The Economic Status of Areas Surrounding Major U.S. Container Ports: Evidence and Policy Issues |
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| Authors: | LISA M GROBAR |
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| Institution: | Department of Economics at California State University, Long Beach. Email: lgrobar@csulb.edu |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACT This article examines the current economic status of the areas surrounding major U.S. container ports. We define a “port district” as the geographic area within a 7.5‐mile radius of a port. Our sample includes the 10 largest container ports in the U.S. We find that when we compare port districts to their surrounding metropolitan areas, household unemployment and poverty rates are significantly higher in port districts. Thus, the same ports that serve as “economic engines” for the region and nation may be the cause of economic decline and deterioration in the immediate areas that surround them. This presents a challenge for policy makers who want to preserve the benefits of international trade while facing increasing opposition to port expansion by local communities. |
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