Ports, Shippers Push for Freight Policy
Ports, Shippers Push for Freight Policy
Freight transportation advocates re-emphasized the need for a dedicated
national freight policy before the House Appropriations subcommittee
that oversees the Department of Transportation. The hearing Tuesday was
part of the committee’s consideration of the president’s 2011 budget
proposal.
John Wolfe, executive director of the port of Tacoma, called for a
holistic approach to freight transportation, and a “freight trust fund”
that would disburse money for projects that facilitated freight
movement, and be awarded through competitive grants.
Wolfe said the U.S. and state departments of transportation should work
with freight stakeholders to develop a strategic plan for freight
movement, with funds dedicated to freight mobility projects, and
establish a multi-modal freight office within the U.S. Department of
Transportation. Wolfe represented the American Association of Port
Authorities.
Wayne Johnson, director of logistics for American Gypsum in Dallas,
Texas, called for dedicated funds for intermodal connectors to ports and
rail intermodal facilities, innovative financing options for improving
freight capacity, and streamlining of environmental permits for freight
projects. Johnson spoke for the National Industrial Transportation
League.
Source: Journal of Commerce
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