FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

American Waterways Operators Commends Commonwealth of Kentucky on Passage and Signature of Jones Act Resolution

 

ARLINGTON, VA, March 30, 2023 / The American Waterways Operators commends the Commonwealth of Kentucky on the legislature’s recent passage, and Governor Andy Beshear’s signature, of House Concurrent Resolution 5, recognizing the importance of the Jones Act to Kentucky and to the United States. The Jones Act is the federal law requiring that vessels transporting cargo between two U.S. ports be American-built, American-owned and American-crewed.

 

The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Randy Bridges, House Majority Leader Rep. Steven Rudy, and Rep. Chris Freeland, emphasizes that Kentucky’s “1,600-mile-long network of navigable waterways, including access to two the nation’s largest rivers, the Mississippi River and the Ohio River, makes it a critical hub in the transportation system of this nation,” and highlights the importance of a strong domestic maritime industry to Kentucky’s and the country’s economic prosperity and national security. 

 

The resolution also notes that:

Justin Lampert, AWO’s Senior Manager – Midcontinent Office, commented: “American maritime – and the tugboat, towboat and barge industry that makes up the largest segment of it – is proud to be a major contributor to America’s and Kentucky’s economy, security, supply chain and quality of life. We applaud the Kentucky legislature and Governor Beshear for recognizing the impact our industry has on the Commonwealth and the nation, and for highlighting the central role of the Jones Act in serving as the statutory foundation that makes that impact possible.”  

 

The resolution in its entirety can be viewed here.

 

The following Kentucky maritime leaders are available for interviews:

 

About American Waterways Operators:

The American Waterways Operators is the tugboat, towboat and barge industry's advocate, resource and united voice for safe, sustainable and efficient transportation on America's waterways, oceans and coasts. Industry vessels move more than 665 million tons of America's commerce each year on the U.S. inland and intracoastal waterways, the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf Coasts and the Great Lakes.