Air Quality, pending legislation and new services...

As America's marine highways continue to develop, more and more articles are written about their benefits and their growing reality in each region of the country.  Below is a sample of those articles in the last year.

• On November 3, 2009, the Journal of Commerce reported, "Defense Bill Provides Short Sea Boost."
• On November 3, 2009, Press-Republican reported that, "New ferry planned for Champlain Bridge area."
• As of the week of November 2, 2009, the San Francisco Water Emergency Transportation Authority reported, "The Bay Bridge has reopened...Ferries remain at the ready to serve the transbay commuters who left their cars at home Monday morning and to those new riders who will continue to enjoy stress-free ferry commuting in the future."

• On October 1, 2009, the Providence Journal reported the Port of Providence is seeking funds for container handling equipment, wind turbines and solar panels to help expand its short sea shipping role and provide additional focus on renewable energy.

• On September 29, 2009, the Department of Transportation released that U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces More Than $42 Million in Grants to Build and Improve Ferry Docks and Facilities.  Ferry services providing additional transportation options, as noted in the press release, include a proposed service on the Potomac River from Occoquan, VA to Washington, DC, noted by the Washington Post on May 9, 2009.
• On September 24, 2009, Secretary LaHood cited marine highways in discussing transportation sustainability.
• On September 8, 2009, the US DOT announced that it released the "Electronic Freight Management Tool," which includes maritime transportation.
• On September 7, 2009, AMNew York (the Urbanite) reported, "City looks to expand ferry service for commuters."
• On September 4, 2009, LA.Streetsblog.org (a part of Streetsblog.org and the LivableStreetsInitiative) reported Secretary LaHood cited the need for a regional approach to transportation planning.  He also said, "We also want to allow counties and cities to work together to develop regional plans reflecting both regional and national priorities."  National priorities include the DOT-HUD partnership for livable communities as well as America's marine highways to help reduce congestion, emissions, roadway maintenance and the risk of highway accidents.
• The September edition of Marine Log published an article entitled, "The Marine Highway: A Road to Recovery".

• On August 31, 2009, Humboldt Logistics noted, "California gives Marine Highway project $750K."
• On August 25, 2009, Planetizen, an urban planning website, asked, "Is Short Sea Shipping A Traffic Solution?"
• For the week of August 20, 2009, Miami Today reported that "...plans to transport port cargo via short-sea shipping along the Miami River may still resurface."
• On August 15, 2009, Recordnet.com Mobile reported, "Efforts to establish a new barge service between the ports of Stockton and Oakland got a boost when the Bay Area Air Quality Management District recently allocated $750,000 to the project."
• For August 2009, Farmer Progress' California Farmer reported that the Marine Highway can benefit a region.
• On August 10, 2009, the Marine Highways Cooperative awarded the Texas Transportation Institute's Center for Ports & Waterways Phases I & II of its Metropolitan Planning Organization Maritime Information Needs (Carbon Calculator) Study.
• On August 6, 2009, Bryant's Maritime News reported that Representative Higgins (D-NY) introduced the Short Sea Shipping Act of 2009 (HR 3486) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt certain shipping from the HMT. If enacted, this law would exempt commercial cargo (other than bulk cargo) from the HMT:
  • That which is loaded at a US mainland port and unloaded at another US mainland port/a port in Canada in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System, or
  • That which is loaded at a port in Canada in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System and unloaded at a port in the US mainland.
• On August 5, 2009, Bryant's Maritime News reported that Representative Richardson (D-CA) introduced the HMT Fund Reform Act (HR 3447) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to implement the on-going appropriations for withdrawals from the HMT Trust Fund, and for other purposes.
• Also on August 5, 2009, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District announced it will fund to the tune of $750,000 a pioneering project, known as the marine highway, that will cut pollution at the Port of Oakland.  For more information, please see 2009 Press Releases. 

