Lakewood, WA — On National Maritime Day, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) recognized the South Sound’s integral role in the U.S. maritime industry. In the 10th Congressional District alone, the maritime industry generates $77 million in economic activity and more than 500 jobs.
“The maritime industry is a critical economic engine in the region,” said Rep. Strickland. “In order to ensure national and economic security and protect domestic supply chains, I am committed to supporting a strong maritime industry in the South Sound.
According to the findings of an updated study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on behalf of the Transportation Institute (TI), the American Maritime industry continues to fuel a strong economy for Washington state, including statewide 22500 jobs, $6.125 billion in economic activity and $1.5 Billion in worker income.
National Maritime Day highlights the impact of the Jones Act, a foundational law that requires that cargo transported between all U.S. points be carried by American-built, -owned, and -crewed vessels in supporting this essential industry. This ensures job opportunities for residents living and commuting throughout the South Sound. This also means that the armed forces – especially those based at JBLM – can call upon American Maritime in times of need.
“This National Maritime Day we are reminded that America, from sea to shining sea, needs a strong domestic maritime industry amid continuing economic challenges and growing national security threats,” said Ku’uhaku Park, President of the American Maritime Partnership, “Without the Jones, we surrender our national economy, local jobs and essential industries to adversaries like China and Russia.”
May 22nd was declared National Maritime Day in 1933 to honor the SS Savannah’s 1819 departure from Georgia to Liverpool, UK to become the first successful steam-powered ship to successfully cross any ocean. The American Maritime Industry has since grown to nationally support 650,000 jobs, over 72 billion in value-added economic impact, and 41 billion in labor income thanks to the Jones Act.
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