REGIONAL RESOURCE A PUBLICATION OF THE COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS SOUTHERN OFFICE

SOUTHERN PORTS

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

GATEWAYS TO THE WORLD

1

[email protected]

A Publication of The Council of State Governments Southern Office

Introduction

Author | Eric Harrison

Introduction Ports have been an integral part of global commerce for millennia. From the Phoenicians to the Egyptians and later to the Romans in the ancient West to the

Regional Resource

Srivijaya control of the Strait of Malacca in the 7th

Southern Ports:

Century to the Age of Exploration represented by the Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, and British empires of

Gateways to the World

the 15th through 17th centuries, to our modern-day global system of commerce, waterborne trade has

Table of Contents

been a constant companion to humanity throughout its

2

Introduction

3

A Maritime Shipping Overview

4



Types of Port

4



Types of Cargo

5



Business Models

6



Inland Ports

6



Foreign Trade Zones

6



Trade Balance

6

The States

8



Alabama

8



Arkansas

10



Florida

11



Georgia

12



Kentucky

13



Louisiana

14



Mississippi

15



Missouri

16



North Carolina

17



Oklahoma

18



South Carolina

19



Tennessee

20



Texas

21



Virginia

22

Conclusion

23

Abbrieviations and Definitions

24

Endnotes

25

Technology has changed in that period, but the premise remains the same: take an item of value, place it on a

This report was prepared by Eric Harrison. Eric serves as liaison for the Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs Committee under the purview of chair Senator Becky Massey of Tennessee. This report reflects the policy research made available to appointed and elected state officials by The Council of State Governments Southern Office (CSG South).

floating vessel, move the vessel to a new market, and sell the item of value. Maritime commerce has evolved from small vessels capable of carrying only a few people and a small amount of cargo to the Evergreen A Class ships capable of carrying almost 24,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo.1 This CSG South Regional Resource will assess and analyze ports in the CSG South states, ranging from deep water seaports like the Port of Houston (Texas) to river ports like Paducah-McCracken Riverport (Kentucky) or Inland Port Greer (South Carolina). Each of these

Publisher | Lindsey Gray [email protected] Editor-In-Chief | Anne Brody [email protected] Managing Editor | Angel Touwsma [email protected] Designer | Armi Velarde [email protected] © Copyright March 2023

ports plays a critical role in the economic development of the region, as well as the ability to move goods from abroad to our fellow Americans further inland. This report reviews the basics of port types and governance models, and provides an overview of the maritime trade, illustrating how policies in one state can impact the system as well as the region's economic development.

"

MARITIME COMMERCE HAS EVOLVED FROM SMALL VESSELS CAPABLE OF CARRYING ONLY A FEW PEOPLE AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF CARGO TO THE EVERGREEN A CLASS SHIPS CAPABLE OF CARRYING ALMOST 24,000 TWENTYFOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS (TEUS) OF CARGO.

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

recorded history.

3

[email protected]

A Publication of The Council of State Governments Southern Office

Introduction

Author | Eric Harrison

Introduction Ports have been an integral part of global commerce for millennia. From the Phoenicians to the Egyptians and later to the Romans in the ancient West to the

Regional Resource

Srivijaya control of the Strait of Malacca in the 7th

Southern Ports:

Century to the Age of Exploration represented by the Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, and British empires of

Gateways to the World

the 15th through 17th centuries, to our modern-day global system of commerce, waterborne trade has

Table of Contents

been a constant companion to humanity throughout its

2

Introduction

3

A Maritime Shipping Overview

4



Types of Port

4



Types of Cargo

5



Business Models

6



Inland Ports

6



Foreign Trade Zones

6



Trade Balance

6

The States

8



Alabama

8



Arkansas

10



Florida

11



Georgia

12



Kentucky

13



Louisiana

14



Mississippi

15



Missouri

16



North Carolina

17



Oklahoma

18



South Carolina

19



Tennessee

20



Texas

21



Virginia

22

Conclusion

23

Abbrieviations and Definitions

24

Endnotes

25

Technology has changed in that period, but the premise remains the same: take an item of value, place it on a

This report was prepared by Eric Harrison. Eric serves as liaison for the Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs Committee under the purview of chair Senator Becky Massey of Tennessee. This report reflects the policy research made available to appointed and elected state officials by The Council of State Governments Southern Office (CSG South).

floating vessel, move the vessel to a new market, and sell the item of value. Maritime commerce has evolved from small vessels capable of carrying only a few people and a small amount of cargo to the Evergreen A Class ships capable of carrying almost 24,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo.1 This CSG South Regional Resource will assess and analyze ports in the CSG South states, ranging from deep water seaports like the Port of Houston (Texas) to river ports like Paducah-McCracken Riverport (Kentucky) or Inland Port Greer (South Carolina). Each of these

Publisher | Lindsey Gray [email protected] Editor-In-Chief | Anne Brody [email protected] Managing Editor | Angel Touwsma [email protected] Designer | Armi Velarde [email protected] © Copyright March 2023

ports plays a critical role in the economic development of the region, as well as the ability to move goods from abroad to our fellow Americans further inland. This report reviews the basics of port types and governance models, and provides an overview of the maritime trade, illustrating how policies in one state can impact the system as well as the region's economic development.

"

MARITIME COMMERCE HAS EVOLVED FROM SMALL VESSELS CAPABLE OF CARRYING ONLY A FEW PEOPLE AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF CARGO TO THE EVERGREEN A CLASS SHIPS CAPABLE OF CARRYING ALMOST 24,000 TWENTYFOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS (TEUS) OF CARGO.

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

recorded history.

3

Ports in the CSG South region can be categorized by a variety of different features, primarily based on the kind and depth of water upon which the port is situated. There are deep water seaports, shallow draft seaports, shallow draft river ports, and inland ports sometimes called dry ports - which are not on water at all. Deep water or deep draft ports (the terms can be interchangeable) require a water depth of at least 30 feet. This will accommodate a ship with a deeper draft, the distance from the water line to the bottom of the keel. Conversely, a shallow draft port is less than 30 feet. Shallow draft rivers can be as shallow as nine feet, whereas shallow draft seaports can be considerably deeper than their riverine counterparts. Finally, the inland ports, or dry ports, may not even be near a creek. Instead, they are often directly connected via rail lines to seaports where cargo can be offloaded to larger inland facilities for processing instead of crowded shore facilities. As one travels further North on the Mississippi River, the draft required to be able to navigate the river system becomes increasingly shallow. The draft is only nine feet at some points on the upper Mississippi River. Consequently, river barge traffic looks very different from ocean liner traffic, and the ports function differently. River barges are much shallower in draft, and don't have the stacks of containers like their oceangoing cousins. Additionally, barges can be tied together

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

like train cars. Ports along the Mississippi, Ohio, and

4

Missouri Rivers typically serve barge traffic with bulk or break-bulk cargo and fewer containers. As traffic collects on the river in the lower portions, the Port of South Louisiana is a gateway to the world for American agricultural products.

Types of Cargo Ports also differ significantly on the type of cargo they handle and, consequently, the types of ships they serve. The Ports of Galveston and Houston serve many tanker ships because of their proximity to liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities and oil refineries. Houston also serves a fair amount of cruise traffic like PortMiami, the Port of Charleston, and the Port of Tampa. As mentioned earlier, the Port of South Louisiana is home to predominately bulk and breakbulk agricultural cargo. Jacksonville is one of the largest Roll On-Roll Off (RO-RO) ports for vehicle import and export. 2 It also serves as the home to a significant Navy presence with different needs than a cruise or container terminal. Finally, there is the container terminal. The Port of Savannah is the largest container port in the region and the fourth largest container port by volume in the United States, falling behind only the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach, and the New York, New Jersey Port Authority.3 Figure 1. Types of Maritime Cargo Bulk

Iron ore, sugar, or anything loaded directly into the ship's hold

Break-bulk

Bagged rice, baled pulp wood

Neo-bulk

Anything that can be palletized

Containers

Anything that can fit in a 20'x8'x8' or 40'x8'x8' metal box

Liquid

Liquefied natural gas, oil

RO-RO

Cars, agricultural machinery

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

Types of Port

A Maritime Shipping Overview

A Maritime Shipping Overview

5

Ports in the CSG South region can be categorized by a variety of different features, primarily based on the kind and depth of water upon which the port is situated. There are deep water seaports, shallow draft seaports, shallow draft river ports, and inland ports sometimes called dry ports - which are not on water at all. Deep water or deep draft ports (the terms can be interchangeable) require a water depth of at least 30 feet. This will accommodate a ship with a deeper draft, the distance from the water line to the bottom of the keel. Conversely, a shallow draft port is less than 30 feet. Shallow draft rivers can be as shallow as nine feet, whereas shallow draft seaports can be considerably deeper than their riverine counterparts. Finally, the inland ports, or dry ports, may not even be near a creek. Instead, they are often directly connected via rail lines to seaports where cargo can be offloaded to larger inland facilities for processing instead of crowded shore facilities. As one travels further North on the Mississippi River, the draft required to be able to navigate the river system becomes increasingly shallow. The draft is only nine feet at some points on the upper Mississippi River. Consequently, river barge traffic looks very different from ocean liner traffic, and the ports function differently. River barges are much shallower in draft, and don't have the stacks of containers like their oceangoing cousins. Additionally, barges can be tied together

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

like train cars. Ports along the Mississippi, Ohio, and

4

Missouri Rivers typically serve barge traffic with bulk or break-bulk cargo and fewer containers. As traffic collects on the river in the lower portions, the Port of South Louisiana is a gateway to the world for American agricultural products.

