TRANSPORT-BASED FIRMS FORM FLORIDA LOBBYING COUNCIL
Maritime and rail industries in Florida said Wednesday they have formed a new advocacy council to lobby for increased state and federal investment in the state’s intermodal infrastructure.
Their organization, to be called the Trade and Transport Council, will be based in Miami.
Council members include Seaboard Marine, Florida East coast Railroad, Tropical Shipping, CSX Transportation Inc., Rail Management Corp., Tropicana, and the Port of Miami Terminal Operating Co.
The council said it will focus on:
* Funding for strategic intermodal initiatives to maintain trade competitiveness.
* Reducing operational costs for trade and transport of goods and services statewide.
* Eliminating onerous and unfair tax burdens on trade and transport of goods and services at seaports and airports.
The members have appointed former state representative Carlos Valdes president of the council. Valdes may be reached at (305) 267-1209.