Secretary Slater Dedicates New Seaway Vessel Traffic Control Center
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater dedicated a new vessel traffic control center at the Saint Lawrence Seaway's Eisenhower Lock. This fully automated system, operated by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC), will improve vessel tracking capabilities on the seaway, making maritime travel safer and more efficient. "This new center will provide users with a seamless source of vessel traffic information covering all sections of the seaway," Secretary Slater said at the dedication ceremony. The new vessel traffic control center was named in honor of Erman Cocci, SLSDC's associate administrator.
Secretary Slater Switches On Satellite Navigational and Positioning Systems
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater and South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson joined with Admiral James M. Loy, Commandant of the USCG, to officially switch on the latest satellite-based positioning technology, a federally required system that will benefit all 50 states as well as private industry. The ceremony marked the official availability of the Maritime Differential Global Positioning System (MDGPS) and its expansion into the Nationwide Differential Global Positioning System (NDGPS), which will extend the technology's benefits to all modes of the nation's transportation systems. The Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) provides a significant advance in the application of satellite technology.
Deepwater Acquisition Project Designated as Government Reinvention Laboratory
The USCG's comprehensive approach to designing and obtaining its next fleet of ships, aircraft and communications systems was recognized in a letter from Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater to Vice-President Al Gore. The Deepwater Capability Replacement Project was formally designated a Reinvention Laboratory under the National Partnership for Reinventing Government in the Secretary's letter. Deepwater was recognized for planning an entire asset acquisition - ships, aircraft, communications and technology - as one coordinated system, rather than a series of distinct procurements. The project is a vitally important priority to the USCG…
Blueprint For Transportation System Unveiled
Addressing a projected increase in waterborne commercial vessel traffic that is expected to double or triple over the next 20 years, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater issued a major report, An Assessment of the U.S. Marine Transportation System, outlining recommendations to meet the growing challenges to the nation's marine transportation system (MTS). The recommendations include improved vessel traffic management to ensure safety and greater focus on operational efficiencies, research and intermodalism, and better coordination and development of adequate financing mechanisms to ensure the growth of seaports and waterways. "The MTS is the lifeline that links American producers, farmers and manufacturers to global markets," said Secretary Slater.
Secretary Slater Unveils Blueprint for 21st Century Marine Transportation System
Addressing a projected increase in waterborne commercial vessel traffic that is expected to double or triple over the next 20 years, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater issued a major report, An Assessment of the U.S. Marine Transportation System, outlining recommendations to meet the growing challenges to the nation's marine transportation system (MTS). The recommendations include improved vessel traffic management to ensure safety and greater focus on operational efficiencies, research and intermodalism, and better coordination and development of adequate financing mechanisms to ensure the growth of seaports and waterways. "The MTS is the lifeline that links American producers, farmers and manufacturers to global markets," said Secretary Slater.
Slater Leads Transportation and Trade Mission to Latin America
U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater, leading a trade mission in support of President Clinton's commitment to a well-integrated Western Hemisphere transportation system, joined with Brazilian Transport Minister Eliseu Lemos Padilha in signing a major three-year maritime agreement ensuring each country's shipping lines will be treated equally when carrying cargo from the other country. "On behalf of President Clinton and Vice-President Gore, we are pleased we've reached an agreement that promotes the principle of reciprocity in the shipping relations between the U.S. and Brazil," Secretary Slater said. The agreement ensures each country's national-flag shipping lines equal access to commercial cargoes and to cargoes whose shipment is controlled by the other country's government…
