WHAT:

On Tuesday, June 19, 2001, the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will join the Departments of Transportation, Defense, Interior, Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency and key transportation industry representatives to promote the Marine Transportation System and highlight its importance to the nation's economy. MTS consists of the nation's waterways, seaports and intermodal landside connections which allows the safe and efficient transport of people and goods.

An opening ceremony featuring comments by Admiral James M. Loy, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant (invited), Sen. John Breaux, D-La. (invited), Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska (invited), and Mr. Chuck Raymond, Chief Executive Officer of CSX Lines will commence at 11:00 a.m.

A four-hour public exposition showcasing the latest in MTS technology, products and services including hydrography/charts, vessel and cargo tracking, ballast water management, oil and petroleum products, and seaport development will immediately follow the opening ceremony.

WHEN:

Tuesday, June 19, 2001
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:

The Mall Adjacent to Capitol Hill
3rd Street and Madison Drive, NE
Washington, D.C.

WHO:

Admiral James M. Loy, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant (invited)

Sen. John Breaux, D-La. (invited)

Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska (invited)

Mr. Chuck Raymond, Chief Executive Officer of CSX

Representatives from the Departments of Commerce (NOAA)

Transportation

Defense

Interior

Agriculture

EPA

and the transportation industry

will be available for interviews from 11:30 a.m. - noon.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Each year the MTS contributes over $742 billion to the nation's Gross Domestic Product, employs more than 13 million people, and moves 2 billion tons of freight including 95% of U.S. foreign trade. Over 67 percent of imported consumer goods enter the United States via MTS.