Frank Lautenberg: “I join with the cosponsors of this amendment, Senators Warner, Moynihan and Chafee in offering this amendment. This…”

“I join with the cosponsors of this amendment, Senators Warner, Moynihan and Chafee in offering this amendment. This amendment will make so-called ``ports of entry'' eligible for the planning and infrastructure funding authorized for this new trade corridor program. To qualify for funding, a port would have to show that there had been a significant increase in the transportation of cargo by rail and motor carrier through that facility since the enactment of NAFTA. The trade corridor and border crossing program is intended to address the strain on the U.S. transportation system caused by the increase in international trade following enactment of NAFTA. However, in addition to the increase in commercial traffic at border crossings and along highways, other areas, such as ports of entry, are significant trade corridors for the movement of cargo, either by ship, rail or air, since NAFTA. These ports of entry, including the Port of New York and New Jersey, and the Port of Philadelphia/Camden, bears significant infrastructure costs from the increase of this cargo. This amendment would enable ports of entry to compete for funds in the Trade Corridor program.”