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Ray Lahood News

07 Dec 2015

Foss Maritime Names Parrott COO

John Parrott (Photo: Foss Maritime)

Foss Maritime announced that John Parrott will join the Foss executive team as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Parrott comes to Foss from sister company, TOTE Maritime Alaska, where he has served as President for sixteen years. In his new role as Foss' COO, Parrott will be responsible for overseeing key operating divisions, developing and delivering on strategic plans, and optimizing day-to-day operations through implementation of best practices throughout the organization. After 10 years sailing aboard a wide range of vessels in trade routes around the world…

29 Jun 2015

Multimodal Freight Bill Introduced in US Senate

U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.) introduced legislation to establish a multimodal freight investment policy to keep America businesses, farmers and shippers competitive the 21st century global economy. The National Multimodal Freight Policy and Investment Act (S.1680) creates a comprehensive, strategic plan for multimodal freight investment and reduces freight bottlenecks and congestion by investing in the nation’s network of highways, railroads, ports and intermodal facilities. It would also reduce the impact of freight movement on communities and help ensure the vitality of important “last-mile” freight connections. The bill is based, in part, upon the recommendations of the nonpartisan U.S.

22 Nov 2013

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.

20 Sep 2013

Ray LaHood Accepts 2013 WTS Navigator Award

L to R: WTS President & CEO Marcia Ferranto, Transportation YOU student Sabrina Gantt, Ray LaHood, Deputy Transportation Secretary for the NYS Governor's Office Karen Rae, WTS Chair, Dana Hook, P.E.

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood accepted the 2013 WTS Navigator Award—the first ever awarded by WTS International--at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in Washington, DC, Tuesday night. The Navigator Award was created by WTS, the association for building the future of transportation through the global advancement of women, to recognize the achievements of an individual or organization for extraordinary efforts to attract, retain, and advance women in the transportation industry. “WTS was honored to have Mr.

28 Jun 2013

Secretary LaHood Designates New Marine Highway in Texas

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has designated a new marine highway in Chambers County, Texas. The “M-146 Marine Highway Connector,” which is sponsored by the Chambers County Texas Improvement District No. 1 and the Chambers Liberty Counties Navigation District, spans the 25-mile waterway between the Cedar Bayou and the Houston Ship Channel, connecting to the Port of Houston on the M-10 Marine Highway Corridor. A container-on-barge service currently operating on the M-146 has already reduced regional roadway traffic by approximately 2,000 containers per month. A marine highway is a designated route for transporting cargo on water, reducing pollution and congestion on roads.

19 Jun 2013

U.S. Shipbuilding Supports $36B in GDP

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) said that the nation’s shipyards support $36B in gross domestic product, as part of a report on the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry issued today. Acting Maritime Administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen shared the findings of the report, The Economic Importance of the U.S. Shipbuilding and Repairing Industry, at the FuturePorts Annual Conference in Long Beach, California. “Shipyards create quality jobs and support economic growth far beyond our nation’s ports and waterways,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

17 Jun 2013

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Hosts 2013 Graduation

Photo: USMMA

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) graduated 201 new maritime leaders as part of its Class of 2013 commencement ceremony. The keynote speaker, General William M. Fraser III, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), gave the commencement address before a crowd of more than 2,000 including special guest U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, graduates, family members and representatives from the federal government, armed forces and maritime industry. “The U.S.

30 May 2013

LaHood Appoints Seven to USMMA Advisory Board

Ray Lahood, U.S. Transportation Secretary (Photo: U.S. Department of Transportation)

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the appointment of seven members to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Advisory Board. The USMMA Advisory Board serves as an independent body whose purpose is to examine the course of instruction and management at the Academy and advise the USMMA Superintendent and Maritime Administrator to ensure the best possible educational atmosphere for all midshipmen. “The Department is committed to providing every midshipman at Kings Point the highest-quality education possible,” said Secretary LaHood.

21 May 2013

Transportation Secretary Honors SUNY Maritime President

Rear Admiral Wendi Carpenter, USMS, President, SUNY Maritime College (Photo: SUNY Maritime)

On Wednesday, May 22 at 10:00 a.m., U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will present the Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement to Rear Admiral Wendi Carpenter, USMS, President, SUNY Maritime College for her support of relief efforts following Hurricane Sandy. The medal presentation and will take place as part of the 80th annual observance of National Maritime Day, a day honoring the men and women of the U.S. maritime industry for their vital contributions to the nation. www.dot.gov

02 May 2013

New Orleans Intermodal TIGER Site Visited

Photo courtesy of Port of New Orleans

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Deputy Maritime Administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen visited the Port of New Orleans to tour the site. The site of planned infrastructure improvements was made possible through a US$16.7 million DOT TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant which was awarded in 2011. The 16-acre intermodal construction project will modernize and expand the port’s rail terminal, greatly enhancing cargo efficiencies. According to U.S.

24 Apr 2013

2012 Pacesetter Winners Announced

The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) announced that eight Great Lakes Seaway System ports are receiving the prestigious Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award for registering increases in international cargo tonnage shipped through their ports during the 2012 navigation season compared to the previous year. “The continued increases in the amount of cargo moving through U.S ports is another strong indicator of our growing economy,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. “In his first State of the Union address, President Obama called on us to double our exports by 2015, and our nation’s ports will play a large role in meeting that goal.

