Page 45: of Marine News Magazine (October 2012)

As Director of Government Affairs for Kirby Corporation, the nation?s largest tank barge operating company, Matt Woodruff spends much of his time advocating wise investment in our waterways infrastructure and a sensible scheme of legislation and regulation to ensure the safety and security of maritime commerce. The Chairman of the Waterways Council, Inc., the national advocacy organization for our nation?s inland waterways and ports, he is also past president of the Texas Waterways Operators Association and recently concluded two terms as a member of the Inland Waterways Users Board. This month, he provides an insider?s look at what is happening not only on the water, but inside the Beltway, as well. As we head into the November elections, what is the most pressing thing on the plate of the Waterways Council? WCI remains  rmly focused on ensuring that our nation?s inland waterways infrastructure is maintained and improved when and where needed to keep the system safe, reliable and ef cient for the users of today and tomorrow. Our waterways keep us ef cient at home and competitive in the global marketplace because they can move large quantities at low costs. Often, the transportation savings waterways provide is the difference that makes a U. S. product the low-cost choice in the world market. We need our leaders to understand that waterways will help our nation become even more competitive in the years to come, keep people employed here at home and improve the standard of living Matt Woodruff Chairman, WCI and Director, Government Affairs, Kirby Corporation INLAND WATERWAY REPORT www.marinelink.com MN 45MNOct2012 Layout 32-49.indd 45MNOct2012 Layout 32-49.indd 4510/2/2012 10:08:10 AM10/2/2012 10:08:10 AM