MTS Meeting Set for Long Beach

On August 13-14, the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC) is scheduled to consider an industry proposal to upgrade the nation's marine infrastructure. Commending the Council's work, Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta said, "I look forward to receiving the views of the MTS sector on this very important topic." Most trade analysts agree that international trade will at least double by the year 2020 triggering surface transportation gridlock. As a result, the Council has focused on the use of water transportation and the role our waterway system can play in the solution to our nation's highway and rail congestion. During a meeting, which will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Long Beach, CA, the Council is expected to review and give final approval to a report for the Secretary that will detail MTS infrastructure needs and outline an action plan for system development. "Given our new emphasis on homeland security, and the real need to efficiently and securely handle the increased volume of trade now landing on our shores, it is fitting that the Council meets next door to the two busiest container ports in America -- the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach," said Chuck Raymond, MTS Council Chair, and President and CEO of CSX Lines. The Secretary added, "I view the expanded use of waterborne transportation as part of a multi-modal cooperative effort to maximize choice and provide cost effective transportation alternatives to an impending trade explosion and transportation overload."