Sandra Dyche Kim works closely with the EB-5 program, which helps immigrants gain visas by allowing them to invest in U.S. industry. With such a close relationship to the influx of immigrants, Sandra Dyche Kim has followed the recent redevelopments to American ports, noting the impact they will have on the American economy. Sandra Dyche Kim spoke to Presentation Solutions about these port redevelopments and how they’ll influence the movement of freight into the United States.

Presentation Solutions: Could you explain what a port is and how it impacts the economy?

Sandra Dyche Kim: In America, ports facilitate the transport of goods in and out of the United States. There are currently 360 commercial ports in this country.

Presentation Solutions: Why are some ports in need of redevelopment?

Sandra Dyche Kim: Over time, some of these ports have become incredibly outdated and therefore unable to handle the workload presented to them on a daily basis. Many of the larger carriers are now choosing to work with the same few ports, leaving other ports abandoned. These ports are redeveloping in the hopes of competing with these more successful ports.

Presentation Solutions: What types of changes are they making as part of this redevelopment?

Sandra Dyche Kim: It varies from port to port, but many are taking in-depth looks at their dock structures and berths, as well as making improvements to the points where they connect to other transportation mechanisms, such as trains and interstates.

Presentation Solutions: How will these redevelopments be funded?

Sandra Dyche Kim: Many of these ports rely on government funding, but there can be issues with this type of financing.

Presentation Solutions: Such as?

Sandra Dyche Kim: Shipping companies might end up taking on the risk of these investments, and if that happens, they might end up overinvesting in ports for their use. In the end, the brunt of the cost may end up going to the public.

Presentation Solutions: What is the alternative?

Sandra Dyche Kim: Many of these redevelopment efforts may end up being funded by project-based financing, with the cost going to private companies rather than the government.

Prior to her work with CapSpan, Sandra Dyche Kim was owner and chair of Hasca of America, which dealt in ceramics, as well as high-tech abrasives. She’s also worked in banking and finance, giving her a well-rounded view of the investment process.