Majority Statement

• John D. Rockefeller, IV

  Senator
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  Majority Statement

  John D. Rockefeller, IV

  I am very pleased the Senate Commerce Committee is holding this important hearing on freight transportation in America.

   

  Although this is not an issue many Americans think about every day, efficiently moving goods into and throughout this country is a cornerstone of America’s economic viability.

   

  Getting goods to market in a timely fashion not only creates jobs, but allows businesses to prosper and provides people with access to the resources they need. 

   

  West Virginia is a perfect example.  In my great state, freight transportation contributes approximately $38.5 billion in revenue each year to our state’s economy. 

   

  As many of you likely know, West Virginia is the second largest producer of coal in the nation.  And because we have a transportation network designed to provide efficient interstate and international flow of goods and services – our greatest natural resource can be exported to 33 states, the District of Columbia, and 25 countries, accounting for approximately 50 percent of all of America’s coal exports. 

   

  Our broad transportation network, which includes facilities like West Virginia’s Port of Huntington – the largest inland river port in America – are integral to the state’s ability to remain a global coal provider and keep nearly 39,000 West Virginians in coal and transportation jobs.

   

  Despite many successes, there is still much more that can be done to sustain America’s economic advantage.  Throughout the years – and especially in the past year of economic downturn – it has become quite clear that the federal government should take a more active role nation-wide to improve freight mobility. 

   

  Freight transportation projects often compete with passenger-related projects for state or local funding, making it difficult to secure public support for freight transportation projects.  Many state and local governments may also not know the many regional or national benefits that a particular project could provide.  This is something that the federal government can help coordinate.

   

  As we move forward to reauthorize our nation’s federal surface transportation programs, I believe that the Senate Commerce Committee must develop a national freight transportation strategy that does more to target federal investments toward projects designed to improve competitiveness by eliminating chokepoints and increasing efficiency.  This is lacking at the federal level and we need this important guidance to prepare our freight network for the future.

   

  I want to thank the witnesses for testifying on this important topic today.  Thank you.

   

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• Frank R. Lautenberg

  Senator
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  Majority Statement

  Frank R. Lautenberg

  WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg, chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security, today issued the following statement at this afternoon’s hearing on improving the nation’s freight network.

   

  “From the barges and ships that bring goods to our ports, to the trains and trucks that get those goods to our stores and factories, our freight transportation systems is essential.

   

  Everyday consumer products like televisions and produce, and essential raw materials like lumber and iron are moved across America as freight.

   

  My home state of New Jersey moves more than 600 million tons of freight each year. 

   

  Freight movement contributes to more than 500,000 jobs for New Jerseyans, making up almost 11 percent of our state’s workforce.

   

  But the strength of our freight transportation system is being threatened by our fragile and overwhelmed infrastructure, putting people’s jobs, our economy, and our ability to stay competitive in the world at risk.

   

  It’s been nearly two years since the horrible bridge collapse in Minneapolis.  But still, 25 percent of our nation’s bridges are deficient. 

   

  In New Jersey, the number is even higher, at 34 percent.

   

  And congestion on our roads costs our country precious time—and money. 

   

  Freight chokepoints can put huge delays and additional costs on the transportation of goods that are felt across the country. 

   

  For example, some trains can take as long as two days to cross the city of Chicago.

   

  To keep getting the goods we need in the future, we must invest in our freight infrastructure now.

   

  Simply building roads will not solve all of our problems—and in some places that is no longer possible.

   

  We need to focus our resources to move goods more efficiently and reduce congestion and emissions.  We can achieve these goals by making better use of trains and barges.

   

  One freight train, for example, can take 280 trucks off the road, while one barge can take 1,800 trucks off the road.

   

  Trains and barges are also more energy-efficient than trucks.  One gallon of fuel will transport one ton of cargo 70 miles by truck, 457 miles by rail and 575 miles by barge. 

   

  Now let’s be clear: we are not saying trucks are not important.  We are saying that trains and barges need to become as important.

   

  Unfortunately, federal investment has focused almost exclusively on highways while neglecting our railroads and seaports.

   

  Chairman Rockefeller and I have introduced a bill that would take a long-term and large-scale approach to transportation planning. 

   

  When it comes to freight, our bill would encourage reduced emissions, reduced congestion, and reduced transportation costs.

   

  Two years ago, the New Jersey Department of Transportation published its first comprehensive statewide freight plan.  The federal government needs to follow suit.

   

  I look forward to hearing from our witnesses on how we can make that happen.”

   

  # # #

Opening Remarks

• Mr. Larry 'Butch' Brown

  Executive Director of Mississippi Department of Transportation

  Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors
  Download Statement (246.47 KB)

• Mr. Richard Roper

  Director, Planning Department

  Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
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• Mr. Rick Gabrielson

  Director of International Transportation

  Target Corporation
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• Mr. Matt Rose

  Commissioner, National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study

  Commission and Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, BNSF Railway
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• Mr. John Clancy

  Chairman

  North America, Maersk Inc.
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