Types of Cargo Ports also differ significantly on the type of cargo they handle and, consequently, the types of ships they serve. The Ports of Galveston and Houston serve many tanker ships because of their proximity to liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities and oil refineries. Houston also serves a fair amount of cruise traffic like PortMiami, the Port of Charleston, and the Port of Tampa. As mentioned earlier, the Port of South Louisiana is home to predominately bulk and breakbulk agricultural cargo. Jacksonville is one of the largest Roll On-Roll Off (RO-RO) ports for vehicle import and export. 2 It also serves as the home to a significant Navy presence with different needs than a cruise or container terminal. Finally, there is the container terminal. The Port of Savannah is the largest container port in the region and the fourth largest container port by volume in the United States, falling behind only the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach, and the New York, New Jersey Port Authority.3 Figure 1. Types of Maritime Cargo Bulk

Iron ore, sugar, or anything loaded directly into the ship's hold

Break-bulk

Bagged rice, baled pulp wood

Neo-bulk

Anything that can be palletized

Containers

Anything that can fit in a 20'x8'x8' or 40'x8'x8' metal box

Liquid

Liquefied natural gas, oil

RO-RO

Cars, agricultural machinery

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

Types of Port

A Maritime Shipping Overview

A Maritime Shipping Overview

5

Business Models Additionally, the business models of ports

Foreign Trade Zones

can differ depending on location, traffic, and

Foreign Trade Zones are also important to a port's

governance. There are two primary business

ability to market itself to shippers and carriers. From the

models for publicly owned ports: the operational

U.S. Customs and Border Protection:

Figure 2. Trade Flow Chart Figure 2 shows waterborne export flows of CSG South states to the world. Image is to scale in terms of the dollar value of exports.

port and the landlord port. Each implementation can have minor differences, but generally, an

Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) are secure areas

operational port is run directly by a port

under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

authority. The authority owns, maintains, and

supervision that are generally considered outside

improves the port infrastructure. The authority

CBP territory upon activation. Located in or near

may employ labor directly or negotiate with

CBP ports of entry, they are the United States'

unions to manage the labor required to

version of what are known internationally as free-

unload and move cargo. By contrast, under the

trade zones.

landlord model, the authority owns the land and the wharf but contracts the infrastructure,

Foreign and domestic merchandise may be

maintenance, and labor to a terminal operator.

moved into zones for operations, not otherwise

The terminal operator then runs the terminal,

prohibited by law, including storage, exhibition,

invests in infrastructure and development to

assembly, manufacturing, and processing. All

meet their needs, and negotiates with labor

zone activity is subject to public interest review.

to unload and move cargo. Some ports use

Foreign-trade zone sites are subject to the laws

a hybrid of these two approaches. In the CSG

and regulations of the United States as well as

South region, the most notable of these is the

those of the states and communities in which they

Port of Houston Authority and its extensive mix of

are located.5

operational and landlord terminals. This system allows shippers and producers to delay

Inland Ports

the payment of taxes and duties on their cargo until it

Inland ports have been an essential innovation

moves out of the FTZ. This also enables manufacturers

in the American supply chain. Inland ports, or

to collect business inputs within the FTZ and assemble

dry ports, offer three main benefits:

the final product within the FTZ. They may then elect to

•

to develop port traffic,

pay the appropriate tax and duty on the final good or

•

to provide new opportunities for regional

the inputs used to build the final product.

shippers, and •

to alleviate intercity highway congestion along

Trade Balance

a corridor.

An essential factor for ports to consider is the trade

4

6

Inland ports can serve as a hub for cargo coming

to the lofty goal of the United States becoming a

to the port for export. Similarly, they can serve as

50/50 import/export nation. Instead, it is far less

a new hub for the regional distribution of imports

grand. As a port approaches a balance, fewer empty

from the port. Finally, moving cargo via a rail line

containers languish on the docks. With a trade balance,

to an inland port can help alleviate the stress

those containers will depart and return to the port

and congestion on state roadways and interstate

fully loaded. Not only can this be a sign of a healthy

highways. The reduced road congestion is helpful

economy, but the port management doesn't need to

for shippers because the product moves faster

be concerned about lost opportunity. One less empty

and for residents, as there is less congestion for

container means more revenue at each stage of the

their daily activities.

shipping process.

Regional Resource | Ports

Regional Resource | Ports

balance between imports and export. This isn't due

7

Business Models Additionally, the business models of ports

Foreign Trade Zones

can differ depending on location, traffic, and

Foreign Trade Zones are also important to a port's

governance. There are two primary business

ability to market itself to shippers and carriers. From the

models for publicly owned ports: the operational

U.S. Customs and Border Protection:

Figure 2. Trade Flow Chart Figure 2 shows waterborne export flows of CSG South states to the world. Image is to scale in terms of the dollar value of exports.

port and the landlord port. Each implementation can have minor differences, but generally, an

Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) are secure areas

operational port is run directly by a port

under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

authority. The authority owns, maintains, and

supervision that are generally considered outside

improves the port infrastructure. The authority

CBP territory upon activation. Located in or near

may employ labor directly or negotiate with

CBP ports of entry, they are the United States'

unions to manage the labor required to

version of what are known internationally as free-

unload and move cargo. By contrast, under the

trade zones.

landlord model, the authority owns the land and the wharf but contracts the infrastructure,

Foreign and domestic merchandise may be

maintenance, and labor to a terminal operator.

moved into zones for operations, not otherwise

The terminal operator then runs the terminal,

prohibited by law, including storage, exhibition,

invests in infrastructure and development to

assembly, manufacturing, and processing. All

meet their needs, and negotiates with labor

zone activity is subject to public interest review.

to unload and move cargo. Some ports use

Foreign-trade zone sites are subject to the laws

a hybrid of these two approaches. In the CSG

and regulations of the United States as well as

South region, the most notable of these is the

those of the states and communities in which they

Port of Houston Authority and its extensive mix of

are located.5

operational and landlord terminals. This system allows shippers and producers to delay

Inland Ports

the payment of taxes and duties on their cargo until it

Inland ports have been an essential innovation

moves out of the FTZ. This also enables manufacturers

in the American supply chain. Inland ports, or

to collect business inputs within the FTZ and assemble

dry ports, offer three main benefits:

the final product within the FTZ. They may then elect to

•

to develop port traffic,

pay the appropriate tax and duty on the final good or

•

to provide new opportunities for regional

the inputs used to build the final product.

shippers, and •

to alleviate intercity highway congestion along

Trade Balance

a corridor.

An essential factor for ports to consider is the trade

4

6

Inland ports can serve as a hub for cargo coming

to the lofty goal of the United States becoming a

to the port for export. Similarly, they can serve as

50/50 import/export nation. Instead, it is far less

a new hub for the regional distribution of imports

grand. As a port approaches a balance, fewer empty

from the port. Finally, moving cargo via a rail line

containers languish on the docks. With a trade balance,

to an inland port can help alleviate the stress

those containers will depart and return to the port

and congestion on state roadways and interstate

fully loaded. Not only can this be a sign of a healthy

highways. The reduced road congestion is helpful

economy, but the port management doesn't need to

for shippers because the product moves faster

be concerned about lost opportunity. One less empty

and for residents, as there is less congestion for

container means more revenue at each stage of the

their daily activities.

shipping process.

Regional Resource | Ports

Regional Resource | Ports

balance between imports and export. This isn't due

7

Alabama

The States

along the interstates or goods needing to come from landlocked areas where truck transportation is more

Ports in the CSG South region collectively account for more than $400 billion in exports in 2021.6 As mentioned earlier, the ports in our region contribute to an incredible diversity of commodities and governance structures. If it can be placed on a ship, whether it's a person, a bulk agricultural product, a liquid petroleum product, a finished manufactured good, or a Volkswagen fresh off the line in

cost-effective than rail. The ASPA also has authority over eight inland ports, which it refers to as inland docks. These sites include Axis, Bridgeport, Columbia, Cordova, Demopolis, Eufaula, Montgomery, and Selma. Each inland port has river access, is near U.S. highways or interstates, and most have access to a rail spur.* Mobile primarily serves barge traffic, with the vast majority being dry bulk cargo. The port can handle RO-RO, liquid bulk, and container cargo. Alabama's primary exports, by value, are transportation equipment, minerals and ore, chemicals, and paper products.8

Chattanooga, it can be placed on a ship in

Alabama

"

Alabama ports are governed by the Alabama State

Port Authority (ASPA). The Authority was created in

MOBILE IS THE SITE OF THE STATE'S ONLY

2000, though the Alabama State Docks were first

SEAPORT. THE PORT OF MOBILE CAN HANDLE

established in Mobile in 1922. A nine-member Board

BARGE TRAFFIC FROM INLAND WATERWAYS

of Directors (Board) governs the ASPA. The governor

AND BOASTS CONNECTIVITY WITH FIVE OF

appoints eight members for staggered five-year terms,

THE SEVEN CLASS 1 FREIGHT RAIL LINES

with two members representing each of the state's

OPERATING IN THE UNITED STATES. UNION

different regions (South, Central, and North) and two at-

PACIFIC AND CANADIAN PACIFIC ARE NOT

large board members. These eight members are subject

CURRENTLY REPRESENTED AT THE PORT.

to confirmation from the Senate. The ninth board seat

ADDITIONALLY, MOBILE HAS EASY ACCESS

is an ex-officio seat that rotates annually between

TO INTERSTATES 10 AND 65 FOR TRUCK-

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

the mayor of Mobile and the president of the Mobile

8

BASED REGIONAL CARGO DISTRIBUTION.

County Commission. The Board selects the Director of

THIS LOCATION IS ADVANTAGEOUS FOR

the Port, who then acts as CEO of the ASPA. 7

CARGO GOING TO CITIES ALONG THE INTERSTATES OR GOODS NEEDING TO COME

The ASPA operates terminals and also contracts some

FROM LANDLOCKED AREAS WHERE TRUCK

of its terminals to be run by other entities. Mobile is the

TRANSPORTATION IS MORE COST-EFFECTIVE

site of the state's only seaport. The Port of Mobile can

THAN RAIL.

handle barge traffic from inland waterways and boasts connectivity with five of the seven Class 1 freight rail

lines operating in the United States. Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific are not currently represented at the

port. Additionally, Mobile has easy access to Interstates 10 and 65 for truck-based regional cargo distribution.

This location is advantageous for cargo going to cities

Port of Mobile

*

Axis, Cordova, and Selma lack rail connectivity.

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

our region to reach the rest of the world.

