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Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones named Great Lakes Legislator of the Year
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Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH) was named Great Lakes Legislator of the Year for 2008, honoring her support of and commitment to Great Lakes shipping.
The award was presented to Rep. Tubbs Jones by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force in April during the 13th annual informational briefing for the Great Lakes Congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. "I accept this award with a great sense of responsibility," Rep. Tubbs Jones said. "Not just Cleveland, but America needs the jobs that depend on Great Lakes shipping. I remember when it looked like we would never make steel in Cleveland again. One of the reasons those mills came back to life was the efficient movement of raw materials on the Great Lakes. But if we don't dredge our ports and waterways, if we don't renew our Coast Guard's icebreaking assets, we put family-sustaining jobs throughout the Great Lakes basin at risk. I will champion Great Lakes shipping for as long as I am in Congress." Rep. Tubbs Jones represents Ohio's 11th district. "As a native Clevelander, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones has firsthand knowledge of the benefits of shipping on the lakes," said Task Force President Patrick O'Hern. "The terminals along the Cuyahoga River receive raw materials that drive the city's steel, manufacturing and construction industries. "Congresswoman Tubbs Jones has made keeping those cargoes flowing a priority since being elected to the House of Representatives in 1998," O'Hern added. "Congresswoman Tubbs Jones has been among the most ardent supporters of increased funding for dredging Great Lakes ports and waterways," said the AMO national executive vice president, who serves as first vice president of the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force. "She stood with her fellow Great Lakes legislators and approved an increase of more than $30 million for dredging in 2008. Those additional funds will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begin to clear the horrendous backlog of dredging projects. However, Rep. Tubbs Jones will have to take up the cause again. The proposed budget for fiscal year 2009 stripped nearly $50 million from the lakes dredging appropriation. The very future of Great Lakes shipping is at stake." Founded in 1992, the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force promotes a strong U.S.-flag merchant marine on the Great Lakes. Its labor/management membership includes representatives from various trades and encompasses ship owners and operators, maritime unions, longshoremen, shipyards and terminal operators. |
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