infrastructure: Good Example of Railroad Foresight & Economic Devt
Regional short-line the North Carolina Railroad Co. will put up $60 million in funding for a textile plant in Asheboro, N.C. and an adjacent rail spur between the plant and a Norfolk Southern Railway line.
GLDPartners: Study Underway for Utah Inland Port – Utah Public Radio
GLDPartners is working on the Utah Inland Port Feasibility and Delivery Analysis. Governor Herbert has created an exploratory committee to research the feasibility of an inland port for the state of Utah. Inland ports are designated sites with strong transportation infrastructure and distribution operations. Suzette Alles is the International Business Development Specialist for World Trade Center Utah. She said land-locked states such as Utah use inland ports much like traditional coastal ports, providing services, including customs clearance, to speed the process of inland international trade
TRADE AGREEMENTS: THEY MATTER A LOT
This article in American Shipper is about the impact of the new trade agreement between Canada and the European Union, and specifically on logistics connectivity between Europe and Montreal. Maersk Line will add a new service to its transatlantic network just as a free trade deal between Canada and Europe is initiated, the company said in a statement. The Danish ocean carrier will join service operator Hapag-Lloyd and slot purchaser CMA CGM on the JMCSA service from Mediterranean ports to Montreal on Sept. 30.