SE La. leads nation in maritime jobs

Southeast Louisiana’s first congressional district supports the greatest number of maritime jobs in the U.S., according to a Transportation Institute (TI) report on the Jones Act’s national security and economic benefits. The Louisiana district supports some 33,590 jobs, and generates nearly $9B in economic impact. “(T)he Jones Act is not only a vital piece of America’s national security strategy, but a pillar of economic strength and job creation for the district,” U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) said in a prepared statement. “These jobs are critical to the transportation of goods and to offshore energy exploration and production in the United States,” the congressman exclaimed. The Jones Act is a national security statute enacted to prevent U.S. dependence on foreign vessels and preserve a ready reserve force for times of war. Overall, Louisiana has 70,780 Jones Act jobs that make up $18.2B in economic impact. Nationally, the maritime industry supports 648,220 jobs and generates a $154.8B economic impact. Louisiana is the nation’s top job-producer for the entire domestic maritime industry and contributes more than $18B to the national economy, according to James L. Henry, chairman/president of TI. But, most importantly it is the role that the Jones Act community plays in America’s national security, according to Scalise. “When our shipbuilders and maritime workers are able to thrive, the entire country benefits,” he said. (Source: Work Boat 02/13/19)