9

Alabama

The States

along the interstates or goods needing to come from landlocked areas where truck transportation is more

Ports in the CSG South region collectively account for more than $400 billion in exports in 2021.6 As mentioned earlier, the ports in our region contribute to an incredible diversity of commodities and governance structures. If it can be placed on a ship, whether it's a person, a bulk agricultural product, a liquid petroleum product, a finished manufactured good, or a Volkswagen fresh off the line in

cost-effective than rail. The ASPA also has authority over eight inland ports, which it refers to as inland docks. These sites include Axis, Bridgeport, Columbia, Cordova, Demopolis, Eufaula, Montgomery, and Selma. Each inland port has river access, is near U.S. highways or interstates, and most have access to a rail spur.* Mobile primarily serves barge traffic, with the vast majority being dry bulk cargo. The port can handle RO-RO, liquid bulk, and container cargo. Alabama's primary exports, by value, are transportation equipment, minerals and ore, chemicals, and paper products.8

Chattanooga, it can be placed on a ship in

Alabama

"

Alabama ports are governed by the Alabama State

Port Authority (ASPA). The Authority was created in

MOBILE IS THE SITE OF THE STATE'S ONLY

2000, though the Alabama State Docks were first

SEAPORT. THE PORT OF MOBILE CAN HANDLE

established in Mobile in 1922. A nine-member Board

BARGE TRAFFIC FROM INLAND WATERWAYS

of Directors (Board) governs the ASPA. The governor

AND BOASTS CONNECTIVITY WITH FIVE OF

appoints eight members for staggered five-year terms,

THE SEVEN CLASS 1 FREIGHT RAIL LINES

with two members representing each of the state's

OPERATING IN THE UNITED STATES. UNION

different regions (South, Central, and North) and two at-

PACIFIC AND CANADIAN PACIFIC ARE NOT

large board members. These eight members are subject

CURRENTLY REPRESENTED AT THE PORT.

to confirmation from the Senate. The ninth board seat

ADDITIONALLY, MOBILE HAS EASY ACCESS

is an ex-officio seat that rotates annually between

TO INTERSTATES 10 AND 65 FOR TRUCK-

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

the mayor of Mobile and the president of the Mobile

8

BASED REGIONAL CARGO DISTRIBUTION.

County Commission. The Board selects the Director of

THIS LOCATION IS ADVANTAGEOUS FOR

the Port, who then acts as CEO of the ASPA. 7

CARGO GOING TO CITIES ALONG THE INTERSTATES OR GOODS NEEDING TO COME

The ASPA operates terminals and also contracts some

FROM LANDLOCKED AREAS WHERE TRUCK

of its terminals to be run by other entities. Mobile is the

TRANSPORTATION IS MORE COST-EFFECTIVE

site of the state's only seaport. The Port of Mobile can

THAN RAIL.

handle barge traffic from inland waterways and boasts connectivity with five of the seven Class 1 freight rail

lines operating in the United States. Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific are not currently represented at the

port. Additionally, Mobile has easy access to Interstates 10 and 65 for truck-based regional cargo distribution.

This location is advantageous for cargo going to cities

Port of Mobile

*

Axis, Cordova, and Selma lack rail connectivity.

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

our region to reach the rest of the world.

9

Rock as an inland port, a description that minimizes the effect of the river upon which the port sits. The

tasked with governing a state-wide port system. Instead, local city or county governments run the 15 deep draft ports. However, the nonprofit Florida Ports Council

be city residents. The mayor appoints each member for

(FPC) serves as the advocacy organization for public

themselves. The board then selects the executive director.9 The Port of Little Rock is situated on the Arkansas River, extending south and eastward to the Mississippi river and north and westward to Tulsa, Oklahoma. The river then

seaports. Additionally, Florida created the Florida Seaport

Transportation and Economic Development (FSTED) Council

- a council comprising all 15 public ports' executive directors

housed in the Department of Transportation - and the Florida

Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Program. In addition to serving as an advocacy body for Florida

extends to Colorado. However, the McClellan–Kerr Arkansas

seaports, the FPC assists the FSTED Council in developing

River Navigation System's only navigable portion ends

plans for the FSTED program.12

at Tulsa. The Little Rock Port Authority acts as a landlord port, with terminal operations managed by SSA Marine. LRPA maintains 4,500 acres of industrial park to facilitate businesses to locate near the port facility. The 2021 LRPA

Some local governments have used a port authority model

with a selected board that serves for set terms. For example, The Jacksonville Port Authority consists of four members

Annual Report states that more than 40 businesses are in the

appointed by the mayor of Jacksonville and three by the

industrial park, supporting more than 8,000 jobs.

governor.13 Whereas, PortMiami functions as a city department.

10

The Port of Little Rock is a shallow water port, typically

The FSTED program is the primary mechanism through which

around nine feet. This depth limits the port to barge

the State of Florida invests in its local ports. It serves as a 50/50

traffic, as other vessels require greater draft depths.

matching program for ports through the state. This model

The port is served by two Class 1 rail lines, BNSF and Union

allows locally-governed ports to determine their development

Pacific. It also provides convenient access to interstates

trajectory while receiving funding support through the state.

30 and 40 for transport by truck. These features provide for an expedited process to move goods in and out of

The diversity of Florida's port governance is matched by

middle America, given its central location and easy access

an equal variety of cargoes the ports serve. The ports of

to rail, river, and road. Arkansas' primary exports are

Canaveral, Key West, and Miami primarily support cruise

transportation equipment, food and kindred products (packed meat and other processed foods), and chemicals.

11

"

THE LITTLE ROCK PORT AUTHORITY ACTS AS A Regional Resource | Ports

is autonomous, as there is no state-wide port authority

LRPA is governed by a board of seven members who must a staggered five-year term. The mayor also can appoint

10

Florida features a variety of port authorities. Each entity

LANDLORD PORT, WITH TERMINAL OPERATIONS MANAGED BY SSA MARINE. LRPA MAINTAINS 4,500

ACRES OF INDUSTRIAL PARK TO FACILITATE BUSINESSES TO LOCATE NEAR THE PORT FACILITY. THE 2021 LRPA ANNUAL REPORT STATES THAT MORE THAN 40

BUSINESSES ARE IN THE INDUSTRIAL PARK, SUPPORTING MORE THAN 8,000 JOBS.

Port of Little Rock

traffic. Port Canaveral is the second busiest cruise port in the world, topped only by its neighbor to the south and east, PortMiami. Rounding out the top three is another Florida port, Port Everglades.14 Jaxport, the established

brand for the Port of Jacksonville, can represent all of Florida's port diversity in one port. It has bulk, break-bulk, reefer,

container, and RO-RO capability, and it's the only East Coast port with on-dock LNG refueling capability. Florida's top exports, by value, are computer and electronic products,

transportation equipment, and chemicals.15 Florida ports are served by two Class 1 railroads, CSX and Norfolk Southern, and multiple short-line services. CSX's headquarters are

located in Jacksonville. Interstates 95, 75, 10, and 4 provide highway connectivity to the rest of the region.

PortMiami

Regional Resource | Ports

which governs the Port of Little Rock. LRPA markets Little

Florida

Florida

Arkansas is home to the Little Rock Port Authority (LRPA),

Arkansas

Arkansas

11

Rock as an inland port, a description that minimizes the effect of the river upon which the port sits. The

tasked with governing a state-wide port system. Instead, local city or county governments run the 15 deep draft ports. However, the nonprofit Florida Ports Council

be city residents. The mayor appoints each member for

(FPC) serves as the advocacy organization for public

themselves. The board then selects the executive director.9 The Port of Little Rock is situated on the Arkansas River, extending south and eastward to the Mississippi river and north and westward to Tulsa, Oklahoma. The river then

seaports. Additionally, Florida created the Florida Seaport

Transportation and Economic Development (FSTED) Council

- a council comprising all 15 public ports' executive directors

housed in the Department of Transportation - and the Florida

Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Program. In addition to serving as an advocacy body for Florida

extends to Colorado. However, the McClellan–Kerr Arkansas

seaports, the FPC assists the FSTED Council in developing

River Navigation System's only navigable portion ends

plans for the FSTED program.12

at Tulsa. The Little Rock Port Authority acts as a landlord port, with terminal operations managed by SSA Marine. LRPA maintains 4,500 acres of industrial park to facilitate businesses to locate near the port facility. The 2021 LRPA

Some local governments have used a port authority model

with a selected board that serves for set terms. For example, The Jacksonville Port Authority consists of four members

Annual Report states that more than 40 businesses are in the

appointed by the mayor of Jacksonville and three by the

industrial park, supporting more than 8,000 jobs.

governor.13 Whereas, PortMiami functions as a city department.

10

The Port of Little Rock is a shallow water port, typically

The FSTED program is the primary mechanism through which

around nine feet. This depth limits the port to barge

the State of Florida invests in its local ports. It serves as a 50/50

traffic, as other vessels require greater draft depths.

matching program for ports through the state. This model

The port is served by two Class 1 rail lines, BNSF and Union

allows locally-governed ports to determine their development

Pacific. It also provides convenient access to interstates

trajectory while receiving funding support through the state.

30 and 40 for transport by truck. These features provide for an expedited process to move goods in and out of

The diversity of Florida's port governance is matched by

middle America, given its central location and easy access

an equal variety of cargoes the ports serve. The ports of

to rail, river, and road. Arkansas' primary exports are

Canaveral, Key West, and Miami primarily support cruise

transportation equipment, food and kindred products (packed meat and other processed foods), and chemicals.

11

"

THE LITTLE ROCK PORT AUTHORITY ACTS AS A Regional Resource | Ports

is autonomous, as there is no state-wide port authority

LRPA is governed by a board of seven members who must a staggered five-year term. The mayor also can appoint

10

Florida features a variety of port authorities. Each entity

LANDLORD PORT, WITH TERMINAL OPERATIONS MANAGED BY SSA MARINE. LRPA MAINTAINS 4,500

ACRES OF INDUSTRIAL PARK TO FACILITATE BUSINESSES TO LOCATE NEAR THE PORT FACILITY. THE 2021 LRPA ANNUAL REPORT STATES THAT MORE THAN 40

BUSINESSES ARE IN THE INDUSTRIAL PARK, SUPPORTING MORE THAN 8,000 JOBS.

Port of Little Rock

traffic. Port Canaveral is the second busiest cruise port in the world, topped only by its neighbor to the south and east, PortMiami. Rounding out the top three is another Florida port, Port Everglades.14 Jaxport, the established

brand for the Port of Jacksonville, can represent all of Florida's port diversity in one port. It has bulk, break-bulk, reefer,

container, and RO-RO capability, and it's the only East Coast port with on-dock LNG refueling capability. Florida's top exports, by value, are computer and electronic products,

transportation equipment, and chemicals.15 Florida ports are served by two Class 1 railroads, CSX and Norfolk Southern, and multiple short-line services. CSX's headquarters are

located in Jacksonville. Interstates 95, 75, 10, and 4 provide highway connectivity to the rest of the region.

