2012-0105
INTRODUCED BY: DENNIS NUSS, COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT VII
RESOLUTION NO. __________
Title
A resolution in support of H.R. 104 - Ramp Act, a Bill to ensure that amounts credited to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund are used for Harbor Maintenance.
Body
WHEREAS, the International Freight Forwarders & Customs Brokers Association of New Orleans comprises more than 70 firms (large and small), whose members handle in some fashion upwards of 95% of all inbound/outbound cargoes transiting Louisiana ports; and,
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has calculated that 1 in 7 jobs in Louisiana is dependent upon the state's waterways, while the maritime industry contributes 13% to Louisiana's annual gross domestic product, and additionally, the maritime industry pays $1.9 billion in taxes annually; and,
WHEREAS, the Louisiana State Legislature passed concurrent resolutions in the 2011 Regular Session (Resolution No. 163: Representative Leger for the Lower Mississippi River, and Resolution No. 173; Representative Kleckley for the Calcasieu Ship Channel) calling on the United States Congress and the President of the United States to provide urgently needed funding addressing shoaling/silt settling from the water column and other high water issues; and,
WHEREAS, international commerce now represents more than 25 percent of the United States annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and any handicaps to a crucial part of our transportation infrastructure increases costs, a significant percentage of the consumer goods purchased in 2010 from the top 10 importers (Wal-Mart Stores; Target; Home Depot; Lowe's; Sears Holding; Dole Food; Heineken USA; Philips Electronics North America; Chiquita Brands International; and Samsung America) arriving by ocean in over 2.5 million TEUs (20 foot container equivalents); and,
WHEREAS, two-thirds of the United States grain exports reach world markets via the Mississippi River, and refineries along the ...
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