Yesterday, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) was named the 2014 Great Lakes Legislator of the Year by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF). The GLMTF is the largest labor/management coalition representing workers and industries involved in shipping on "America’s Fourth Sea Coast," the Great Lakes. Pictures from the presentation are available here.
Congressman Bill Huizenga: "I am honored to receive this distinguished award from the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force. The Great Lakes are not only an incredible natural resource, they play a significant role in the national economy and are vital to growth and expansion here in Michigan. The Great Lakes waterways are responsible for 130,000 jobs and $18 billion in economic activity. Michigan alone has more deep-draft ports than the other seven Great Lakes states combined. Vessels utilizing these ports support 26,000 jobs across Michigan. Despite the clear benefits these waterways provide, there is much more work to be done. Harbors are the lifeblood of our communities along the lakeshore. I will continue to press the federal government to live up to its obligations and fight to ensure that monies in the harbor maintenance trust fund go for that very purpose."
President of GLMTF James H. I. Weakley: “Congressman Huizenga has shown incredible resolve in addressing the dredging crisis on the Great Lakes. His laser-like focus on the issue is one of the big reasons the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) passed by the House in 2013 contains provisions key to ending the dredging crisis. The bill not only calls for more funding for dredging, but designates the Great Lakes a system in terms of dredging, and that in itself should put the Lakes on an even footing with other waterways.”
Background:
Founded in 1992, Great Lakes Maritime Task Force promotes domestic and international shipping on the Great Lakes. With 85 members, 22 of which are based in Michigan, it is the largest coalition to ever speak for the Great Lakes shipping community and draws its membership from both labor and management representing U.S.-flag vessel operators, shipboard and longshore unions, port authorities, cargo shippers, terminal operators, shipyards and other Great Lakes interests.
