National Freight Advisory Approves Harbor Maintenance Tax
The National Freight Advisory Committee yesterday unanimously approved a recommendation to pass legislation that will ensure that the Harbor Maintenance Tax is utilized for its intended purpose - to keep the nation's harbors and channels dredged and maintained at their maximum authorized depth for the safe shipping of commerce. The resolution was championed by Paul C. LaMarre III, Executive Director of the Port of Monroe, Michigan. The Harbor Maintenance Tax is a user fee collected by the U.S. Government to ensure the adequate maintenance and operations of the national waterway infrastructure. In recent years, more fees have been collected than expended and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund contains a surplus of $8.2 billion.
U.S. DOT Chief LaHood Establishes Freight Advisory Committee
DOT Announces Proposal to Establish âNational Freight Networkâ. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced the establishment of a National Freight Advisory Committee to provide recommendations aimed at improving the national freight transportation system. A strong freight transportation system is critical to the nationâs economy and essential for helping meet President Obamaâs goal of doubling U.S. exports by 2015. âOur freight system is the lifeblood of the American economy,â said Secretary LaHood.