• On July 30, 2009, Public Radio 90 noted, "A new bill has been introduced to encourage the use of ferries to transport goods between the United States and Canada."  For more information, see the U.S. Senate press release.
• On July 29, 2009, the JOC reported, "The Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council will find ways to integrate short sea transportation into the national intermodal freight system..."
• On July 28 2009, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District announced a $2 million grant from EPA to help install diesel exhaust filters and replace old trucks in reducing particulate emissions at the Port of Oakland.
• On July 24, 2009, Secretary LaHood, who was joined by DOA Secretary Vilsack and DOI Secretary Salazar, updated the House Committee on the Budget on the Stimulus Act of 2009 in strengthening the U.S. economy. He noted, "The American people want us to rebuild our roads and bridges - the orange barrels and cones are out there.  They want us to build clean public transportation - the green transit vehicles are being built and put into service. They want us to modernize transportation for today's economy and tomorrow's - and the marine highway network and high-speed rail are on their way."
• On July 23, 2009, Secretary LaHood addressed the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Committee and charged the new board with two tasks - how to better integrate marine highways into the surface transportation system and how to address the Congressional mandates of the Marine Highway Program.
• On July 17, 2009, CBP issued a proposed modification of its policy regarding application of the Jones Act to certain merchandise and equipment transported between US coastwise points.   Also, Plain Dealer reported that, "Port officials in Cleveland and Halifax, Nova Scotia, have signed an agreement to pursue shipping between their two ports."  This service would utilize the St. Lawrence Seaway.
• On July 15, 2009, DOT...finds extra $7.6 million for Washington state ferries.
• On July 14, 2009, the Transportation Secretary announced $60 million in Economic Recovery Funds to Build and Improve Ferry Docks and Facilities.
• On July 13, 2009, the DOT Secretary's official blog Fast Lane reported, "A thriving Seaway is a lifeline to the world's ports."
• On July 10, 2009, the Journal of Commerce reported that, "Senate Eyes Short Sea Shipping Grants."
• On July 9, 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a news release stating that it awarded monies to reduce diesel emissions in the New York/New Jersey region and Puerto Rico.
• On July 8, 2009, Senator Lautenburg's office issued a press release stating, "Senate Panel Passes Lautenberg Bill to Create 'Marine Highways,' Improve Ports (Legislation Would Reduce Congestion on Roads by Encouraging More Freight to be Carried by Barges and Ships)."
• On July 6, 2009, the EPA issued a news release stating that it awarded over $164,000 to the Georgia Ports Authority to retrofit cargo handling equipment to be operated on ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel.
• On July 3, 2009, the San Francisco Chronicle reported, "Transit chief backs waterways for moving cargo." 

• On June 22-23, 2009, the Marine Highways Cooperative, supported by the Maritime Administration's Office of Marine Highways & Passenger Services, attended the 7th EyeforTransport 3PL Summit in Atlanta, Georgia.
• On June 19, 2009, Charis Anderson of South Coast Today reported, "New Bedford port hopes to become 'a player' in short sea shipping."
• On June 9, 2009, Mikhail V Chester and Arpad Horvath of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in University of California published, "Environmental assessment of passenger transportation should include infrastructure and supply chains", which also suggests the same for sustainable freight and goods movement.

• On May 28, 2009, Tampa Bay Online reported, "To ease truck traffic, officials look to the water."
• On May 27, 2009, the Savannah Morning News, "SavannahNow", cited, "'Marine Highway' proposal gathering steam."
• On May 20, 2009, Representative Brown of South Carolina introduced HRES 465 IH which recognizes the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association on the occasion of its 10th anniversary for its role as promoter of the AIWW as a vital marine highway.
• On May 17, 2009, the Providence Business News noted, "Short sea shipping support growing".
• On May 14, 2009, the Journal of Commerce reported that the Senate is considering a shift in funding away from historical freight highway transportation and instead toward more multimodal services signifying the potential of additional emphasis on America's rail and marine highway networks.
• On May 11, 2009, Green Energy News discussed the benefits of marine highways.  See "A Return to Green Shipping".
• On May 6, 2009, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation cited that "Quonset’s Port of Davisville Pursuing Marine Highway Corridor Program".
• On May 6, 2009, the Marine Highway Cooperative's Request for Proposals for a Metropolitan Planning Organization Maritime Information Needs Study was due.  The Marine Highways Cooperative received good response and is currently evaluating proposals.
• On May 4, 2009, the Waterways Journal posted an editorial, "Marine Highways Slowly Becoming Reality".

