The meeting was called to order at 0900 hours by Chuck Carroll, Team Leader.
After brief introductions by all present, Mr. Jeff High of the U.S. Coast Guard gave the group an update on the activities of the Interagency Committee for the MTS (ICMTS) Resources Subcommittee. The main issues being worked are identifying all federal and private sector needs, identifying real growth, both historical and future, looking of RABA (Revenue Adjusted Budget Authority) of certain agencies such as FHWA, and looking at TEA-21 Reauthorization. Mr. High also led the group through a review of the approximately $21 Billion of marine-related user fees and taxes which go into the Treasury's General Fund and discussed possible scenarios under which some of those surplus funds could be used to fund a SEA-21. Mr. Bill Ellis of the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey noted that not all of those anticipated surpluses would be available every year if they are drawn down on a regular basis to fund projects. Mr. Barry Holliday of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stressed the need to demonstrate what the public will receive for an investment in the MTS, whether it be legislative or user fees.
Mr. Barry Holliday, Chair of the ICMTS Infrastructure and Competitiveness Subcommittee, then briefed the group on the recent activities of that subcommittee. MTS capacity is the biggest infrastructure issue. Although intermodalism is often talked about, little concrete action is taken to implement real intermodal solutions to MTS problems. According to Mr. Holliday, there is currently a $14 Billion backlog in marine-related construction projects. Mr. Holliday emphasized the need for "one stop" shopping on MTS. There should be a centralized and coordinated mechanism to manage MTS both within and outside the federal government. An "MTS broker" is needed and his recommendation is that the Maritime Administration, because of its background should act as that broker.
Mr. Richard Walker, Director of the Maritime Administration's Office of Intermodal Development and Vice-chair of the ICMTS Infrastructure and Competitiveness Subcommittee, addressed the group on MTS Capacity Demand. The main question is how to increased efficiency and capacity in the MTS system. The focus of the ICMTS Infrastructure and Competitiveness Subcommittee is identifying short and medium-term system solutions. A major challenge to the MTSNAC Infrastructure Team is how to test and evaluate various cargo/freight distributions systems which can add more capacity to the entire system. A robust coastwise shipping system coupled with technological and information systems can help in that regard. The Port Authority of New York/New Jersey's Port Inland Distribution Network (PIDN) and the Efficient Marine Rail Intermodal Interface (EMRI) systems are two such systems which have the potential to double or triple terminal capacity with a smaller footprint.
Mr. Carl Bentzel, Counsel of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Jim Sartucci, Legislative Director for Senator Trent Lott, then presented the "View from the Hill" on transportation and infrastructure issues. Both gentlemen agreed that transportation and infrastructure were bi-partisan issues and both sides of the aisle could support improvements to the system. But the industry must first identify the needs and priorities of MTS before Congress can take any action. Any change in the status quo must address the issue of how to equitably distribute funds among the marine community. The experience of the successful TEA-21 effort should be studied so that the group can build a strong coalition, both among its members as well as Congress. There are many in Congress already eager to pursue a "SEA-21" type route and hearings will probably be scheduled in late summer or early fall. Therefore much work needs to be done to adequately address the issues.
Chuck Carroll asked about the status of the Infrastructure Team's resolution on Needs Assessment which was approved at the last MTSNAC meeting in Kings Point, NY. MARAD responded that this issue was currently being worked through the chair of the Council.
The minutes of the May 3, 2001 Infrastructure Team's meeting were then reviewed and approved.
There was then discussion on developing a policy paper which addresses the infrastructure needs of the MTS. It was suggested that a sub-group be formed to draft the issues which need to be addressed, but it was later decided that since all the critical stakeholders were represented in the room that the entire team should meet again soon and work on the draft itself. July 16, 2001 at 11:00 am was set as the next meeting date. The chair (Chuck Carroll) will circulate a draft to all members prior to the meeting. Mr. Jim McCarville of the Port of Pittsburgh submitted a draft "Proposed framework for funding Maritime Transportation System Land and Waterside Improvements," which will be added to the July 16th meeting agenda.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 pm.
Minutes submitted by Richard Lolich, Office of Ports and Domestic Shipping, Maritime Administration