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August 19, 2008: Kaptur Signs Intermodal Agreement

August 20, 2008
Image removed.Congresswoman Kaptur participated in a signing ceremony on Tuesday to formalize a collaboration agreement among several agencies to develop an intermodal shipping facility in the Toledo area. The goal is to position Toledo as a strategic partner in the “Atlantic Gateway” project, which seeks to take advantage of the “container revolution” that has reshaped international commerce.

The Gateway envisions shipping goods, either through the St. Lawrence Seaway or along rail corridors, to and from a deepwater port that is under construction in the Strait of Canso in Nova Scotia.

“We want to take advantage of our geographic position at the fulcrum of the Great Lakes shipping lanes,” Congresswoman Kaptur said.

“The congestion at other ports along the East and West coasts gives us an opportunity here in the nation’s heartland to create many new, good-paying jobs as a manufacturing and agricultural center and also as a distribution hub.

"Waterborne transportation is a very efficient way to transport grain and manufactured goods, especially with rising fuel prices.”

Local officials will conduct a market analysis—including identification of major exporters and importers—and also assess infrastructure improvements that might be required to assure cost-effective handling of cargo at maritime and rail facilities associated with the Port of Toledo.

The agreement was signed by Congresswoman Kaptur, University of Toledo President Lloyd Jacobs, Midwest Terminals of Toledo President Alex Johnson, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority Interim President Paul Toth, Jr., and Melford International Terminal President Paul Martin.

Mr. Martin’s firm is spearheading the Atlantic Gateway deepwater port project in Nova Scotia.