• On April 16, 2009, the Brookings Institute reported, "Making Transportation Sustainable: Insights from Germany."  The report provides U.S. policy makers an in-depth study into why Germany has been successful in creating a more balanced transportation system, one that requires less energy, generates less harmful environmental impacts and is more sustainable in terms of fostering commerce and enhancing quality of life.
• As of Apr. 10, 2009, the Port of Miami, a component of South Florida’s Miami-Dade County, has established a partnership with the Maritime Administration to incorporate America’s Marine Highway into the Port’s Long Term Strategic Plan, which is currently being updated. Like many ports, Miami faces challenges in accommodating the increased volumes of passengers and freight projected to move through the port in coming years as highways and rail lines become increasingly congested with traffic. Shifting some of this congestion to the underutilized inland and coastal water routes is an increasingly appealing option. Bill Johnson, Director of the Port of Miami, said, “We need to explore all options as we look for ways to provide reliable and resilient links between the port and ultimate inland destinations. Incorporating the Marine Highway Program into our strategy helps us accomplish this - but it can also help mitigate congestion on our roads, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy. It’s a win-win proposition.” A planned tunnel that will connect the port on Dodge Island with a major road artery is another essential part of the strategy, Johnson said. As part of this initiative, the Port of Miami and the Maritime Administration will co-host a roundtable discussion with port stakeholders and transportation planners in May 2009.
• On Apr. 9. 2009, Sean Kilcarr, Editor of "American Trucker" and Senior editor of FleetOwner, noted, "Is this (marine highways) a good thing for the trucking industry? In my estimation, you bet it is."
• On Apr., 3, 2009, the Denver-based Broe Group. announced it will launch Eco Transport, its first short sea shipping venture, between the port of Oakland and Stockton, CA according to the Journal of Commerce.
• On Apr. 2, 2009, the Maritime Executive reported that Secretary LaHood said short sea shipping holds promise.
• On Apr. 2, 2009, the Journal of Commerce reported, "Union official seeks short sea unity".
• Representatives from the Office of Marine Highways & Passenger Services in the U.S. Maritime Administration and the Marine Highways Cooperative attended the North America’s Marine Highways Conference: "Short Sea Shipping's Next Steps” in Jacksonville, FL on Apr. 1 and 2, 2009.  You can see the interview about marine highways with James Caponiti, Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator, from the conference (on the Journal of Commerce homepage) or  download presentations. 

• On March 31, 2009, the Portland Press Herald reported, "Officials in southwest Nova Scotia want to establish a new year-round ferry service between Yarmouth and New England that would accommodate commercial trucks."
• The Journal of Commerce (JOC) reported on Mar. 30, 2009, that "Some investment and shipper needs may add up to a short-sea strategy for the St. Lawrence"
• According to the JOC on Mar. 28, 2009,"Columbia Coastal Resumes Portland-NY Service"
• According to the JOC on Mar. 13, 2009, "Spending Bill Launches Seaway Plan"
• According to Green Energy News, "Barges and tugs are significantly more energy efficient..."
• According to the JOC on Mar. 10, 2009, "Halifax, Seaway Talk Short Sea"

• On Feb. 27, 2009, PilotOnline.com reported that, "New barge line to Richmond grows rapidly".
• On Feb. 22, 2009, the Associated Press released an article carried by several media sources including nationally by BusinessWeek and WTOP in Washington, DC, entitled, "Truck traffic revives interest in marine shipping".  Further, care of BusinessWeek and ABC News on the 22nd, the Associated Press also published, "Marine highways ease truck traffic across US".
• As of Feb. 14, 2009, America shows its preference for the Marine Highway Program, denoted by the 64 Express' continuing, successful service on the James River, from Norfolk to Richmond.  The M/V Ellie J., depicted here, burns ultra low sulfur diesel fuel at a fraction what trucks would consume, reduces harmful emissions by more than 70 tons a day, and reduces highway maintenance by almost 40 million car trips annually in shifting up to 120,000 trucks off Interstate-64 by its fifth year.
• On Feb. 12, 2009, American Shipper published "4 airlines lead charge for climate deal", prompting the question whether the marine industry will go the same way.
• On Feb. 4, 2009, the Marine Highways Cooperative launched its new website including information on existing services, the benefits of being a member, how to join, and upcoming conferences it will be attending with its new booth.
• The February edition of MarineLog discussed the green benefits of SeaBridge's new service from Brownsville, TX to Port Manatee, FL.

