The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO salutes President Obama for stating the need to upgrade America’s ports and harbors during his State of the Union address on February 12.
As part of his “Fix-It-First” initiative, the President listed projects needed to improve the nation’s infrastructure.
“And to make sure taxpayers don’t shoulder the whole burden, I’m also proposing a Partnership to Rebuild America that attracts private capital to upgrade what our businesses need most: modern ports to move our goods; modern pipelines to withstand a storm; modern schools worthy of our children,” the President told the Congress and the nation.
MTD President Michael Sacco pointed out the Department has worked for years to demonstrate the need to bring America’s shoreside facilities up to the standards required for the 21st century.
“We are ready to work with President Obama, Vice President Biden and the Congress to make this happen,” Sacco said after hearing the address. “America has to be ready for the changes that are occurring in world trade. We have the people willing and able to do the job. We need the resources to modernize the ports and build the new U.S.-flag vessels that will be required.”