The American Waterways Operators, a 350-member trade association representing the country’s tugboat, towboat and barge industry, offered congratulations to Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx on his successful confirmation as President Obama’s next Secretary of Transportation. “AWO and its members stand ready to work with Mayor Foxx in his new role as Secretary,” said Tom Allegretti, AWO’s President & CEO. “Our industry was especially grateful to hear Mayor Foxx express  his commitment to the continued integrity of the Jones Act, echoing the long-standing position of the  Obama Administration, as that law is foundational to the domestic maritime industry and essential to our economic and national security.” “The nation depends on water transportation to move the building blocks of our economy, facilitate our exports, and provide family-wage jobs and real career opportunities for tens of thousands of Americans,” Mr. Allegretti continued. “AWO shares the incoming Secretary’s views on the importance of a safe and reliable transportation network and we look forward to discussing how deeply committed we are to our role as safety leaders and environmental stewards.” “AWO has a long history of cooperation and goodwill with the Department and we hope to continue that relationship under incoming Secretary Foxx’s very capable leadership,” Mr. Allegretti concluded.“We wish him much success.”