President Obama and DOT Secretary Foxx
Visit Port of New Orleans; Mention Value of Waterways
Waterways Council Release
8 November 2013
Today, President Obama and Department of Transportation Secretary
Anthony Foxx visited the Port of New Orleans to underscore the
importance of the nation’s transportation network to growth in
exports. The President referenced the importance of
the waterways in moving commerce, a victory for the inland
industry.
The White House briefing paper issued before the visit addressed
the river’s role: "…providing more than $230 million of resources
to the Mississippi River Valley to support flood and drought
related dredging: As part of the Administration's efforts to help
the Mississippi River valley recover from recent flooding and
droughts that can impede travel throughout the region, the U.S.
Army Corp of Engineers has provided more than $150 million on
flood-related dredging and more than $80 million for
drought-related dredging and rock blasting throughout the
Mississippi River valley since 2011.
The Obama administration's investments in the Port of New Orleans
have helped New Orleans expand its export base significantly,
supporting the region's workforce and helping businesses up and
down the Mississippi River Valley. Last year, more than 62 million
tons of goods - like corn, wheat and coal - moved through the Port
of New Orleans. Since 2009, exports moving through the New
Orleans region have increased 140%, including a 20% increase in
the last year alone. This makes New Orleans one of the fastest
growing metro regions for exports in the country. And, because of
these investments to more efficiently move cargo, New Orleans is
now more able to take advantage of major opportunities like the
expansion of the Panama Canal, scheduled to be completed in 2015.”
The President noted that the waterways moved corn from his home
state of Illinois and that America was “blessed with the best
natural resources plus waterways”. This recognition of the value
of inland waterways comes on the heels of the Administration's
Statement of Policy in support of House passage of H.R. 3080, The
Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA).