The American Maritime Partnership (AMP) recently highlighted the positive effects of the Jones Act on the Pacific Northwest.
The SIU is affiliated with AMP, the primary coalition representing all components of the domestic maritime industry.
Citing a new study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers on behalf of the Transportation Institute, AMP’s first announcement focused on the state of Washington. The domestic maritime industry in Washington ranks sixth among all American states for jobs and labor income relating to the Jones Act, according to the study, and employs more than 22,500 individuals. The industry also produces $6.12 billion for the local economy, and generates more than $1.5 billion in worker income.
“The Jones Act is a juggernaut when it comes to helping us, and we are not talking about a relic, but a key tool in growing our economy for the future,” said U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) while speaking at Seattle maritime event. “As shown in this report, the Jones Act has created 22,000 jobs here in Washington State, a 34 percent increase since the last report in 2014.”
The second study focused on the state of Alaska, where the domestic maritime industry employs more than 6,500 individuals, produces $1.98 billion for the local economy, and generates $469 million in worker income.
“In my state, a strong domestic maritime industry is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). “The welfare of our people and our economy is dependent on the U.S. maritime industry, providing over 6,000 Americans with maritime jobs that significantly contribute to the economies of Alaska and our nation. I proudly support the work of the Alaska and American Maritime Partnerships, and am pleased by the growth of maritime industry jobs in Alaska.”
“The Jones Act is vital to maintaining a strong and stable domestic maritime industry that transports goods to Alaska and, as this study indicates, helps strengthen our economy by providing good-paying jobs,” said U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). “Further, the Jones Act protects our homeland, ensuring that in times of dispute, Alaska and other states across our country will not be caught in the crossfire and held hostage by foreign-flagged vessels.”
“The Jones Act is vital for protecting the U.S. maritime industry and promoting a very important sector of Alaska’s economy,” said U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska). “Simply put, the Jones Act is critical to maintaining a strong maritime workforce and ensuring the U.S. has shipbuilding capabilities that can keep pace with our competitors. This study is further proof of its immense success and the importance of protecting the Jones Act. For the sake of our maritime industry, our jobs, and national security, we must continue to support the Jones Act for years to come.”
Some of the largest domestic shipping leaders also spoke on the importance of the maritime industry to Washington and Alaska.
“The new economic data is proof positive that U.S.-built vessels crewed by American mariners provide our communities and our country substantial benefits from jobs and investments,” said Tom Crowley, chairman and CEO of Seafarers-contracted Crowley Maritime Corporation. “This study shows the domestic maritime industry is integral to the economic success of Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and the entire nation. The men and women in the maritime industry also provide irreplaceable support to our military’s readiness and homeland security. These benefits demonstrate why experts and elected officials readily support the U.S. maritime industry and the legal framework protecting it.”
TOTE Maritime Alaska President Grace Greene stated, “TOTE is honored to call Washington home and we are proud of the many contributions that our employees, vendors, contractors, partners and peers have made over the last 40 years to help drive one of the most significant economic engines in the Pacific Northwest, the domestic maritime industry. TOTE’s success, and that of our industry, is rooted in our commitment to safety, innovation and focused investments that create a significantly positive impact for those we serve and the areas in which we operate.”
“The Pacific Northwest is a leader in the domestic maritime industry, supporting nearly 22,500 family-wage jobs and contributing over $6.12 billion to the local economy,” said James L. Henry, chairman and president of Transportation Institute. “The findings in our most recent study demonstrate the strength and necessity of the Jones Act, which serves as the backbone of the American maritime industry, the U.S. industrial base, and job creation for the hardworking men and women that crew the vessels delivering both in times of war and peace.”
“Quite simply, the Jones Act is American security,” said Matt Woodruff, president of the American Maritime Partnership. “In addition to the job creation benefits detailed in this study, our American mariners are relied on by defense leaders to project American force overseas in a national emergency. Alongside our waterfront workers, they are the eyes and ears of homeland security on our nation’s coasts and waterways. Our American-controlled fleet provides economic security, ensuring that our nation’s internal freight transportation system is not subject to foreign interference. American maritime jobs always have and will continue to be vital in the never-ending task of keeping America safe, strong and prosperous for generations to come.”
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