PortMiami

Regional Resource | Ports

which governs the Port of Little Rock. LRPA markets Little

Florida

Florida

Arkansas is home to the Little Rock Port Authority (LRPA),

Arkansas

Arkansas

11

Kentucky is served by three Class 1

governed by a central port authority, in this case,

governance is decentralized, with

the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA). The GPA is

the ports overseen by a municipal

governed by a 13-member board appointed

or county-based port authority.

by the governor. Each member serves a four-

Kentucky, while landlocked, is very

year term. The Board then selects the Executive

well connected to the American Marine

Director.

Highway System due to its northern border, the Ohio River. Kentucky is

The GPA manages two deep draft ports, the Port

home to seven operational riverports

of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick, as well

along the Ohio River, with three in

as three inland ports, Chatsworth, Bainbridge,

development. The two largest river ports are

port comprising the Garden City Terminal and

Louisville-Jefferson and Owensboro.

the Ocean Terminal. The Port of Brunswick,

The Louisville-Jefferson Port is overseen

featuring Mayors Point Terminal, Colonels

by a port authority of six members. The

Island Terminal, and East River Terminal, is the

mayor of Louisville appoints each member

second largest RO-RO port in the nation and

for three-year terms. Similarly, the Port of

processes most of Georgia's bulk and break-

Owensboro is governed by a municipally-

bulk import/export.16

created authority managed by a board of

Georgia ports are served by two Class 1 railroads, CSX and Norfolk Southern. These connect to the inland ports and the rest of

Canadian National. All of Kentucky's

river ports are near rail or have spurs on the port facilities that connect directly to a Class 1 trunk line.† Additionally, the Ports of Louisville-Jefferson and

Owensboro are both near U.S. interstates or national highways, I-64 and I-65 for

Louisville-Jefferson, and U.S. Highway

60 for Owensboro. For the other river

ports, Kentucky is crisscrossed by U.S. Interstates, and intermodal transport

and Columbus. Each of these ports has multiple terminals. Savannah is primarily a container

Railroads: CSX, Norfolk Southern, and

six members. The mayor appoints each member for a four-year term.18

for goods to and from the ports is

convenient for shippers and producers. The Ohio River has an average depth of 24 feet, with some areas as shallow as 15 feet. Similar to Arkansas, this leads

the Kentucky ports to serve more barge

traffic. Kentucky's primary port exports

by value are transportation equipment, chemicals, and tobacco and beverage products. 19

their regional networks. In addition to this rail connection, the Port of Savannah is situated

The Maritime Highway System is a series of navigable water routes in the United States. Similar to Interstate Highways, they are numbered with even numbers for east and west routes and odd numbers for north and south routes. However, instead of starting with an ‘I’ like the interstates, they begin with an ‘M.’ M-10 is the maritime highway that runs next to I-10 in the gulf of Mexico. Similarly, M-95 follows I-95 along the Eastern Seaboard. Finally, M-65 mirrors I-65, but unlike the other examples, this one is a river corridor that includes the Mobile, Tombigbee, and Black Warrior Rivers, and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.

near Interstate 16 and Interstate 95. Similarly, Brunswick is also located near Interstate 95. Georgia's primary exports, by value, are

transportation equipment, general machinery, chemicals, and paper. 17

"

THE GPA MANAGES TWO DEEP DRAFT PORTS,

Regional Resource | Ports

THE PORT OF SAVANNAH AND THE PORT

12

OF BRUNSWICK, AS WELL AS THREE INLAND PORTS, CHATSWORTH, BAINBRIDGE, AND COLUMBUS. EACH OF THESE PORTS HAS MULTIPLE TERMINALS.

Port of Savannah

Louisville, Kentucky River

Similar to Florida, Kentucky's port

Figure 3. America's Marine Highway Routes

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration. "U.S. Marine Highway Routes." (March 14, 2023), https://www.maritime. dot.gov/grants/marine-highways/marine-highway.

† A trunk line, in this case, is a frequently used rail line that serves as a main thoroughfare for traffic. An analogy would be a US interstate serves as a trunk line whereas the county roads and state highways often serve as collectors or feeders to the more heavily utilized interstate.

Regional Resource | Ports

Kentucky

Kentucky

Ports in Georgia, similar to Alabama, are

Georgia

Georgia

13

Kentucky is served by three Class 1

governed by a central port authority, in this case,

governance is decentralized, with

the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA). The GPA is

the ports overseen by a municipal

governed by a 13-member board appointed

or county-based port authority.

by the governor. Each member serves a four-

Kentucky, while landlocked, is very

year term. The Board then selects the Executive

well connected to the American Marine

Director.

Highway System due to its northern border, the Ohio River. Kentucky is

The GPA manages two deep draft ports, the Port

home to seven operational riverports

of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick, as well

along the Ohio River, with three in

as three inland ports, Chatsworth, Bainbridge,

development. The two largest river ports are

port comprising the Garden City Terminal and

Louisville-Jefferson and Owensboro.

the Ocean Terminal. The Port of Brunswick,

The Louisville-Jefferson Port is overseen

featuring Mayors Point Terminal, Colonels

by a port authority of six members. The

Island Terminal, and East River Terminal, is the

mayor of Louisville appoints each member

second largest RO-RO port in the nation and

for three-year terms. Similarly, the Port of

processes most of Georgia's bulk and break-

Owensboro is governed by a municipally-

bulk import/export.16

created authority managed by a board of

Georgia ports are served by two Class 1 railroads, CSX and Norfolk Southern. These connect to the inland ports and the rest of

Canadian National. All of Kentucky's

river ports are near rail or have spurs on the port facilities that connect directly to a Class 1 trunk line.† Additionally, the Ports of Louisville-Jefferson and

Owensboro are both near U.S. interstates or national highways, I-64 and I-65 for

Louisville-Jefferson, and U.S. Highway

60 for Owensboro. For the other river

ports, Kentucky is crisscrossed by U.S. Interstates, and intermodal transport

and Columbus. Each of these ports has multiple terminals. Savannah is primarily a container

Railroads: CSX, Norfolk Southern, and

six members. The mayor appoints each member for a four-year term.18

for goods to and from the ports is

convenient for shippers and producers. The Ohio River has an average depth of 24 feet, with some areas as shallow as 15 feet. Similar to Arkansas, this leads

the Kentucky ports to serve more barge

traffic. Kentucky's primary port exports

by value are transportation equipment, chemicals, and tobacco and beverage products. 19

their regional networks. In addition to this rail connection, the Port of Savannah is situated

The Maritime Highway System is a series of navigable water routes in the United States. Similar to Interstate Highways, they are numbered with even numbers for east and west routes and odd numbers for north and south routes. However, instead of starting with an ‘I’ like the interstates, they begin with an ‘M.’ M-10 is the maritime highway that runs next to I-10 in the gulf of Mexico. Similarly, M-95 follows I-95 along the Eastern Seaboard. Finally, M-65 mirrors I-65, but unlike the other examples, this one is a river corridor that includes the Mobile, Tombigbee, and Black Warrior Rivers, and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.

near Interstate 16 and Interstate 95. Similarly, Brunswick is also located near Interstate 95. Georgia's primary exports, by value, are

transportation equipment, general machinery, chemicals, and paper. 17

"

THE GPA MANAGES TWO DEEP DRAFT PORTS,

Regional Resource | Ports

THE PORT OF SAVANNAH AND THE PORT

12

OF BRUNSWICK, AS WELL AS THREE INLAND PORTS, CHATSWORTH, BAINBRIDGE, AND COLUMBUS. EACH OF THESE PORTS HAS MULTIPLE TERMINALS.

Port of Savannah

Louisville, Kentucky River

Similar to Florida, Kentucky's port

Figure 3. America's Marine Highway Routes

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration. "U.S. Marine Highway Routes." (March 14, 2023), https://www.maritime. dot.gov/grants/marine-highways/marine-highway.

† A trunk line, in this case, is a frequently used rail line that serves as a main thoroughfare for traffic. An analogy would be a US interstate serves as a trunk line whereas the county roads and state highways often serve as collectors or feeders to the more heavily utilized interstate.

Regional Resource | Ports

Kentucky

Kentucky

Ports in Georgia, similar to Alabama, are

Georgia

Georgia

13

managed at the local level, whether as a department of a city or parish or by a port authority/commission established by the municipality or parish. For example, the Port of New Orleans is governed by a port authority with a board appointed by the governor. The board

Mississippi has two seaports - one in Gulfport and the second in Pascagoula. The Mississippi State Port

Authority governs the Port of Gulfport. The authority is governed by a five-member board of commissioners, with three members appointed by the governor, one by the Harrison County Board of Supervisors, and one by the City of Gulfport.23 Mississippi's second

reflects the three parishes in which the port is located, with

seaport, the Port of Pascagoula, is managed by the Port

four members from Orleans Parish, two from Jefferson

Authority of Jackson County. A nine-member Board of

Parish, and one from St. Bernard Parish, for a total of seven members. Each board member serves a five-year term.

Commissioners similarly oversees the Jackson County

Authority with five appointees from the Jackson County Board of Supervisors and four from the governor.24

Meanwhile, The Port of Greater Baton Rouge is governed by the Greater Baton Rouge Port Commission, a creation of the

The two seaports are relatively similar. They are

Louisiana General Assembly. The commission consists of 15

both deep draft ports governed by authorities

members, all appointed by the governor. As is the case with

with commissions made of both local and state

many Southern states, the commission selects the port's

appointments. Both port authority boards appoint a

executive director.

21

If cargo can go on a ship or barge, a Louisiana port can

CEO/executive director for the port authority. While they differ in governing authority and management

approach - Gulfport is a landlord port while Pascagoula

handle it. Multiple deep draft ports along the coast include

is an operational port - they are both capable of

the Ports of Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, New Orleans,

handling bulk, break-bulk, and container cargo.

Plaquemines, South Louisiana, and St. Bernard. Additionally,

Pascagoula is also situated next to a U.S. Coast Guard

the coastal ports are essential for servicing the oil and gas

Facility and a U.S. Navy facility; it is also situated next to

industries in the state and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Finally, Louisiana has multiple inland ports to help move cargo intermodally. Crisscrossing the state are six of the

seven Class 1 railroads; the only Class 1 railroad not serving

Ingalls Shipbuilding. Meanwhile, Gulfport has the added capability for RO-RO cargo. By volume, Mississippi's primary port exports are coal and petroleum products, paper, and chemicals.25

Louisiana is Canadian Pacific. In addition, there are 13 shortline rail lines ranging from one mile to 442 miles of track within the state.

