Built on the Rivers: Aimee Andres and the Expanding Role of America’s Inland Ports

Why It Matters

By channeling federal dollars to smaller inland ports, IRPT strengthens supply‑chain resilience and reduces logistics costs nationwide, while addressing critical infrastructure gaps that threaten future freight efficiency.

Key Takeaways

• IRPT grew to 500 members across 11 river basins.
• Secured $112M annual funding for small‑port projects.
• Inland ports cut highway congestion and freight costs.
• Aging locks and dams remain major infrastructure bottleneck.
• 2026 agenda includes European delegation and shipper education.

Pulse Analysis

Inland waterways have long been the silent workhorses of America’s freight system, moving billions of tons of cargo each year while keeping trucks off congested highways. Under Aimee Andres’ decade‑long leadership, the Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals (IRPT) association has amplified this hidden value, uniting a diverse membership that spans public ports, private terminals, barge operators, railroads and shippers. By consolidating expertise across 11 river basins, IRPT provides a unified voice that influences policy, drives business development, and educates stakeholders about the strategic role of inland navigation in the national supply chain.

The creation of a “small port, small project” category within the federal Port Infrastructure Development Program marks a watershed moment for smaller terminals that previously competed with megahubs for limited funds. Roughly $112 million is now earmarked each year, supporting about 50 projects that upgrade locks, dredge channels, and modernize material‑handling equipment. These investments translate into tangible economic benefits: reduced trucking mileage, lower freight rates, and a measurable drop in emissions per ton‑mile. By offering a cost‑effective modal alternative, inland ports help stabilize freight pricing and enhance resilience against disruptions such as weather events or labor strikes.

Despite these gains, the sector faces a looming infrastructure challenge. Decades of under‑investment have left many locks, dams and channels in need of repair, creating a backlog that threatens future capacity. IRPT’s 2026 agenda tackles this head‑on with a two‑pronged strategy—advocating for comprehensive funding data to prioritize projects, and expanding market awareness through shipper education and a European delegation aimed at exchanging best practices. As policymakers grapple with broader transportation funding debates, the association’s push for sustainable, high‑throughput inland corridors positions the United States to maintain competitive logistics costs and environmental goals for generations to come.