Encouraged by some of the statements that Barack Obama made during the presidential election campaign, the barge and towing industry is looking forward to working with the new administration and the new Congress to further inform them about the value of waterways transportation to the nation’s economy, environment and national security.
Asked to assess the future of the industry under the new administration, Anne Davis Burns, the American Waterways Operators’ vice president of public affairs and communications, said the AWO is encouraged that Obama “understands the importance of waterways infrastructure modernization” and “supports the rebuilding of America’s transportation infrastructure, including ports and bridges, to ensure long-term competitiveness and economic growth.”

Burns said that as Senator, Obama was “a strong supporter of the 2007 Water Resource and Development Act. He embraced as a campaign issue the rebuilding of our infrastructure by establishing a National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank, expanding upon existing federal transportation investments. “He also proposed that the independent bank would receive $60 billion in federal funds over 10 years and leverage up to $500 billion of private investment by issuing tax credit bonds.”

Burns also said the AWO was “very encouraged that he supports the Jones Act, as he affirmed in his August 28 statement to the Seafarers International Union.” Burns pointed out that in that statement, Obama said America needs “a strong and vibrant U.S.-flag merchant marine. That is why you can continue to count on me to support the Jones Act (which also includes the Passenger Vessel Services Act) and the continued exclusion of maritime services in international trade agreements.”

Responding to a letter from the National Industrial Transportation League, Obama reinforced his support of the barge and towing industry. “I strongly supported the Water Resources Development Act, which will provide crucial funding for modernizing our water transportation infrastructure, and I will continue to ensure that the federal government invests in upgrading our national water infrastructure to support economic growth,” Obama said.

Besides expressing support for the waterway industry, Obama also said he would invest $150 billion over the next decade in renewable sources of energy, and continue to support rail, “a highly efficient way to transport freight and relieve congestion on our highways. “Rail modernization is central to a safer, more reliable, cleaner and more energy-efficient transportation future that helps address traffic problems and climate change,” Obama said (source: professionalmariner.com).

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