CONGRESSMAN RICHMOND: “DREDGING EQUALS JOBS”

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman Cedric L. Richmond (LA-2) joined the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee in its hearing on creating jobs in America.  The hearing emphasized urgent actions the 112th Congress should take to create jobs and engage the private sector in rebuilding America through the improvement of ports, highways, public infrastructure, other transportation facilities needed for manufacturing and trade. Congressman Richmond released the following statement after the hearing.   

“Today’s hearing was on target and on time. I sincerely thank House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi for inviting me to participate and for highlighting the impact of dredging on America’s economy.

“This week, I spent a lot of time talking with my constituents in New Orleans. Over and over again, New Orleanians asked me to do one thing—increase opportunities for work. Americans aren’t asking us to move the mountain. They’re just asking us for roadmap to the top. We can do this through job training, promoting entrepreneurship, and investing in our infrastructure. These initiatives will create opportunities for all Americans.

“As we focus on creating opportunities, we must strengthen American trade routes by dredging our waterways. When the River is not dredged fewer ships travel into ports, fewer products are delivered to markets, and, as a result, fewer men and women can support their families. Restrictions are a real possibility. Just yesterday, river traffic was recently restricted to daytime hours, in certain areas between New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

“I wholeheartedly agree with Ms. Susan Monteverde, the panelist from the American Association of Port Authorities, dredging is a national priority. We can and we must use the allocated tax dollars to use for the intended purpose—dredging American water trade routes.”  

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