26 Mar 2013

Port of Long Beach Begins Rail Expansion Project

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administrator David Matsuda attended a ground breaking ceremony today for the Green Port Gateway,  a major port-to-rail infrastructure expansion project that will help reduce congestion and improve the environment near the Port of Long Beach by shifting more cargo from trucks to trains. The project was funded in part by a $17 million TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant. “Ports are critical for our country’s economic growth and success,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. When completed, the $83.5 million infrastructure investment project will…

04 Mar 2013

Maritime Administrator Matsuda Tours Port of Brownsville

U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administrator David Matsuda

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administrator David Matsuda toured the site of a planned marine cargo dock at the Port of Brownsville that will help transform this vital port into a hub for international trade. The proposed infrastructure improvements are being made possible, in part, through a $12 million TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) discretionary grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Administrator Matsuda was joined on his tour by Congressman Filemon Vela, Port Director Eduardo A. Campirano and state officials.

14 Feb 2013

U.S. DOT Chief LaHood Establishes Freight Advisory Committee

U.S. Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood

DOT Announces Proposal to Establish ‘National Freight Network’. 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 nation’s economy and essential for helping meet President Obama’s goal of doubling U.S. exports by 2015. “Our freight system is the lifeblood of the American economy,” said Secretary LaHood.

29 Jan 2013

DOT Chief LaHood to Step Down

U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood

U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces That He Will Not Serve for a Second Term. Secretary Ray LaHood has announced to the employees of the U.S. Department of Transportation that after serving for four years in President Obama’s Cabinet, he would not be staying on for the second term. “I have let President Obama know that I will not serve a second term as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. It has been an honor and a privilege to lead the Department, and I am grateful to President Obama for giving me such an extraordinary opportunity.

05 Nov 2012

'Sandy' Aftermath Sees Jones Act Waivers Agreed

U.S. Maritime Industry not opposing Jones Act waivers to ship petroleum to the Northeast US in fuel crisis. Thee American Maritime Partnership writes to President Obama to confirm that the U.S. Maritime Industry will not oppose waivers that are necessary to facilitate the delivery of petroleum products into the regions affected by Hurricane Sandy. Dear Mr. The domestic maritime industry stands by ready to help in any way as our nation responds to the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Nothing is more important right now than the safety and security of our fellow Americans. Today our industry is working around the clock responding to this emergency. There is nothing new about that.

16 Oct 2012

LA Port Executive Ruiz Named to Federal Panel

Cynthia Ruiz

Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness to Recommend Ways to Increase U.S. Exports; First Meeting is Friday. Port of Los Angeles Deputy Executive Director for External Affairs Cynthia Ruiz has been named to the Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness by Acting U.S. Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank. The Committee, comprised of 40 senior-level representatives of multiple industries and supply chain experts, will advise the Secretary, the U.S. Department of Transportation and other U.S. agencies on issues that affect the international competitiveness of U.S. businesses.

15 Oct 2012

Obsolete US Ship Recycling Target Surpassed

U.S. Transportation Secretary visits Suisun Bay in Northern California to celebrate surpassing administration's goal for recycling. Ray LaHood, US Transportation Secretary visited Shuisun Bay for the occasion. In 2010, the Department’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) committed to removing 28 ships from the fleet by September 30, 2012. To date, MARAD has removed 36 ships, with three more vessels scheduled for removal by the end of the year. “Three years ago, the Department of Transportation promised to get rid of the ships that posed a threat to the environment, and I am proud to announce today that we are delivering on that promise,” said Secretary LaHood.

21 Aug 2012

New Training Vessel for Kings Point

MV Liberty Star was one of two vessels used by NASA to recover the space shuttle’s solid rocket boosters.

Department of Transportation Secures New Training Vessel for U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that the Department’s Maritime Administration has secured a new training vessel for the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. In an agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Academy will receive a space shuttle solid rocket booster recovery ship, the MV Liberty Star, which will provide a hands-on learning environment on which midshipmen can train using modern navigational technology…

10 Jul 2012

Port of Oakland Gets Government Building Grant

The Port of Oakland is one of 47 projects nationwide to win a TIGER (Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery) infrastructure grant. The Port of Oakland announced the grant with California Governor Jerry Brown and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood at a press conference in Oakland. “I would like to congratulate the Port of Oakland on this great accomplishment,” stated Assembly-member Mary Hayashi. Over 700 applicants competed for the TIGER grant. The Port of Oakland's Intermodal Rail Improvements for the former Oakland Army Base project was one of only 47 projects selected nationwide. It is also the largest Port project to win an award.

25 Jun 2012

LaHood Taps Helis as USMMA Superintendent

Colonel (ret.) James Helis, Ph.D., the new superintendent for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces New Superintendent for U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; Says Helis is “ideal fit” to oversee Academy’s future with military, academic experience. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today named Colonel (ret.) James Helis, Ph.D., as the new superintendent for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Helis, a 30-year Army veteran, will begin work at the Academy next month after spending the past eight years as a department chair at the United States War College. “Colonel Helis is an ideal fit for the Academy,” said U.S.

19 Jun 2012

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Graduates 219

Captain Mark Kelly Addresses USMMA: Photo credit USMMA

The U.S. Captain Mark Kelly, Class of '86 and a former NASA astronaut, gave the commencement address before a crowd of more than 2,000 graduates, family members and representatives from the federal government, Armed Forces and maritime industry. "However today's graduates choose to continue serving their country, I'm certain that Captain Kelly's remarkable life story will be an inspiration to them all," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. The congressionally-nominated…

31 Mar 2012

DOT: $34m Contract for New Neches River Facility

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) awarded a $34.6 million contract for the design and construction of a new facility for eight of the largest government ready reserve fleet cargo ships on the Neches River near Beaumont, Texas. “The Neches River facility means jobs for Beaumont and improved support for our ready reserve fleet,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. When completed in 2013, the new facility will include a mooring structure with fixed berths for the vessels, electrical service needed to meet vessel, shoreside lighting and communication requirements, and basic utility services, such as water, fire suppression system, and sewage connections.

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