The largest category of goods passing through Louisiana ports are agricultural bulk and break-bulk cargo. By a

tonnage measurement, the Port of South Louisiana is the busiest port in the United States. The ports in Louisiana Regional Resource | Ports

are the primary exit point for U.S. agricultural products

14

going to the rest of the world. The Mississippi River serves as a collection point for the tributaries that serve the American Heartland - the Ohio, Arkansas, and Missouri

Rivers. Given this reality and the state's location on the Gulf of Mexico, it is unsurprising that the largest categories of

exports, by value, are agricultural products, oil and gas, and other petroleum and chemical products. 22

Port of Lake Charles

"

WHILE THEY DIFFER IN GOVERNING AUTHORITY AND MANAGEMENT APPROACH - GULFPORT IS A LANDLORD PORT WHILE PASCAGOULA IS AN

Port of Gulfport

OPERATIONAL PORT - THEY ARE BOTH CAPABLE OF HANDLING BULK, BREAK-BULK, AND CONTAINER CARGO. PASCAGOULA IS ALSO SITUATED NEXT TO A U.S. COAST GUARD FACILITY AND A U.S. NAVY FACILITY; IT IS ALSO SITUATED NEXT TO INGALLS SHIPBUILDING. MEANWHILE, GULFPORT HAS THE ADDED CAPABILITY FOR RO-RO CARGO.

Regional Resource | Ports

process of being established. Most of these ports are

Mississippi

Mississippi

Louisiana has 32 ports that are established or in the 20

Louisiana

Louisiana

15

managed at the local level, whether as a department of a city or parish or by a port authority/commission established by the municipality or parish. For example, the Port of New Orleans is governed by a port authority with a board appointed by the governor. The board

Mississippi has two seaports - one in Gulfport and the second in Pascagoula. The Mississippi State Port

Authority governs the Port of Gulfport. The authority is governed by a five-member board of commissioners, with three members appointed by the governor, one by the Harrison County Board of Supervisors, and one by the City of Gulfport.23 Mississippi's second

reflects the three parishes in which the port is located, with

seaport, the Port of Pascagoula, is managed by the Port

four members from Orleans Parish, two from Jefferson

Authority of Jackson County. A nine-member Board of

Parish, and one from St. Bernard Parish, for a total of seven members. Each board member serves a five-year term.

Commissioners similarly oversees the Jackson County

Authority with five appointees from the Jackson County Board of Supervisors and four from the governor.24

Meanwhile, The Port of Greater Baton Rouge is governed by the Greater Baton Rouge Port Commission, a creation of the

The two seaports are relatively similar. They are

Louisiana General Assembly. The commission consists of 15

both deep draft ports governed by authorities

members, all appointed by the governor. As is the case with

with commissions made of both local and state

many Southern states, the commission selects the port's

appointments. Both port authority boards appoint a

executive director.

21

If cargo can go on a ship or barge, a Louisiana port can

CEO/executive director for the port authority. While they differ in governing authority and management

approach - Gulfport is a landlord port while Pascagoula

handle it. Multiple deep draft ports along the coast include

is an operational port - they are both capable of

the Ports of Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, New Orleans,

handling bulk, break-bulk, and container cargo.

Plaquemines, South Louisiana, and St. Bernard. Additionally,

Pascagoula is also situated next to a U.S. Coast Guard

the coastal ports are essential for servicing the oil and gas

Facility and a U.S. Navy facility; it is also situated next to

industries in the state and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Finally, Louisiana has multiple inland ports to help move cargo intermodally. Crisscrossing the state are six of the

seven Class 1 railroads; the only Class 1 railroad not serving

Ingalls Shipbuilding. Meanwhile, Gulfport has the added capability for RO-RO cargo. By volume, Mississippi's primary port exports are coal and petroleum products, paper, and chemicals.25

Louisiana is Canadian Pacific. In addition, there are 13 shortline rail lines ranging from one mile to 442 miles of track within the state.

The largest category of goods passing through Louisiana ports are agricultural bulk and break-bulk cargo. By a

tonnage measurement, the Port of South Louisiana is the busiest port in the United States. The ports in Louisiana Regional Resource | Ports

are the primary exit point for U.S. agricultural products

14

going to the rest of the world. The Mississippi River serves as a collection point for the tributaries that serve the American Heartland - the Ohio, Arkansas, and Missouri

Rivers. Given this reality and the state's location on the Gulf of Mexico, it is unsurprising that the largest categories of

exports, by value, are agricultural products, oil and gas, and other petroleum and chemical products. 22

Port of Lake Charles

"

WHILE THEY DIFFER IN GOVERNING AUTHORITY AND MANAGEMENT APPROACH - GULFPORT IS A LANDLORD PORT WHILE PASCAGOULA IS AN

Port of Gulfport

OPERATIONAL PORT - THEY ARE BOTH CAPABLE OF HANDLING BULK, BREAK-BULK, AND CONTAINER CARGO. PASCAGOULA IS ALSO SITUATED NEXT TO A U.S. COAST GUARD FACILITY AND A U.S. NAVY FACILITY; IT IS ALSO SITUATED NEXT TO INGALLS SHIPBUILDING. MEANWHILE, GULFPORT HAS THE ADDED CAPABILITY FOR RO-RO CARGO.

Regional Resource | Ports

process of being established. Most of these ports are

Mississippi

Mississippi

Louisiana has 32 ports that are established or in the 20

Louisiana

Louisiana

15

North Carolina

Like several other states in the CSG South region,

The North Carolina State Ports Authority (NCSPA)

ports in Missouri are not governed by a single entity.

was first established in 1945 and manages three

State law establishes eligible cities and counties for

ports, the two seaports of Wilmington and Morehead

a port, but the port governance occurs locally. While

City and the one inland port of Charlotte. NCSPA is

the Missouri Department of Transportation doesn't

governed by an 11-member Board of Directors where

directly control ports, it monitors and classifies them.

the governor appoints six, the General Assembly

There are three ratings, active port - a port shipping

appoints four, and the secretary of transportation fills the remaining seat.28

hasn't received a shipment in the previous year; and

developing port which does not yet have facilities to

The Port of Wilmington is located on the Cape Fear

ship or receive. There are currently 14 public ports in

River and maintains a channel depth of 42 feet. The Port

the state. Missouri is situated on both the Mississippi

of Morehead City is on the coast and protected by some

and Missouri river systems. As such, Missouri has

of North Carolina's barrier islands; it maintains a channel

more miles of navigable riverway than it does miles

depth of 45 feet. Both ports can handle bulk, break-bulk,

of interstate.

and RO-RO cargo. Wilmington has the added capability of refrigerated and cold storage cargo, as well as

Fourteen locally governed ports provide some variety in

container service. The ports of North Carolina all have

terms of governance structures and service profiles. The

easy access to interstate highways and are served

Port of Metropolitan St. Louis is ice-free year-round

by two Class 1 railroads - CSX and Norfolk Southern.

and is also unreliant on a lock system port on the

By value, North Carolina's primary port exports are

Mississippi River. Six of the Class 1 rail lines also serve

chemicals, transportation equipment, and textiles. 29

Metropolitan St. Louis is overseen by a seven-member

port authority commission and is a landlord port leasing out its facilities to terminal operators. The city's director of streets and the Transportation and Commerce

Committee chair for the Board of Aldermen are both

statutory members. The mayor appoints five additional members with the advice and consent of the Board of Aldermen.26

Similar to Arkansas and Kentucky, Missouri's ports are all shallow draft and rely on barge traffic. Like the Port

of South Louisiana, Missouri ports service a great deal of American agricultural commodities in addition to

mining ore from the upper Midwest. However, by value, Regional Resource | Ports

the primary exports for Missouri are chemicals, food and kindred products, and machinery. 27

Port of Metropolitan St. Louis

it, lacking service only from Canadian Pacific. The Port of

"

THE PORT OF WILMINGTON IS LOCATED ON THE CAPE FEAR RIVER AND MAINTAINS A CHANNEL DEPTH OF 42 FEET. THE PORT OF MOREHEAD CITY IS ON THE COAST AND PROTECTED BY SOME OF

NORTH CAROLINA'S BARRIER ISLANDS; IT MAINTAINS A CHANNEL DEPTH OF 45 FEET. BOTH PORTS CAN HANDLE BULK, BREAK-BULK, AND RO-RO CARGO. WILMINGTON HAS THE ADDED CAPABILITY OF REFRIGERATED AND COLD STORAGE CARGO, AS WELL AS CONTAINER SERVICE.

Port of Wilmington

Regional Resource | Ports

in the last year; inactive port - a port with facilities but

16

North Carolina

Missouri

Missouri

17

North Carolina

Like several other states in the CSG South region,

The North Carolina State Ports Authority (NCSPA)

ports in Missouri are not governed by a single entity.

was first established in 1945 and manages three

State law establishes eligible cities and counties for

ports, the two seaports of Wilmington and Morehead

a port, but the port governance occurs locally. While

City and the one inland port of Charlotte. NCSPA is

the Missouri Department of Transportation doesn't

governed by an 11-member Board of Directors where

directly control ports, it monitors and classifies them.

the governor appoints six, the General Assembly

There are three ratings, active port - a port shipping

appoints four, and the secretary of transportation fills the remaining seat.28

hasn't received a shipment in the previous year; and

developing port which does not yet have facilities to

The Port of Wilmington is located on the Cape Fear

ship or receive. There are currently 14 public ports in

River and maintains a channel depth of 42 feet. The Port

the state. Missouri is situated on both the Mississippi

of Morehead City is on the coast and protected by some

and Missouri river systems. As such, Missouri has

of North Carolina's barrier islands; it maintains a channel

more miles of navigable riverway than it does miles

depth of 45 feet. Both ports can handle bulk, break-bulk,

of interstate.

and RO-RO cargo. Wilmington has the added capability of refrigerated and cold storage cargo, as well as

Fourteen locally governed ports provide some variety in

container service. The ports of North Carolina all have

terms of governance structures and service profiles. The

easy access to interstate highways and are served

Port of Metropolitan St. Louis is ice-free year-round

by two Class 1 railroads - CSX and Norfolk Southern.

