News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 12, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Stresses Continued Growth and Sustainability of Maritime Industry at Northwest Maritime Trade Summit

Gov. Gary Locke today stressed the important role of the maritime industry in Washington’s economic vitality and charged senior industry and government representatives to find economic and sustainable ways to strengthen the state’s maritime trade competitiveness.

Locke made his remarks during the first Northwest Maritime Summit held in Seattle. The summit was convened to discuss critical issues affecting the state’s ability to compete in maritime trade.

“Maritime trade helps the Northwest compete in the global arena, a marketplace with extremely high stakes,” Locke said. “Government and industry must work together to strengthen our maritime industry’s competitiveness and maximize the opportunity to increase smart, profitable growth and boost the region’s economy.”

Locke lauded efforts being made at the state level, beginning with the 2003 state transportation improvement plan passed last session. The $4.2 billion, 10-year legislative package is the largest single transportation investment in Washington’s history and will fund crucial transportation needs.

“Removing transportation barriers will play a large role in the success of maritime trade,” Locke said. “Working together, we can help ensure this success while continuing to provide the financial and cultural benefits that make Washington a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

The governor added that competitiveness requires a level playing field, especially for port and waterway security and environmental protection. Such efforts will require ongoing coordination from regulators at all governmental levels and vigilance by industry.

“We appreciate the state being proactive on issues facing maritime trade,” said Jon Hemingway, president and CEO of SSA Marine. “Having a governor and Legislature that understand the importance of these issues is vital to the success of maritime trade.”

Washington handles more than $100 billion in trade, $36 billion of which are state-originated exports. In Washington, one in four jobs has been linked to international trade.

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