news

WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement following the announcement that the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded a more that $20 million grant to the Virginia Port Authority Project to increase rail capacity at the Port’s terminal.

Earlier this year, Congressman Wittman wrote a letter to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao advocating for this project from for the Port of Virginia. In the letter to Secretary Chao, Rep. Wittman voiced his support of for the Port’s application to the 2020 Port Infrastructure Development Grant Program to increase the on-terminal capacity at the Norfolk International Terminal in Norfolk, Virginia, a vital component of the POV Port of Virginia . The announcement of this grant follows directly from the work of support from Congressman Wittman.

“Expanding the capabilities and capacity of the Port of Virginia is an important step forward in recovery of our region and the long-term economic success of the Commonwealth and our region,” Congressman Wittman said. “This project will allow for the processing of more cargo, increase safety, decrease large trucks on highways, and will create greater economic opportunities for folks in our region as more freight is processed through the Port. I want to thank Secretary Chao for USDOT’s support of this project, and I want to thank the hardworking men and women at the Port of Virginia who keep our region running.”

“The Port of Virginia is extremely grateful to Secretary Chao and the Administration for this investment that will allow us to build on our intermodal capabilities to serve the Midwest and Ohio Valley,” said John Reinhart, Executive Director of the Port of Virginia. “We appreciate the leadership of Congressman Wittman and the entire Virginia Congressional delegation for helping secure funding for this important project. We will match the federal funds to mirror the state of the art rail facility we recently put in at Virginia International Gateway to efficiently and swiftly serve our customers. The US Department of Transportation clearly recognized the national value the port provides, and we are thankful for their investment and partnership as we continue building a 21st century port.”

Furthermore, Congressman Wittman held calls and virtual meetings with Congressional appropriations leaders and Admiral Buzby, Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration, advocating for the Port of Virginia grant.

For additional information on the grant click here.

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.