Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D., (R-South Louisiana) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) recently announced Louisiana merchandise exports increased five percent over the last year, growing from $27.0 billion to $28.4 billion.
Key merchandise export categories include petroleum products, agricultural products, chemicals, food and kindred products, and machinery manufactures.
“ As the United States continues to face economic challenges, its national exports have remained strong with Louisiana ranking seventh among the fifty states in total exports. With over 95% of the world’s consumers living outside the United States, exports are a driver of U.S. economic growth. As the desire for Pelican State goods continue to grow, South Louisiana’s maritime industry and ports are vital to the movement of these goods and will benefit from increased activity.
“I continue to be encouraged by the determination and success of Louisiana businesses to promote our unique state products on a global scale,” said Boustany .
“The President recently announced 5 major ports across the nation will benefit from an expedited process to complete infrastructure projects. This letter highlights the merits of Louisiana’s ports receiving the same treatment. In addition to this request, I promoted the benefits of the Realize America’s Maritime Promise (RAMP) Act, H.R. 104. This legislation addresses these exact maritime issues by requiring the total amount spent from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund must be equal to the receipts collected by the Trust Fund each year.
“The Gulf Coast serves as a primary artery of commerce and trade to our nation. Many ports in South Louisiana play important roles in exporting local goods to the rest of the world. We must protect them by ensuring their proper maintenance. The RAMP Act succeeds in completing this goal,” concluded Boustany .
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Dredging Today Staff, August 21, 2012