US DOT Creates National Freight Policy Council

At Wednesday's RAMP meeting, Carl Seip from Senator Maria Cantwell's office gave an overview of updates on federal transportation policy.

With MAP-21 passing earlier this year, the federal government established a national freight policy and called for the creation of a National Freight Strategic Plan.  However, until recently, there was no clear body implementing these provisions.

Two weeks before the RAMP meeting, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Senator Cantwell came to Puget Sound to announce the the creation of the Freight Policy Council.  The Council will include leaders on highways, rails, ports, and airports with the goal of bringing all modes together to keep the United States' competitive and increase exports.

The full press release from the US Department of Transportation can be found here: http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2012/dot9812.html