and is also unreliant on a lock system port on the

By value, North Carolina's primary port exports are

Mississippi River. Six of the Class 1 rail lines also serve

chemicals, transportation equipment, and textiles. 29

Metropolitan St. Louis is overseen by a seven-member

port authority commission and is a landlord port leasing out its facilities to terminal operators. The city's director of streets and the Transportation and Commerce

Committee chair for the Board of Aldermen are both

statutory members. The mayor appoints five additional members with the advice and consent of the Board of Aldermen.26

Similar to Arkansas and Kentucky, Missouri's ports are all shallow draft and rely on barge traffic. Like the Port

of South Louisiana, Missouri ports service a great deal of American agricultural commodities in addition to

mining ore from the upper Midwest. However, by value, Regional Resource | Ports

the primary exports for Missouri are chemicals, food and kindred products, and machinery. 27

Port of Metropolitan St. Louis

it, lacking service only from Canadian Pacific. The Port of

"

THE PORT OF WILMINGTON IS LOCATED ON THE CAPE FEAR RIVER AND MAINTAINS A CHANNEL DEPTH OF 42 FEET. THE PORT OF MOREHEAD CITY IS ON THE COAST AND PROTECTED BY SOME OF

NORTH CAROLINA'S BARRIER ISLANDS; IT MAINTAINS A CHANNEL DEPTH OF 45 FEET. BOTH PORTS CAN HANDLE BULK, BREAK-BULK, AND RO-RO CARGO. WILMINGTON HAS THE ADDED CAPABILITY OF REFRIGERATED AND COLD STORAGE CARGO, AS WELL AS CONTAINER SERVICE.

Port of Wilmington

Regional Resource | Ports

in the last year; inactive port - a port with facilities but

16

North Carolina

Missouri

Missouri

17

South Carolina

Like most states in the CSG South region, Oklahoma's

The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) governs

ports are not managed by a single state authority.

ports in the state. The SCPA has jurisdiction over the

McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) the Tulsa Port of Catoosa and the Port of Muskogee. The private port of Oakley 33 is an important port on the MKARNS, and worth mentioning even though it is an entirely private port.

30

The Tulsa Port of Catoosa is located at the end of the

sea ports of the Port of Charleston and the Port of

Georgetown, as well as the inland ports of Port Greer and Port Dillon. Each port is run as an operational port rather than a landlord port. The nine-member Board of Directors of the SCPA is appointed by the governor for five-year terms and confirmed by the South Carolina state Senate. A president and chief executive officer run the SCPA. 34

MKARNS, as further North and West, it is not a navigable

The Port of Charleston is primarily a container port,

waterway. It is governed by the City of Tulsa – Rogers

while the Port of Georgetown is dedicated to bulk

County Port Authority, with a nine-member Board of

and break-bulk material. In Fiscal Year 2022, the SCPA

Directors appointed by the City of Tulsa and the Rogers

saw a throughput of 2.85 million TEUs of container

County Commission. The mayor of Tulsa appoints six

cargo, 880,000 short tonnes of break-bulk cargo;

members, while the County Commission appoints the

219,000 vehicles; and 123,000 cruise passengers. By

remaining three.

value, South Carolina's primary port exports are

31

The Port of Muskogee is similarly governed as a joint project of the City and County of Muskogee. The thirteen-member Muskogee City-County Port

transportation equipment, chemicals, and plastics and rubber products.35

Authority Board of Directors is made up of seven county appointees and six city appointees who are appointed by both the mayor and city council.32 Ports in Oklahoma excel in handling bulk cargo but

can also handle RO-RO and containers. Both ports are

served by BNSF and Union Pacific railroads. The Kansas City Southern rail line also serves the Port of Catoosa. All three are Class 1 railroads. Oklahoma's primary

"

port exports, by value, are machinery, chemicals, and

Regional Resource | Ports

food and kindred products.33

18

"

PORTS IN OKLAHOMA EXCEL IN HANDLING BULK CARGO BUT CAN ALSO HANDLE RO-RO AND CONTAINERS. BOTH PORTS ARE SERVED BY BNSF AND UNION PACIFIC RAILROADS.

THE PORT OF CHARLESTON IS PRIMARILY A CONTAINER PORT, WHILE THE PORT OF GEORGETOWN IS DEDICATED TO BULK AND BREAKBULK MATERIAL.

Tulsa Port of Catoosa

Port of Charleston

Regional Resource | Ports

Oklahoma has two public river ports on the

South Carolina

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

19

South Carolina

Like most states in the CSG South region, Oklahoma's

The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) governs

ports are not managed by a single state authority.

ports in the state. The SCPA has jurisdiction over the

McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) the Tulsa Port of Catoosa and the Port of Muskogee. The private port of Oakley 33 is an important port on the MKARNS, and worth mentioning even though it is an entirely private port.

30

The Tulsa Port of Catoosa is located at the end of the

sea ports of the Port of Charleston and the Port of

Georgetown, as well as the inland ports of Port Greer and Port Dillon. Each port is run as an operational port rather than a landlord port. The nine-member Board of Directors of the SCPA is appointed by the governor for five-year terms and confirmed by the South Carolina state Senate. A president and chief executive officer run the SCPA. 34

MKARNS, as further North and West, it is not a navigable

The Port of Charleston is primarily a container port,

waterway. It is governed by the City of Tulsa – Rogers

while the Port of Georgetown is dedicated to bulk

County Port Authority, with a nine-member Board of

and break-bulk material. In Fiscal Year 2022, the SCPA

Directors appointed by the City of Tulsa and the Rogers

saw a throughput of 2.85 million TEUs of container

County Commission. The mayor of Tulsa appoints six

cargo, 880,000 short tonnes of break-bulk cargo;

members, while the County Commission appoints the

219,000 vehicles; and 123,000 cruise passengers. By

remaining three.

value, South Carolina's primary port exports are

31

The Port of Muskogee is similarly governed as a joint project of the City and County of Muskogee. The thirteen-member Muskogee City-County Port

transportation equipment, chemicals, and plastics and rubber products.35

Authority Board of Directors is made up of seven county appointees and six city appointees who are appointed by both the mayor and city council.32 Ports in Oklahoma excel in handling bulk cargo but

can also handle RO-RO and containers. Both ports are

served by BNSF and Union Pacific railroads. The Kansas City Southern rail line also serves the Port of Catoosa. All three are Class 1 railroads. Oklahoma's primary

"

port exports, by value, are machinery, chemicals, and

Regional Resource | Ports

food and kindred products.33

18

"

PORTS IN OKLAHOMA EXCEL IN HANDLING BULK CARGO BUT CAN ALSO HANDLE RO-RO AND CONTAINERS. BOTH PORTS ARE SERVED BY BNSF AND UNION PACIFIC RAILROADS.

THE PORT OF CHARLESTON IS PRIMARILY A CONTAINER PORT, WHILE THE PORT OF GEORGETOWN IS DEDICATED TO BULK AND BREAKBULK MATERIAL.

Tulsa Port of Catoosa

Port of Charleston

Regional Resource | Ports

Oklahoma has two public river ports on the

South Carolina

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

19

Texas

Tennessee is a land-locked state with several rivers and

The saying goes that everything is bigger in Texas, and

inland ports. Most notable is the International Port of

when it comes to ports and maritime shipping, that saying

Memphis on the Mississippi River. Additionally, there is

is generally true. While Louisiana can claim the busiest

a public dock in Nashville owned by the city with a third-

port by tonnage, Texas can claim the Port of Houston

party terminal operator.

at number two, the Port of Beaumont as number four,

and the Port of Corpus Christi as number five. Houston

The International Port of Memphis is the largest port

is also number six in the U.S. in terms of total container

in Tennessee and the second largest port on the

volume.38

connected ports in the region, with easy access to

Like most states in the CSG South region, there is no single

three interstates, seven U.S. highways, and five Class

state port authority. Given the diversity of the number of

1 rail lines. As with most other river-based ports,

public ports -19 - there is an equal amount of diversity

The International Port of Memphis is a shallow draft port. Despite this, it still sees a great deal of traffic.

in cargo. Similar to Louisiana, if it can be placed on a

ship, it can be placed on a ship in Texas. Texas handles

Organizationally, the International Port of Memphis is

bulk, break-bulk, RO-RO, reefer, and liquid bulk through

a subdivision of a joint creation of the city of Memphis

pipelines. Additionally, Galveston hosts three cruise

and Shelby County called the Economic Development

terminals.

and Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County (EDGE). Additionally, there is a Memphis and Shelby

The Port of Houston Authority oversees the Port of Houston.

County Port Commission Board of Directors consisting

It is made up of seven members serving two-year terms. Two

of five members appointed by EDGE and one member

members are appointed by the Harris County Commissioners

appointed by the City of Memphis and Shelby County,

Court, two by the Houston City Council, one by the Pasadena

respectively.

City Council, and one by the Harris County Mayors' and

36

The International Port of Memphis primarily handles

Councils' Association. Finally, the commission's chair is

selected jointly by the governing bodies of Harris County and

bulk cargo but is also capable of handling pipeline and

the City of Houston.39

container cargo. By value, Tennessee's primary port exports are chemicals, transportation equipment,

The Port of Corpus Christi is similarly well equipped to

beverages, and tobacco products.

handle bulk, break-bulk, liquid bulk, and RO-RO, though

37

"

THE INTERNATIONAL PORT OF MEMPHIS IS THE Regional Resource | Ports

LARGEST PORT IN TENNESSEE AND THE SECOND LARGEST PORT ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER.

it cannot handle containers. It is also similarly governed by the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, made up of seven members. Three of its members are appointed by the

Corpus Christi City Council, three by the Nueces County

Commissioners Court, and one by the San Patricio County Commissioners Court.40

Given the size of Texas, it's necessary for the state to have a well-developed transportation sector. Texas is home

INTERMODALLY, IT IS ONE OF THE BEST-CONNECTED

to 12 interstates. The ports in Texas are all situated for

PORTS IN THE REGION, WITH EASY ACCESS TO THREE

easy access to either the interstate system or the national

INTERSTATES, SEVEN U.S. HIGHWAYS, AND FIVE

highway system. Additionally, Texas is served by three Class

CLASS 1 RAIL LINES.

