Page 16: of Marine News Magazine (May 2020)

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Construction and the

Shell Cracker Plant moved on the inland waterways system as the pieces were too addition, we oppose additional tolling or lockage fees or other large for any other mode of transportation. charges for the users on the inland waterways system.

Across the country, river infrastructure competes with road How has the COVID-19 outbreak impacted – or perhaps and rail for critical federal funding. Why is it important for not impacted – operations at the Port of Pittsburgh? lawmakers to ensure rivers receive their fair share? What have been the greatest challenges (if any), and

River infrastructure and industries are a key part of our inte- what’s being done to address them?

grated transportation system. As a viable transportation mode The rivers keep moving during this crisis and so do our riv- for certain products and goods, the rivers do compete for fed- er industry partners. Both the federal and state governments eral dollars with other modes and it is important for all of us have recognized the importance of our transportation sector to let our decision makers know the important role and impact in moving products and goods, and we are so proud of all the our industries have for both the economy and the environment. work that continues on and along our Marine Highways in support of our commonwealth and country.

What policy matters would you like to see addressed in future WRDA legislation, and why? What short- and long-term effects on the Port of Pitts-

In recent years, when changes have been made to the 50/50 burgh do you expect to see stemming from the corona- virus pandemic?

federal cost share for particular projects, we’ve seen major in- frastructure projects ?nally being completed and saving mon- There is a lot of unknown with the coronavirus pandemic. ey in the long run. That is why a top priority of PortPitt and Short term, the products are moving. Long term, the shut- many other inland waterways groups is a change in WRDA down at various plants could cause a downturn in shipping; to a 75/25 federal cost-share. We’ve advocated for such a and if many individuals, (lock and dam operators, barge op- change and are hopeful that the 2020 WRDA bill will include erators, terminal operators) become infected with the virus, a language closer to the 75/25 percentage so that we can get lack of workforce could slow down the movement of freight projects done quicker and save money over the long run. In along the inland waterways.

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