The maritime trades have particularly suffered during the economic downturn, and DOT wants to do all it can to support and strengthen this vital sector of our economy.
The maritime community has served this nation well for 400 years.
Eight years ago today, on 9/11, our marine transportation system and the people who serve it were very visible in New York Harbor. They mobilized a massive waterborne evacuation of an estimated 500,000 people from Manhattan, summoning an armada of more than 100 vessels. The result was the largest waterborne evacuation since Dunkirk in World War II.
I commend their dedication, professionalism, and compassion throughout that crisis. Indeed, this nation should be grateful for all they do-–whether during a time of crisis, or on a day-to-day basis.
That's why it's disconcerting to me that this community has been so hard hit recently by job losses that exceed the national average. And that's why it's so important that we've awarded over $21 million to 3 ports through the Recovery Act, with a grant to a 4th port in the works.
But, when this economy recovers, marine transportation capacity will be even more important to this nation.
The maritime community has served this nation well for 400 years.
Eight years ago today, on 9/11, our marine transportation system and the people who serve it were very visible in New York Harbor. They mobilized a massive waterborne evacuation of an estimated 500,000 people from Manhattan, summoning an armada of more than 100 vessels. The result was the largest waterborne evacuation since Dunkirk in World War II.
I commend their dedication, professionalism, and compassion throughout that crisis. Indeed, this nation should be grateful for all they do-–whether during a time of crisis, or on a day-to-day basis.
That's why it's disconcerting to me that this community has been so hard hit recently by job losses that exceed the national average. And that's why it's so important that we've awarded over $21 million to 3 ports through the Recovery Act, with a grant to a 4th port in the works.
But, when this economy recovers, marine transportation capacity will be even more important to this nation.
That's why, also through the Recovery Act, we've awarded $100 million in Small Shipyard Grants. And that's why the Maritime Administration has encouraged investing more than $200 million in public-private port development funds to support critical port modernization and expansion efforts. These partnerships combine federal, state, and local resources.
In addition to these public-private partnerships, we are also committed to doing more with America’s Marine Highway--our system of over 25,000 miles of coastal, inland, and intra-coastal waterways that move freight. The President’s budget includes funding to help start new Marine Highway services or expand existing services. Congress is also considering a long-term competitive grant program to fund these services.
The Marine Highway program will expand the use of this valuable, but underutilized, national network, so we can reduce congestion on our roads and move more freight and passengers in a greener, more efficient manner. It will help make even landlocked communities more livable and will generate jobs aboard vessels and ashore.
America's ports, shipyards, and mariners have served this nation proudly since the first intrepid sailors left their home shores in the 17th century. At DOT, we are working to provide them the resources and support they need to continue that proud service in America's 21st century economy.
The U.S. Flag Merchant Marine has done a great service to the country in war and peace. I am glad the Marine Highway Program is being funded. That will greatly improve our coastal and inland waterways shipping, create more jobs, and be an environmentally and economically important asset. The Port of Los Angeles is already using all-electric powered trucks for its port and port to near dock intermodal train terminals. While the Air Resources Board and the Port look to creating a maglev rail line to move containers from the Ports Of Los Angeles/Long Beach to the near dock rail facilities of Union Pacific and Burlington Northern/Santa Fe. These will all help the marine transportation system work cleaner, safer, more efficiently, and more economically. The main transportation lift can be done by the Marine Highway and railroads while trucks (that are cleaner and better maintained) fill in the gaps between rails and bottoms. I am also glad you are working to keep U.S. shipbuilding in place because when the Marine Highway kicks in more shipping willbe needed to move freight and passengers. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.
Posted by: Michael E. Bailey | September 11, 2009 at 10:07 PM