U.S. FEDERAL AGENCIES UNITE TO UPGRADE MARITIME TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

U.S. FEDERAL AGENCIES UNITE TO UPGRADE MARITIME TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM    Seventeen federal government agencies have signed a memorandum of understanding to work towards improving the nation’s maritime transportation system.
   Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater said Tuesday that the government-led effort will involve an outreach to the transportation industry, communities, environmental groups and local governments to improve the capabilities of U.S. ports and waterways and their connections with all modes of transportation.
   The 17-member Interagency Committee on The Marine Transportation System will coordinate issues and will meet at least quarterly.
      The group will hold a series of field hearings this spring and summer: in Chicago, May 31- June 1; Memphis, June 6; Philadelphia, June 12; Jacksonville, June 20-21; Seattle, June 27; Los Angeles/Long Beach, July 11; and Houston, July 17-18.