Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jim Renacci (OH-16), Congressman Robert Latta (OH-05), Congressman Bob Gibbs (OH-07), and Alex Johnson, President, Midwest Terminals of Toledo International together applaud the announcement from the U.S. Coast Guard to address the current Toledo Port labor dispute.
“We are thankful for Congressmen Renacci, Latta, Gibbs and Jordan’s leadership in re-opening the Port of Toledo to international vessel traffic. This has been a great example of leaders across the spectrum working together - local, national, business, labor, Republicans, and Democrats - all seeking a better economic future for Northwest Ohio. The solution enacted by the Coast Guard will support thousands of jobs and generate billions of dollars in plant and equipment investment in the Western Lake Erie region. It's a total win for our area,” said Johnson.
“It’s welcome news that guidance from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has resolved the pilot issue at the Port of Toledo,” stated Latta. For months, I’ve been working with stakeholders, local officials, and members of Ohio’s Congressional delegation to find a resolution to a problem that was negatively impacting the local economy in Toledo and around the region. I commend the new policy and the USCG’s efforts to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable transit on the Great Lakes in order to facilitate commerce.”
“The Great Lakes system is vital to the American economy, supporting over $200 billion in economic activity a year. Any impediments to safely and efficiently moving commerce through the Great Lakes’ ports and dams would hurt Americans whose livelihoods depend on a free and open flow of goods. I appreciate the White House and Coast Guard being willing to listen to our concerns and thank them for working with us to find a solution to the pilotage issue, keeping the Port of Toledo open for business,” said Gibbs.
“I am pleased to learn that the Coast Guard has changed its policy at my recommendation to ensure that pilots are available upon request – allowing international ships to enter and exit Great Lakes ports. This will prevent the current labor dispute from impacting the Cleveland-Cliffs and North Star projects – major investments that will create more jobs in the state,” stated Renacci. “With the help of Rep. Latta and Rep. Gibbs who have worked tirelessly on this issue, after meeting last week with local officials, I promptly got to work with the White House to find a solution. Today’s announcement is a big win for Ohio’s economy and ensuring that major manufacturing projects can proceed throughout the state.”
Earlier this month Renacci met with officials to discuss the impact on the Great Lakes economy of the ongoing labor dispute and potential solutions. Following the meeting, Renacci worked closely with White House officials advocating for changes to Coast Guard policy to ensure that international ships can enter and exit Great Lakes ports.
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