1 rail carriers, Union Pacific, Kansas City Southern, and BNSF. By value, the primary exports through Texas ports are oil Port of Memphis

and gas, petroleum and coal products, and chemicals.41

Port of Houston

Regional Resource | Ports

Mississippi River. Intermodally, it is one of the best-

20

Texas

Tennessee

Tennessee

21

Texas

Tennessee is a land-locked state with several rivers and

The saying goes that everything is bigger in Texas, and

inland ports. Most notable is the International Port of

when it comes to ports and maritime shipping, that saying

Memphis on the Mississippi River. Additionally, there is

is generally true. While Louisiana can claim the busiest

a public dock in Nashville owned by the city with a third-

port by tonnage, Texas can claim the Port of Houston

party terminal operator.

at number two, the Port of Beaumont as number four,

and the Port of Corpus Christi as number five. Houston

The International Port of Memphis is the largest port

is also number six in the U.S. in terms of total container

in Tennessee and the second largest port on the

volume.38

connected ports in the region, with easy access to

Like most states in the CSG South region, there is no single

three interstates, seven U.S. highways, and five Class

state port authority. Given the diversity of the number of

1 rail lines. As with most other river-based ports,

public ports -19 - there is an equal amount of diversity

The International Port of Memphis is a shallow draft port. Despite this, it still sees a great deal of traffic.

in cargo. Similar to Louisiana, if it can be placed on a

ship, it can be placed on a ship in Texas. Texas handles

Organizationally, the International Port of Memphis is

bulk, break-bulk, RO-RO, reefer, and liquid bulk through

a subdivision of a joint creation of the city of Memphis

pipelines. Additionally, Galveston hosts three cruise

and Shelby County called the Economic Development

terminals.

and Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County (EDGE). Additionally, there is a Memphis and Shelby

The Port of Houston Authority oversees the Port of Houston.

County Port Commission Board of Directors consisting

It is made up of seven members serving two-year terms. Two

of five members appointed by EDGE and one member

members are appointed by the Harris County Commissioners

appointed by the City of Memphis and Shelby County,

Court, two by the Houston City Council, one by the Pasadena

respectively.

City Council, and one by the Harris County Mayors' and

36

The International Port of Memphis primarily handles

Councils' Association. Finally, the commission's chair is

selected jointly by the governing bodies of Harris County and

bulk cargo but is also capable of handling pipeline and

the City of Houston.39

container cargo. By value, Tennessee's primary port exports are chemicals, transportation equipment,

The Port of Corpus Christi is similarly well equipped to

beverages, and tobacco products.

handle bulk, break-bulk, liquid bulk, and RO-RO, though

37

"

THE INTERNATIONAL PORT OF MEMPHIS IS THE Regional Resource | Ports

LARGEST PORT IN TENNESSEE AND THE SECOND LARGEST PORT ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER.

it cannot handle containers. It is also similarly governed by the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, made up of seven members. Three of its members are appointed by the

Corpus Christi City Council, three by the Nueces County

Commissioners Court, and one by the San Patricio County Commissioners Court.40

Given the size of Texas, it's necessary for the state to have a well-developed transportation sector. Texas is home

INTERMODALLY, IT IS ONE OF THE BEST-CONNECTED

to 12 interstates. The ports in Texas are all situated for

PORTS IN THE REGION, WITH EASY ACCESS TO THREE

easy access to either the interstate system or the national

INTERSTATES, SEVEN U.S. HIGHWAYS, AND FIVE

highway system. Additionally, Texas is served by three Class

CLASS 1 RAIL LINES.

1 rail carriers, Union Pacific, Kansas City Southern, and BNSF. By value, the primary exports through Texas ports are oil Port of Memphis

and gas, petroleum and coal products, and chemicals.41

Port of Houston

Regional Resource | Ports

Mississippi River. Intermodally, it is one of the best-

20

Texas

Tennessee

Tennessee

21

of Virginia and are managed by the Virginia Port

Authority, which was first established in 1952. The

authority is governed by a 13-member board consisting of the state treasurer, the CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and 11 members appointed by the governor. The Board selects the CEO and executive director of the authority.

42

The main facilities are centered around the James

and Elizabeth Rivers' intersection in the Norfolk and

Hampton Roads area. The Port of Virginia maintains six terminals, three of which it owns, and three of which are held on a long-term lease. Norfolk

International Terminals, Virginia International Gateway, Portsmouth Marine Terminals, and Newport News Marine Terminal are all seaports. Richmond Marine Terminal is based on the banks of the James River

further inland. Finally, the Virginia Inland Port is located in Front Royal in the northern part of the state. The

Virginia Port Authority has established Virginia Terminals LLC, wholly owned by the authority to oversee the operations at the port. Meanwhile, the Virginia Port

Authority handles government affairs, finance, legal, and human resources.

43

The Port of Virginia can handle 4 million TEUs of containerized cargo per year. Additionally, the port can handle reefer, break-bulk, RO-RO, and

barge traffic. The port has access to two Class 1 rail providers, CSX and Norfolk Southern. Virginia's

primary port exports by value are mineral and ore, chemicals, and food and kindred products. Regional Resource | Southern Ports

44

22

West Virginia, while home to multiple river ports, is not included in this survey. Its Public Port Authority was dissolved by the state

legislature after a 2020 recommendation from

West Virginia Legislative Auditor: Performance

Evaluation & Research Division.45 Its remaining ports are privately managed.

Port of Norfolk

Conclusion The South's diversity shows itself in our region's ports and port governance models. From the deep draft ports along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean to the river ports of Kentucky and the inland ports that are peppered across the region, there's a port for any type of cargo to go anywhere from our region. Cars, containers, corn, crude, and cruisers can reach the world from a Southern port. Only four CSG South states have a single state-wide port authority governing the ports in their states. It is far more common in our region for ports to be governed more locally, whether by a city or a county. Often the governance model is an independent port authority appointed by the relevant localities, but as has been shown, sometimes the port is directly run as a department of the city. Ports can be an economic driver for not just the local area where the port is located, but they can have regional impacts beyond their counties and even their states. Florida has the three busiest

cruise ports in the world. On a tonnage basis, Louisiana has the busiest port in the United States. While the U.S. can't compete with global container ports, Shanghai being the busiest at more than 40 million TEUs a year, the Port of Savannah is still the fourth busiest in the U.S., and the Port of Houston ranks sixth. When there are work stoppages at West Coast ports, it isn't unheard of for cargo to be shipped to a port in our region and then placed on a truck or train to return to the West Coast. Ports are truly a jewel in the region's crown of economic development, supporting everything from agriculture to manufacturing to energy, ensuring that products grown or made in the South are then dispersed to global markets.

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

Ports in Virginia are collectively known as The Port

Conclusion

Virginia

Virginia

23

of Virginia and are managed by the Virginia Port

Authority, which was first established in 1952. The

authority is governed by a 13-member board consisting of the state treasurer, the CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and 11 members appointed by the governor. The Board selects the CEO and executive director of the authority.

42

The main facilities are centered around the James

and Elizabeth Rivers' intersection in the Norfolk and

Hampton Roads area. The Port of Virginia maintains six terminals, three of which it owns, and three of which are held on a long-term lease. Norfolk

International Terminals, Virginia International Gateway, Portsmouth Marine Terminals, and Newport News Marine Terminal are all seaports. Richmond Marine Terminal is based on the banks of the James River

further inland. Finally, the Virginia Inland Port is located in Front Royal in the northern part of the state. The

Virginia Port Authority has established Virginia Terminals LLC, wholly owned by the authority to oversee the operations at the port. Meanwhile, the Virginia Port

Authority handles government affairs, finance, legal, and human resources.

43

The Port of Virginia can handle 4 million TEUs of containerized cargo per year. Additionally, the port can handle reefer, break-bulk, RO-RO, and

barge traffic. The port has access to two Class 1 rail providers, CSX and Norfolk Southern. Virginia's

primary port exports by value are mineral and ore, chemicals, and food and kindred products. Regional Resource | Southern Ports

44

22

West Virginia, while home to multiple river ports, is not included in this survey. Its Public Port Authority was dissolved by the state

legislature after a 2020 recommendation from

West Virginia Legislative Auditor: Performance

Evaluation & Research Division.45 Its remaining ports are privately managed.

Port of Norfolk

Conclusion The South's diversity shows itself in our region's ports and port governance models. From the deep draft ports along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean to the river ports of Kentucky and the inland ports that are peppered across the region, there's a port for any type of cargo to go anywhere from our region. Cars, containers, corn, crude, and cruisers can reach the world from a Southern port. Only four CSG South states have a single state-wide port authority governing the ports in their states. It is far more common in our region for ports to be governed more locally, whether by a city or a county. Often the governance model is an independent port authority appointed by the relevant localities, but as has been shown, sometimes the port is directly run as a department of the city. Ports can be an economic driver for not just the local area where the port is located, but they can have regional impacts beyond their counties and even their states. Florida has the three busiest

cruise ports in the world. On a tonnage basis, Louisiana has the busiest port in the United States. While the U.S. can't compete with global container ports, Shanghai being the busiest at more than 40 million TEUs a year, the Port of Savannah is still the fourth busiest in the U.S., and the Port of Houston ranks sixth. When there are work stoppages at West Coast ports, it isn't unheard of for cargo to be shipped to a port in our region and then placed on a truck or train to return to the West Coast. Ports are truly a jewel in the region's crown of economic development, supporting everything from agriculture to manufacturing to energy, ensuring that products grown or made in the South are then dispersed to global markets.

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

Ports in Virginia are collectively known as The Port

Conclusion

Virginia

Virginia

23

Endnotes 1

AAPA - American Association of Port Authorities ASPA - Alabama State Port Authority Beam - the width of a ship at its widest point. Break-bulk cargo - unlike bulk cargo, break-bulk cargo is contained in some manner before being placed in the hold of a ship. Examples include large bags of rice. Bulk cargo - Bulk cargo is placed directly in the hold of a cargo ship. Examples include ore, or agricultural products like sugar. Container cargo - anything that can fit in a 40' x 8' x 8' or 20' x 8' x 8' metal box. Draft - the depth below the water a ship extends to the bottom of its keel. Drayage - moving cargo around a port or from the port to a warehouse. FPC - Florida Ports Council FSTED - Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council GPA - Georgia Ports Authority Keel - the centerline along the bottom of a boat or ship. It often extends vertically below the vessel, which can provide additional stability for the ship. MKARNS - McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

NAICS - North American Industry Classification System

24

Neo Bulk cargo - neo bulk cargo is contained cargo like break-bulk, but is larger and more uniform in size. Examples include palletized cargo or wood pulp bales.

