DOT sends marine highways report to Congress

DOT sends marine highways report to Congress    U.S. Transportation Department on Tuesday released a report that it said would serve as a roadmap to the future in creating and further strengthening the nation's marine highways.
   Prepared by the DOT's Maritime Administration, the 84-page report, America's Marine Highways, highlights the benefits of using coastal and river transportation as part of America's new 'clean energy economy.'
   Congress requested the report to show how water transportation can help move the country to a more environmentally sustainable transportation system, reduce highway congestion and cut down on the maintenance and replacement costs of the nation's roads and bridges.

LaHood

   'When we finish America's fully integrated national marine highway system, our legacy will be more than routes on water,' said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, in a statement. 'It will be a country less dependent on foreign oil.'
   The report highlights DOT's accomplishments in supporting the development of America's marine highway system. Since starting the program last year, LaHood designated 18 Marine Highway Corridors that will support economic growth and create jobs in communities across the country.

Matsuda

   In addition, DOT awarded $215.3 million from the TIGER I and TIGER II (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) programs to jumpstart or expand marine highway projects. Finally, the department commissioned a study of new ship design to serve the marine highway markets and to be useful to the military if needed.
   'America's new clean energy economy will rely on a green, efficient transportation system that means making better use of our underutilized marine highways,' said Maritime Administrator David Matsuda. 'This report is a valuable instrument in helping chart our course toward better energy security, reduced highway congestion and more balanced transportation networks.'