April 25, 2001
Top business leaders from Florida’s maritime and rail industries announced today the formation of the Trade and Transport Council, to advocate for increased state and federal investment in the state’s Intermodal maritime, railroad and highway transportation infrastructure. Concerned with threats to Florida’s global competitiveness, the Trade and Transport Council will spearhead an education and advocacy campaign to educate policy makers in Tallahassee and Washington.
For the first time ever, top business leaders responsible for Florida’s vast Intermodal trade transportation infrastructure are joining together to ensure that the state and federal government invest intelligently in ports, rails and roads to keep Florida’s trade flowing throughout the Hemisphere. The Council plans to promote a cooperative and strategic approach to the state’s transportation funding policies to ensure that Florida can maintain it’s competitive market share in the global economy.
Members of the new organization include: Seaboard Marine, FEC Railroad, Tropical Shipping, CSX Transportation, Rail Management Corporation, Port of Miami Terminal Operating Company, Tropicana and other major international trade and transportation companies. In the coming year, the Council is focusing on:
Funding for the strategic Intermodal transportation initiatives necessary to maintain trade competitiveness;
Reducing operational costs statewide related to the trade and transport of goods and services; Eliminating onerous and unfair tax burdens on the trade and transport of goods and services at seaports and airports.
Council members recently met with Legislative leadership to voice their commitment to stronger investment in Intermodal transportation and strategic trade corridors. Carlos Valdes, former member of the Florida House of Representatives, has been appointed president of the Council. Mr. Valdes was past Chair of the International Trade and Economic Development Committee and Chair of the Economic Council.
For more information, contact
Carlos Valdes at 305-267-1209 and 305-267-0889 (fax)