Port of Seattle CEO highlights need for port infrastructure investments at national port summit
SEATTLE – Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani addressed port directors from across the nation at a “ports summit” held in San Diego this week. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called the meeting, marking the first time someone in that post has met jointly with the leaders of the country’s major seaports. Joining Yoshitani were his colleagues from the other major West Coast ports. The six port directors are working together to market the West Coast as the best gateway for trade.
Yoshitani participated in a panel discussion on the urgent need to invest in port and transportation infrastructure, noting that ports must be able to operate safely and efficiently in order to compete for cargo and the jobs that cargo creates.
“Ports are the country’s solid economic engines, creating jobs and prosperity for communities they serve,” Yoshitani said. “For us to keep our ports competitive and exports moving to markets across the globe, we must invest our resources in the harbors, roads, and rails that move goods efficiently.”
Yoshitani went on to note that moving goods efficiently is also good for the environment. “Sustainable business practices are good business practices, and vice versa. We’re investing in the facilities that will serve ports for decades to come; let’s invest in sustainable solutions that protect our air and harbors.”
This week also provided good news regarding the country’s focus on increasing exports. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced the National Export Initiative, a government-wide promotion strategy designed to focus U.S. efforts to increase the number of American products going to markets abroad.
Exports through the Port of Seattle grew nearly six percent in 2009. Washington apples, potatoes, cherries, and chicken crossed port docks on the way to family tables across the world. Washington’s strong export performance is expected to help the region’s economy recover from the recent downturn.
For more information about how the Port of Seattle generates nearly 200,000 jobs in Washington, visit www.portseattle.org.