Governor Recognized For
Commitment to Intermodal Trucking and Port
Community; Delivers Remarks at Bi-State Harbor
Carriers Conference of NJ Motor Truck Association

"Dredging our ports is vital," said the Governor. "So, too is improving the highways that support them. The smooth movement of cargo in the port can make all the difference in a competitive economy. I recognize that an efficient system means jobs, and the other side of the coin is that an inefficient economy costs jobs."

Over $280 million in state dollars have been committed to dredging projects to keep the ports internationally competitive, the Governor continued. The Governor also lobbied New Jersey's congressional delegation and the President to increase funding to help deepen the channels. As a result, some $80 million was included in the federal budget for the ports.

The Governor's vision for transportation in the state, NJ First, recognizes the importance of the port community. The award received by the Governor is given to an individual who has made a major contribution toward the betterment of the intermodal trucking industry and the NY and New Jersey Port community.

The group recognized the Governor's efforts to support the Port, her dredging initiatives, and her refusal to increase Turnpike tolls. The award is given in honor of Leamon McCoy, a minority owner of one of New Jersey's first intermodal trucking companies. McCoy founded the Bi-State Harbor Carriers Conference in an effort to improve the way cargo was moved through the port while maintaining high efficiency standards.

The Bi-State Harbor Carriers conference is one of five subgroups of the New Jersey Motor Truck Association. There are 85 member firms and it was founded in 1983 when a core group of 20 members began lobbying for the interests of the port community.