The organization works to inform and influence public policies, primarily at the federal level, that foster maritime commerce and related employment in the Great Lakes region.

Ports:
The nation's ports serve as gateways for waterborne commerce moving within the United States and between the U.S. and foreign nations. It is at ports that the nation's rail and highway system interface with the nation's waterborne transport system.

In simple terms, a port is a collection of docks. A dock typically consists of the following elements: a shipping channel providing underwater clearance for vessels; a seawall defining the edge between land and water; and landside improvements such as an outdoor cargo storage area, and/or warehouse buildings providing indoor storage for cargo. Typical equipment at a dock includes cranes to unload ships, conveyer systems to transport bulk cargo, and forklifts to move and stack cargo.

Port Governance:
Port authorities are public agencies created by state or local statute and charged with the primary responsibility of enhancing maritime commerce in their geographic location. While most port authorities are independent agencies, some are a division of state or local government. In addition to their activities relating to maritime commerce, many port authorities manage and develop real property, operate airports, sponsor development financing, and manage environmental projects.

History:
Great Lakes ports first joined to form a U.S. public policy organization in the late 1970s in an effort to gain a greater share of annual U.S. Department of Agriculture Public Law 480 food-aid shipments. Over time, this coalition of ports gradually expanded its membership and adopted a broader agenda. In 2002, the coalition was organized under the laws of the District of Columbia as a not-for-profit corporation. Later that year, the Internal Revenue Service granted the organization status as a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.

Organizational Structure:
Voting members of the Association are public seaport agencies responsible for promoting maritime commerce on the U.S. side of the Great Lakes. Other organizations or companies may join as non-voting "associate members."

The organization maintains offices in Washington, DC and employs an Executive Director to carry out its day-to-day activities.

AGLPA Staff/Office:
Steve Fisher
Executive Director
American Great Lakes Ports Association
700 12th Street, NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005

Tel: 202-625-2102
Fax: 202-625-2104
Email: fisher@greatlakesports.org