Freight Summit Opens
NARC and Texas DOT Open Freight Summit
Corpus Christi, TX, December 4, 2006 – The 3rd Freight Summit headlined “From Design to Delivery: Gateways to Prosperity,” jointly offered by the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) and the Texas Department of Transportation, explores the relationship of freight movement and economic development. A brainchild of Hon. John P. Thompson, Polk County Judge and NARC President, the 3-day summit, which begins today, brings together representatives from the freight and business community, elected officials and planning leaders to discuss freight transportation issues.
The goal of the summit is to engage freight stakeholders and spur discussions about the benefits of public investment in infrastructure. “As the national voice for regionalism, NARC advocates working in collaboration and cooperation amongst stakeholders to succeed in planning for effective freight and goods movement,” said Judge Thompson. Texas, who shares a 1,254-mile border with Mexico, is a particularly relevant location to talk about the interaction between economic development and freight movement since its economy and culture are intertwined with its southern neighbor. “We are fortunate to be able to explore not only the challenges and solutions to domestic goods movement, but also the specific and unique issues faced by border regions and international ports,” he continued.
The freight sector has a massive impact on the economy. According to the US Department of Transportation, in 2005 alone, the American freight system transported $6 trillion worth of goods. Thirteen million Americans work in the goods movement industry, accounting for 11% of the gross domestic product. The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the largest council of governments in the US and designated metropolitan planning organization for six counties in California, said that freight and logistics jobs are among the best available to blue collar workers, paying an average annual salary of $45,000.
For the country to maintain its competitive advantage with Asian markets, the US must invest heavily on freight infrastructure. It is envisioned that, by 2025, imports will nearly triple. Beyond port infrastructure, these goods must be carried domestically once they arrive. Railroads, intermodal facilities, and highway truck facilities must be expanded to accommodate this growth. The Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) reported that the current Federal investment of $4.3 billion is falling far short of the amount needed for freight facilities. Federal investment of $8.2 billion annually is needed to simply maintain the current level of service, while the figure needed to accommodate expected growth is closer to $18 billion annually.
The summit begins with welcome messages from Corpus Christi Mayor Henry Garrett, TxDOT Executive Director Michael Behrens, NARC Executive Director Cameron Moore, and Coastal Bend Council of Governments Executive Director John Buckner.
Ric Williamson, chair of the Texas Transportation Commission and former Texas State Representative is scheduled to provide the keynote address. Since 2004, he has overseen the five-member board that directs the activities of the Texas Department of Transportation. Other speakers include Mortimer Downey, former Deputy Secretary of Transportation for eight years under President Clinton and member of the AMTRAK Board of Directors, and Ambassador Francisco Javier Alejo, who previously served as Mexico’s Consulate General in Austin and is currently working on cross-border freight issues with the Mexican State Department, John Horsley, the Executive Director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and Judge Robert Eckels of Harris County.
The summit also launches the cross-training workshop series between NARC and the American Association of Port Authorities. This will allow port authorities and metropolitan planning organizations to learn about each other and encourage closer collaboration given the environment of scarce transportation dollars and influx of foreign trade.
This year’s summit is being held at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel and is sponsored by the Port of Corpus Christi, Carter & Burgess, the Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors, the American Association of Port Authorities, IBI Group, Lansdale Warehousing, HDR Inc., and the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce.