US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today
announced the appointment of 10 new members to the Marine Transportation System
National Advisory Council (MTSNAC). Established in 2010, MTSNAC is comprised of
leaders from commercial transportation firms, trade associations, state and
local public entities, labor organizations, academics, and environmental groups
that advise the Secretary on policies to ensure that the US Marine
Transportation System is capable of responding to projected trade increases.
Four representatives from the West Coast are on the
list:
- Richard Berkowitz, Director of Pacific Coast Operations, Transportation Institute, Seattle, Wash.
- Captain Lynn Korwatch, Executive Director, Marine Exchange of the San Francisco Bay Region, San Francisco, Calif.
- Wayne Darbeau, President and CEO, San Diego United Port District, San Diego, Calif.
- Gary Lee Moore, Interim Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif.
Other appointees include:
- Charles Fabrikant, Executive Chairman, SEACOR Holdings, Inc., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
- William Friedman, President and CEO, Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, Cleveland, Ohio
- Gary Love, Vice President for Sales and Marketing at FAPS, Inc., Port Newark, N.J.
- Betty Sutton, Administrator, Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC), Washington, D.C.
- Kevin Schoeben, Deputy Director, Office of Planning and Programming, Illinois Department of Transportation, Springfield, Ill.
- William Cook, Director, Worldwide Logistics and Customs, Chrysler Group, LLC, Auburn Hills, Mich.
“The Obama Administration is committed to ensuring
that America’s ports and waterways are capable of meeting the growing demands
of moving freight in the 21st century,” said Secretary
Foxx. “This advisory council will help guide us as we continue to invest in
American transportation and in America’s future.”
Since 2009, this Administration has awarded over $420
million in TIGER funds to 33 ports and marine highway projects. These projects
are large and small – inland and coastal, and handle 75 percent of America’s
exports and imports. These investments have helped the maritime industry move
these exports and imports by water, waterborne transport, and maritime
industrial services, which play a vital role in our nation’s economy. MTSNAC
policy recommendations have led to the expansion of the Marine Transportation
System, the integration of Marine Highways in the surface transportation system
and the improvement and streamlining of the Title XI ship financing process.
“This Council is an excellent example of a coordinated
approach with the private sector,” Acting Maritime Administrator Paul N.
Jaenichen said. “Their expertise and insight inform key decisions as we work to
spark growth and ensure the greater efficiency of our Marine Transportation
System.”
MTSNAC is comprised of 29 members from commercial
transportation firms, trade associations, state and local entities, labor
organizations, academics and environmental groups. Council members will serve
2-year terms, with no more than two consecutive term reappointments, and
approximately one-third of members' terms of office shall expire every 2 years.
The Department strives to select dynamic individuals
with in-depth knowledge of their respective industries or government sectors.
Members are nominated through a full and open process published in the Federal
Register.