News Release
FOR RELEASE - September 22, 2009
Contact: Aaron Ellis, aellis@aapa-ports.org
703-706-4714
American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org
On Sept. 14, 2009, at a National Press Club Newsmaker press conference, a panel of experts from the Freight Stakeholders Coalition highlighted their goals for the upcoming reauthorization of the federal surface transportation bill and stressed the importance for a timely reauthorization. The American Association of Port Authorities, which organized the event with the help of the Intermodal Association of North America, also provided videotape coverage of the various speakers.
The Freight Stakeholders Coalition represents America's diverse freight community and supports policies that promote freight mobility in the U.S. Its 17 member organizations represent the country's largest shippers and public/private transportation providers.
The Coalition strongly advocates that substantial investment in America's freight transportation system must be given a high priority in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill, and that without such investment, the performance of all modes of goods movement will continue to deteriorate and the U.S. will pay a high price in terms of domestic prosperity and international competitiveness. The Coalition supports strong federal leadership that will help develop projects of regional and national significance which reduce congestion, enhance goods movement, improve the environment, and create and maintain jobs.
Event participants included (in order of remarks):
Joni Casey
President and CEO, Intermodal Association of North America
Jean Godwin
Executive Vice President, American Association of Port Authorities
The Honorable Allen D. Biehler, P.E.
Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
President, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
Jennifer W. Macdonald
Assistant Vice President - Government Affairs, Association of American Railroads
Darrin Roth
Director of Highway Operations, American Trucking Associations
Janet F. Kavinoky
Director of Transportation Infrastructure, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Mortimer L. Downey
Senior Advisor, PB Consult, Inc.
Chairman, Coalition for America's Gateways and Trade Corridors
