LaHood touts Obama administration freight council

{mosads}LaHood said the freight policy council will help “develop a national strategic vision on freight” and identify ways to accelerate infrastructure projects involving shipping and cargo.

“This group represents DOT leadership across the modes, from highways and railways to ports and pipelines,” LaHood said of the panel. “We also have economic, policy and legal experts from throughout the Department. Led by our Deputy Secretary, John Porcari, the council will help us coordinate the implementation of MAP-21 freight provisions, develop a national plan for improving freight movement, and meet the President’s goal of doubling U.S. exports by 2015.”

LaHood said the freight council was starting off “by listening to the people who know freight — the states, the freight and logistics industry, businesses, consumers, and other stakeholders.”

His blog post did not mention a possible work stoppage that has threatened several East Coast ports. Negotiations between the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), which is representing the ports, and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) are expected to resume on Monday.