NEWS
FY2008 Budget Requests Highest Level of Funding for USACE
Although it represents a decrease from the FY 2007 spending level, President Bush's FY 2008 proposed budget requests the highest level of funding included in any President's budget for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water resources projects and programs, a total of $4.871b. Last year's (FY 07) budget request was $4.733b. This budget request also proposes FY '08 spending of $418m for Inland Waterways Trust Fund financed projects, of which one-half will come from the dedicated Inland Waterways Trust Fund. The remainder would come from general treasury funds, as required under current law. The FY 2008 Civil Works Budget notes that, "the Administration is developing and will propose legislation to require payment of a user fee ... on the commercial interests that benefit from Corps spending on the inland waterways." It should be noted that a diesel fuel tax of 20 cents per gallon is currently being levied on towboat operators who move commerce on America's inland navigation system, and this group of taxpayers are not the only beneficiaries of the system. The Administration's budget statement raises many questions about the nature and scope of any new tax proposal, and Waterways Council, Inc. will be patient in commenting further until a specific tax initiative has been floated. The President's FY 08 budget also requests a significant increase in Operations & Maintenance (O&M) funding of Corps infrastructure projects. "The federal government is demonstrating that more money is needed to maintain our critically important inland navigation system," said R. Barry Palmer, President and CEO of Waterways Council, Inc. Funding for priority lock and dam construction projects remains at record levels in the FY 2008 budget. Specifically the Administration's support for Waterways Council, Inc.'s priority projects include funding for Olmsted Locks and Dam (Ohio River, IL/KY), $104 million; Kentucky Lock Addition (Tennessee River, KY), $52 million; McAlpine Lock (Ohio River, IN/KY), $45 million; Marmet (Kanawha River, West Virginia), $25 million; Lower Monongahela River 2, 3 and 4 (PA), $70.3 million; Chickamauga Lock (Tennessee River, TN), $35.2 million, and Emsworth Dam (Ohio River), $43 million. In this FY '08 budget approximately $22 million was allocated for five additional major rehabilitation projects on the system, Locks and Dams 11, 19, 24, and 27 (Upper Mississippi River), and Markland (Ohio River). Palmer expressed Waterways Council's disappointment for the proposed suspension of funding for the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal Lock (New Orleans, LA), Pre-Construction Engineering and Design (PED) for the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Waterway lock and dam modernization projects, John T. Myers Locks and Dam (Ohio River, IN/KY), and Greenup Locks and Dam (Ohio River, KY/OH), all considered priority projects to WCI members.
Foss Corporate Reorganizes
Foss Maritime has reorganized its corporate structure effective immediately. The reorganization marks a shift from a regionally organized company to a line of business structure. With this new structure, the company is pushing for increased accountability and greater depth of experience in their customers' industries, with single individuals responsible for each of the company's major lines of business including: tanker escort and assist, container ship assist, ship bunkering, marine transportation, project cargo, shipyard and engineering services. As part of the restructure, several new senior level positions were announced. Scott Merritt, Senior Vice President, will now head up the Domestic Services group. Other appointments in this group include Don McElroy, Senior Vice President Marine Transportation; Dave Hill, Vice President Harbor Services; Ric Gerttula, Director Contract Towing; Tim Beyer, Director Regional Towing; Ron Bates, Director Ship Assists; and Wendell Koi, Director Customer Service. Charlene McArthur, who recently joined the company, will head the Management Services group as Vice President.
ing his administration, which have benefited companies like Cat. The machines and products made in East Peoria and at Caterpillar facilities across the U.S. are shipped throughout the world. Caterpillar exported more than $10b in products from the U.S. in 2006, a record for the company. Bush also recognized worker training programs, safe workplaces and competitive health care benefits that make up the culture of excellence and accomplishment at Caterpillar.
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Bon Takes Helm at Samson
Samson announced the appointment of Tony Bon to serve as the company's president, effective January 1, 2007. Bon has been a member of the Samson team since 1974 when he began on the manufacturing floor in Samson's Massachusetts facility. He soon progressed to Production Superintendent, and later transferred in 1980 to Samson's Ferndale, Washington factory to be Plant Manager. Since then he has held positions as Materials Manager, Vice President of Operations, Senior Vice President, and most recently Chief Operating Officer (COO), overseeing Samson's sales, operations, and research and development activities. Bon also enjoys a seat on the Board of Directors for United Way of Whatcom County.
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President Bush Visits Caterpillar
Caterpillar Inc. hosted President George W. Bush at the company's manufacturing facility in East Peoria, Ill., where the President commended Caterpillar for demonstrating that U.S. companies can successfully compete on the world stage. During his visit, the President highlighted free trade agreements put in place dur-
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February, 2007 · MarineNews · 7
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