The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) recently saluted U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minnesota) “for his staunch support of the Great Lakes navigation system.”
The coalition (whose members include the SIU) recognized Stauber with its Legislator of the Year Award. A ceremony took place Aug. 15 at the Clure Public Marine Terminal in Duluth, Minnesota.
In announcing the award, the GLMTF noted, “Congressman Stauber continues to champion the miners that work on the northern tier of the Great Lakes supplying the critical raw materials that drive the national economy and make the Great Lakes region America’s industrial powerhouse. The millions of tons of iron ore extracted from Minnesota’s Mesabi Range is transported by U.S.-owned, U.S-crewed, and U.S.-flagged vessels to steel mills in the southern Great Lakes contributing to more than 147,000 American jobs and $36 billion in economic impact. “Congressman Stauber believes in American workers and fully supports the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, more commonly known as the Jones Act,” the task force continued. “The critical law ensures U.S. cargo is carried by U.S. vessels between U.S. ports keeping our maritime industry strong with 650,000 sustained American jobs.”
GLMTF President John D. Baker stated, “Congressman Stauber is invested in America and its dedicated workforce. I applaud his selection for his tenacious support of the fourth sea coast.” When ice forms on the Great Lakes, it can impede commercial vessels, endanger mariners and their ships, and bring North American manufacturing to a halt without adequate federal icebreaking. With that in mind, Stauber continues to support icebreaking resources for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) on the Great Lakes, endorsing authorization and appropriations for a new heavy Great Lakes icebreaker for the agency.
GLMTF Vice President Jim Weakley, with a nod to Stauber’s prior experience as a pro hockey player, said, “Congressman Stauber understands that raw materials from Minnesota must be efficiently and safely moved to manufacturing facilities on the southern Great Lakes, no matter the harsh environmental conditions posed in winter. The USCG Great Lakes heavy icebreaker is critical but acquiring the asset hasn’t been an empty-net goal, requiring some hard third-period work which Congressman Stauber continues to do.”
The task force declared that one of the most important efforts for the entire Great Lakes navigation system has been the construction of the new large navigational lock in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Stauber “has been instrumental in educating fellow members of Congress on the importance of the lock to the Great Lakes region and the nation as a whole,” the GLMTF explained. “With only one 62-yearold large operational lock, the new lock provides much needed resiliency which would avert a catastrophic economic disaster should the current lock fail.”
The congressman said, “As someone who has spent their entire life living around Lake Superior, I understand the powerful impact these incredible bodies of water bring to our local and national economies. Ensuring safe and reliable shipping through the Great Lakes is one of my top priorities serving in Congress, from advocating for the creation of a new lock at the Soo Locks in Michigan to supporting our hard-working union workforce in the shipping industry to ensuring our Coast Guard is well-equipped with icebreakers for winter. I am honored to be named the Legislator of the Year by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force and will always advocate for our Great Lakes.”
During the ceremonial presentation, Executive Director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority Deb DeLuca stated, “Congressman Stauber is a fitting choice for this prestigious award, given his longtime advocacy on behalf of Great Lakes shipping and the nation’s domestic supply chain. His support helps Great Lakes ports remain strong and vibrant links in America’s supply chain, and we’re especially pleased that the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force is honoring a legislator from our own backyard, a former commissioner on the Duluth Seaway Port Authority board, and someone who is an effective advocate for regional industry.”
###
Comments are closed.