A historical and critical review of the factors affecting the development of United States ports and their relationship to public policy.

Abstract

The development of the seaports of the United States has been a variegated undertaking, the result of local self interest. Both over development and under development exist due to competitive pressures between ports. Divergence in government, management, planning and service are evidenced by the various port authorities. This paper seeks to identify the factors which have led to the development of ports: area, economic growth, and private and governmental bodies. The general public and the nation have expended huge sums of money in the name of port development, which now runs into billions annually. Often little is done to ensure effective planning and investment in the interest of national objectives and public policy. Conflicts of authority and jurisdiction, coupled with questionable financial assistance practices are magnified in light of current requirements for expansion of port facilities. Suggestions are made relative to improvement of organization, control, and government assistance programs by examining the control which port authorities have and how it suits the requirements for development.