• The U.S. Maritime Administration continues to work with Transport Canada and the Secretary of Communications and Transportation of Mexico, an effort known as the Trilateral Working Group, for the Marine Highway in North America.  On July 16, 2009, "Today's Trucking.com" reported that, "The first regularly scheduled container service between Montreal and Hamilton, Ont., got underway on July 3."
• According to several news sources including the Oswego County Business Magazine (Jan. 27, 2009), Congressman McHugh (NY-23), "...introduced legislation that would provide the tax incentives necessary to increase coastal and inland freight transportation, including through the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Port of Oswego."
• According to Port World (Jan. 23, 2009), short sea shipping is being considered as a way to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) in New Jersey.
• According to Gulf Shipper (Jan. 19), Seabridge started its new marine highway service from Brownsville, TX to Port Manatee, FL.
• In January 2009, Congressional Representatives McHugh (NY-23) and Cummings (MD-7) respectively introduced H.R. 528 (Jan. 14) and H.R. 638 (Jan. 22) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt users of America's Marine Highways from the Harbor Maintenance Tax.
• On Jan. 4, 2009, the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department reports, "Oberstar Seeks Funding for Short Sea Shipping, Title XI"
• In its January 2009 newsletter, the American Council of Engineering Companies (Tennessee Chapter) touts the importance of inland waterways. 
• The James River Barge Service started weekly container-on-barge service on Dec. 1, 2008, between the Ports of Richmond and Hampton Roads, increasing its demand 10-fold within the first three weeks of service.
• The Seattle Intelligencer also recently reported (Dec. 1, 2008) that the Marine Highways "...would ride the wave of economic benefits".

• The Navy League of the United States endorses America's Marine Highways in its publication, "Preserving Sea Power: A National Imperative (Maritime Policy 2008-9)".
• The Richmond Times Dispatch reports (Dec. 22, 2008) that "Weighty trucks go light on road-repair costs", according to a study by the Virginia Department of Transportation (Virginia Transportation Research Council at the University of Virginia).
• The Journal of Commerce reports that, "The chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee wants to give short sea shipping a $30-million jolt as part of the comprehensive economic stimulus package that Congress will consider when it convenes in January." (Oberstar proposes $30 million for short sea; Dec. 19, 2008) 
• The December 2008 edition of MarineLog, citing "The Best of 2008", reports that marine highways are one step closer, thanks to the efforts of the Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration.  The edition also contains the U.S. Maritime Administration's discussion about "MarAd's New Marine Highway Program".
• The International Business Times recently reported (Dec. 3, 2008) that "Green Marine Highway Initiative Can Jump Start U.S. Economy".
• The James River Barge Service started weekly container-on-barge service on Dec. 1, 2008, between the Ports of Richmond and Hampton Roads, increasing its demand 10-fold within the first three weeks of service.
• The Seattle Intelligencer also recently reported (Dec. 1, 2008) that the Marine Highways "...would ride the wave of economic benefits".

• The Marine Highways Cooperative attended the 2008 IANA/NITL Expo (Nov. 16-19, 2008) in Ft. Lauderdale, educating and promoting marine highways to industry representatives.
• MarineLink reported (Nov. 13, 2008) that SeaBridge Freight has started its container-on-barge service between the Port of Brownsville, TX and Port Manatee, FL.
• The NY Times reported (Nov. 2, 2008) how local business are reinvigorating use of the Erie Canal.

• On Oct. 9, 2008, DOT announced a new service on the James River from the Port of Norfolk to the Port of Richmond will shift more than 4,000 trucks-worth of cargo off nearby Interstate-64 and onto the waterway.  
• Local ABS affiliate, WVEC, in Norfolk VA, reported (Oct. 9, 2008) that the U.S. DOT "...is establishing a network of marine highways to help move cargo across the country and cut down on roadway congestion."

• The Professional Mariner noted (Dec. 21, 2007) that President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 "...to promote short sea shipping."
• The Christian Science Monitor reported (Dec. 13, 2007) that coastal shipping has the potential to strengthen the resilience of America's transportation system.
• Former Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton noted on Nov. 26, 2007, "...that graduates of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and of the various state maritime institutions are in great demand."  This is based in part on the Maritime Administration's efforts for America's Marine Highways Program.  Read more...
• USA Today reported (Oct. 11, 2007) that "Waterways could be key to freeing up freeways".

For more information, please visit the America's Marine Highway Program homepage.