Posted on March 24, 2019
By Heiko Osterchrist, Associate Publisher, DredgeWire
The U.S. Jones Act dredging industry is integral to Florida’s economic and national security.
“Our U.S.-Flag Jones Act dredging companies, ships and workers are at the forefront of deepening and widening all of Florida’s ports, harbors and channels. We build the beaches, restore the coastal areas — and we love doing it!” said William P. Doyle, CEO & Executive Director of the Dredging Contractors of America, Executive Board Member of the American Maritime Partnership.
Today, March 22, 2019, elected officials joined business leaders to announce Florida as one of the country’s leading maritime states. Members of both political parties from around the state joined the Florida Maritime Partnership (FMP) and the American Maritime Partnership (AMP), the voices of the domestic maritime industry, in Jacksonville and Tampa to announce the 25% growth of domestic maritime industry jobs in Florida.
According to the findings of a new report conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on behalf of Transportation Institute (TI), Florida ranks number two in the nation for the number of domestic maritime jobs, employing over 65,990 individuals and generating over $3.73 billion in worker income. The industry produces $14.6 billion annually for the Florida economy.
The Jones Act is not only a vital anchor for America’s national security strategy but a pillar of economic strength and job creation for the state of Florida. Specifically, this law states that the transportation of merchandise between U.S. points is reserved for U.S. – built, owned, and documented vessels.
Elected Officials Support the Domestic Maritime Industry and Job Creation:
“The importance of the maritime industry to both Florida and the United States cannot be overstated. A robust maritime industry means a strong economy, good jobs, and enhanced national security. I’m proud to support the work of the Florida and American Maritime Partnerships, and today’s effort to highlight the industry’s vital role to our nation,” said U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL).
“The strength of Northeast Florida’s domestic maritime industry helps position our region as the logistics hub on the Eastern Seaboard. Our vessel operating companies, shipyards, and maritime professionals create thousands of jobs each year and propel our economy forward. In Congress, I am proud to support pro-maritime policy such as protecting the Jones Act and investing in our seaports,” said U.S. Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL).
“Ports play a vital role in Florida’s economy and produce stable jobs for our workforce,” said U.S. Rep. Al Lawson (D-FL). “This recent study is evident that Jacksonville’s maritime industry is essential to the state’s overall economic growth. Our hardworking men and women who crew the vessels work in this critical sector to ensure our national security, stimulate trade and promote economic prosperity.”
“This is good news for Florida and the greater Tampa Bay area and demonstrates the impact the maritime industry has on our economy,” said U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL). “With 15 deep water ports, including Port Manatee, Florida has an incredible opportunity to grow its maritime industry to help diversify our economy, create jobs and move goods and services.”
“The impact of the domestic maritime industry in the state is undeniable – delivering over 65,000 jobs and generating nearly $4 billion in income across Florida. The Jones Act ensures these jobs go to American workers, living and working in our communities. It is essential that we continue to uphold the law for these very real economic reasons,” said Florida State Senate Minority Leader Audrey Gibson (D-Duval).
“Across Florida and the country, the hardworking men and women of the domestic maritime industry are delivering for a better tomorrow,” said Florida State Rep. Jackie Toledo (R-Tampa) . “With nearly 65,000 jobs, over $14.6 billion in economic impact, and $3.73 billion in worker income, the domestic maritime industry is vital in building and expanding Florida’s thriving economy.”
Maritime Leaders Recognize the Economic Impact of the Jones Act:
The state of Florida is a leader in the domestic maritime industry, supporting nearly 66,000 family-wage jobs and contributing over $14.6 billion to the economy,” said James L. Henry, Chairman and President of Transportation Institute. “The findings in our most recent study demonstrate the strength and necessity of the Jones Act which serves as the backbone of the American maritime industry, the U.S. industrial base, and job creation for the hardworking men and women that crew the vessels delivering both in times of war and peace.”
“Quite simply, the Jones Act is American security,” said Matt Woodruff, President of the American
Maritime Partnership. “In addition to the job creation benefits detailed in this study, our American mariners are relied on by defense leaders to project American force overseas in a national emergency. Alongside our waterfront workers, they are the eyes and ears of homeland security on our nation’s coasts and waterways. Our American controlled fleet provides economic security, ensuring that our nation’s internal freight transportation system, including fuel deliveries from American refineries to Florida, is not subject to foreign interference. American maritime jobs, guaranteed by the Jones Act, make this possible.”
