The Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) membership is gathered in Washington, DC, to kick of the “infrastructure decade,” and emphasize the urgency of jumpstarting freight funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The Honorable Polly Trottenberg, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, will offer keynote remarks to begin the session. Themed “Freight: A Homerun for American Investment,” the in-person meeting marks a return to Washington after two years of remote work, e-networking, and particularly pertinent to the CAGTC membership, supply chain disruptions.

“As we emerge from the pandemic and turn our attention to the implementation of the BIL, our Coalition’s annual meeting in Washington serves as an opportunity to focus both lawmakers and the public on freight networks that we rely upon every day,” said Paul Hubler, CAGTC Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer for Metrolink. “BIL’s historic funding levels — $77.9 billion for freight systems’ needs — are unprecedented and a strong indication of the importance that the supply chain system has upon our nation. We must always be mindful of the freight network’s inextricable link to our national economy and our global competitiveness. Every economic sector depends on a sustainable, reliable, safe and cost-effective network to move goods, services and people. Our Coalition members traveled to Washington to ensure legislators and policymakers recognize the importance of prioritizing investment in our goods movement system and making sure dedicated freight investment remains a centerpiece.”

The meeting agenda is designed to examine the freight network and its efficiency from many angles. Beneficial cargo owners, shippers, and infrastructure providers will give their perspectives on whether domestic supply chain infrastructure makes the grade. Economists and industry leaders will also share concerns about the impact of inflationary increases on the BIL’s investment potential. A panel of top transportation reporters will share perspectives on current events driving industry actions and reactions.

Honoring his leadership advancing freight policy and programming, CAGTC will present an award to Congressman Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), who is retiring at the end of this term. Congressman Lowenthal dedicated three decades to public service: first as a Long Beach City Council Member, then as a California state legislator, and he spent ten years in the House of Representatives.

“Our membership brings a unique perspective to Washington as a geographically and organizationally diverse group united by the common goal of improving supply chain infrastructure,” said CAGTC Executive Director Elaine Nessle. “We are eager to work with and support the Administration’s implementation of the BIL. Investment in our nation’s multimodal freight network will yield returns for generations to come.”