Ever Ace (9893890), “Lloyd's Register of British and Foreign Shipping.” London: Cox and Wyman,

https://classdirect.lr.org/assets/LRV43905. 2

https://www.jaxport.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/JAXPORT-2021-Annual-Financial-Report.pdf.

3

https://www.worldshipping.org/top-50-ports.

4

Bruce Lambert et al., “Observations on the Potential for Dry Port Terminal Developments in the United States,” n.d., p. 24.

5

https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security/cargo-control/foreign-trade-zones/about.

6

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

7

Alabama State Port Authority “Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Years Ended September 30,

2021 & 2020,” 2022, https://www.alports.com/Financials/ASPA_Annual_Report_2020-2021.pdf. 8

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

9

Port of Little Rock “State of the Port 2021,” 2022, https://www.portoflittlerock.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/

Port-of-LR-Annual-Report-2021.pdf. 10

Port of Little Rock “State of the Port 2021,” 2022, https://www.portoflittlerock.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/

Port-of-LR-Annual-Report-2021.pdf. 11

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

12

https://flaports.org/about/florida-ports-council.

13

https://www.jaxport.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/JAXPORT-2021-Annual-Financial-Report.pdf.

14

Marine Insight, “10 Largest Cruise Ports in the World,” 2022, https://www.marineinsight.com/

ports/10-largest-cruise-ports-in-the-world. 15

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

16

https://gaports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ACFR-FY21-Final.pdf.

17

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

18

https://louisvilleky.gov/management-budget/document/riverportfy21.

SCPA - South Carolina Port Authority

19

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

TEU - Twenty Foot Equivaalent Unit

20

https://www.portsoflouisiana.org/port-locations.

Reefer - Refrigerated cargo Roll On Roll Off - Cargo that can be driven on and driven off a ship, usually cars but also other commercial and industrial vehicles. RO-RO - Roll On Roll Off

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

Abbreviations and Definitions

25

Endnotes 1

AAPA - American Association of Port Authorities ASPA - Alabama State Port Authority Beam - the width of a ship at its widest point. Break-bulk cargo - unlike bulk cargo, break-bulk cargo is contained in some manner before being placed in the hold of a ship. Examples include large bags of rice. Bulk cargo - Bulk cargo is placed directly in the hold of a cargo ship. Examples include ore, or agricultural products like sugar. Container cargo - anything that can fit in a 40' x 8' x 8' or 20' x 8' x 8' metal box. Draft - the depth below the water a ship extends to the bottom of its keel. Drayage - moving cargo around a port or from the port to a warehouse. FPC - Florida Ports Council FSTED - Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council GPA - Georgia Ports Authority Keel - the centerline along the bottom of a boat or ship. It often extends vertically below the vessel, which can provide additional stability for the ship. MKARNS - McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

NAICS - North American Industry Classification System

24

Neo Bulk cargo - neo bulk cargo is contained cargo like break-bulk, but is larger and more uniform in size. Examples include palletized cargo or wood pulp bales.

Ever Ace (9893890), “Lloyd's Register of British and Foreign Shipping.” London: Cox and Wyman,

https://classdirect.lr.org/assets/LRV43905. 2

https://www.jaxport.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/JAXPORT-2021-Annual-Financial-Report.pdf.

3

https://www.worldshipping.org/top-50-ports.

4

Bruce Lambert et al., “Observations on the Potential for Dry Port Terminal Developments in the United States,” n.d., p. 24.

5

https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security/cargo-control/foreign-trade-zones/about.

6

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

7

Alabama State Port Authority “Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Years Ended September 30,

2021 & 2020,” 2022, https://www.alports.com/Financials/ASPA_Annual_Report_2020-2021.pdf. 8

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

9

Port of Little Rock “State of the Port 2021,” 2022, https://www.portoflittlerock.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/

Port-of-LR-Annual-Report-2021.pdf. 10

Port of Little Rock “State of the Port 2021,” 2022, https://www.portoflittlerock.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/

Port-of-LR-Annual-Report-2021.pdf. 11

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

12

https://flaports.org/about/florida-ports-council.

13

https://www.jaxport.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/JAXPORT-2021-Annual-Financial-Report.pdf.

14

Marine Insight, “10 Largest Cruise Ports in the World,” 2022, https://www.marineinsight.com/

ports/10-largest-cruise-ports-in-the-world. 15

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

16

https://gaports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ACFR-FY21-Final.pdf.

17

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

18

https://louisvilleky.gov/management-budget/document/riverportfy21.

SCPA - South Carolina Port Authority

19

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

TEU - Twenty Foot Equivaalent Unit

20

https://www.portsoflouisiana.org/port-locations.

Reefer - Refrigerated cargo Roll On Roll Off - Cargo that can be driven on and driven off a ship, usually cars but also other commercial and industrial vehicles. RO-RO - Roll On Roll Off

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

Abbreviations and Definitions

25

https://www.portgbr.com/s/Port_Year_in_Review-2020_4a_Pages.pdf.

22

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

23

https://shipmspa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/FY-2020-Audit-Report.pdf.

24

https://www.co.jackson.ms.us/Archive/ViewFile/Item/216.

25

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

26

https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/sldc/slpa/port-of-metropolitan-st-louis.cfm.

27

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

28

https://www.auditor.nc.gov/documents/reports/financial/fin-2019-4620-0/open.

29

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

30

https://www.okcommerce.gov/oklahomas-little-known-treasure.

31

https://www.sai.ok.gov/olps/uploads/2020_rogers_port_authority_financial_statements_8zhl.pdf.

32

https://www.portmuskogee.com/about/overview.

33

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

34

http://scspa.com/wp-content/uploads/scspa-2022-annual-report-05-digital.pdf.

35

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

36

https://edgemem.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/PortofMemphisFlyer_122018.pdf.

37

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

38

https://www.texasports.org.

39

https://www.porthouston.com/about/governance/the-port-commission.

40

https://portofcc.com/annual-report.

41

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

42

https://wp.portofvirginia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/VPA-2022-Annual-Comprehensive-Financial-Report.pdf.

43

Ibid.

44

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

We’re heading to Charleston, South Carolina in 2023! Join us and the South Carolina

45

West Virginia Legislative Auditor, Performance Evaluation & Research Division. “Performance Review: Public Port

Legislature for the 77th Southern Legislative Conference, convening July 8-12, 2023.

Authority West Virginia Department of Transportation,” August 2020, PE 20-03-634.

Register now! J U LY 8 - 1 2 , 2 0 2 3 C H A R L E S TO N , S O U T H C A R O L I N A

See you in Charleston!

csgsouth.org 404.633.1866 [email protected] @CSGSouth CSGSouth

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

Regional Resource | Southern Ports 26

21

27

https://www.portgbr.com/s/Port_Year_in_Review-2020_4a_Pages.pdf.

22

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

23

https://shipmspa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/FY-2020-Audit-Report.pdf.

24

https://www.co.jackson.ms.us/Archive/ViewFile/Item/216.

25

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

26

https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/sldc/slpa/port-of-metropolitan-st-louis.cfm.

27

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

28

https://www.auditor.nc.gov/documents/reports/financial/fin-2019-4620-0/open.

29

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

30

https://www.okcommerce.gov/oklahomas-little-known-treasure.

31

https://www.sai.ok.gov/olps/uploads/2020_rogers_port_authority_financial_statements_8zhl.pdf.

32

https://www.portmuskogee.com/about/overview.

33

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

34

http://scspa.com/wp-content/uploads/scspa-2022-annual-report-05-digital.pdf.

35

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

36

https://edgemem.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/PortofMemphisFlyer_122018.pdf.

37

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

38

https://www.texasports.org.

39

https://www.porthouston.com/about/governance/the-port-commission.

40

https://portofcc.com/annual-report.

41

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

42

https://wp.portofvirginia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/VPA-2022-Annual-Comprehensive-Financial-Report.pdf.

43

Ibid.

44

U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Indicators Division USA Trade Online, “State Exports by NAICS Commodities,” 2022.

We’re heading to Charleston, South Carolina in 2023! Join us and the South Carolina

45

West Virginia Legislative Auditor, Performance Evaluation & Research Division. “Performance Review: Public Port

Legislature for the 77th Southern Legislative Conference, convening July 8-12, 2023.

Authority West Virginia Department of Transportation,” August 2020, PE 20-03-634.

Register now! J U LY 8 - 1 2 , 2 0 2 3 C H A R L E S TO N , S O U T H C A R O L I N A

See you in Charleston!

csgsouth.org 404.633.1866 [email protected] @CSGSouth CSGSouth

Regional Resource | Southern Ports

Regional Resource | Southern Ports 26

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The Council of State Governments Southern Office 1946 Clairmont Road Decatur, Georgia 30033 csgsouth.org 404.633.1866 [email protected] @CSGSouth CSGSouth

REGIONAL FOCUS, NATIONAL SCOPE ALABAMA • ARKANSAS • FLORIDA • GEORGIA • KENTUCKY • LOUISIANA • MISSISSIPPI • MISSOURI NORTH CAROLINA • OKLAHOMA • SOUTH CAROLINA • TENNESSEE • TEXAS • VIRGINIA • WEST VIRGINIA

ESTABLISHED IN 1947, THE COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS SOUTHERN OFFICE (CSG SOUTH) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that exists to support members in all three branches of state government. At CSG South we act as an extension of state government, fostering the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy and create problem-solving partnerships. The mission of CSG South is to promote and strengthen intergovernmental cooperation among its 15 member states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Predominantly, this is achieved through the ongoing work of CSG South’s six standing committees and supporting groups.

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Legislative leadership, members, and staff depend on CSG South to identify and analyze solutions for the most prevalent and unique policy issues facing Southern state governments. We facilitate outreach in state capitols, leadership development, staff exchange programs, domestic and international policy delegations, and other efforts to support state policymakers and legislative staff in their work to build stronger, more successful states. CSG South hosts the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC), the largest regional gathering of legislative members and staff. SLC boasts an array of wellestablished programs—focusing on both existing and emerging state government innovations and solutions— providing policymakers diverse opportunities to interact with policy experts and share their knowledge with colleagues.