2012

Congressman Bob Gibbs (R-OH)

Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH, third from left) accepts his 2012 award as Great Lakes Legislator of the Year from the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force. Rep. Gibbs’ first term in Congress has been remarkably focused on the issue that will most decide the future of Great Lakes shipping – the dredging crisis. He was the 100th co-sponsor of the RAMP (Restore America’s Maritime Promise) Act. This legislation requires the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (“HMTF”) to spend all the tax dollars it collects for dredging on dredging, as it was originally intended. Congressman Gibbs recognizes how important it is that the Lakes have adequate Coast Guard icebreaking resources. Five of the U.S. Coast Guard’s eight icebreaking resources were built in the 1970s and are in need of modernization or replacement. The Congressman also keeps a close eye on the fortunes of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Overseas imports and exports generate more than 1,500 jobs in Ohio. With America’s highways and rail lines congested, shipping via the St. Lawrence Seaway is the best way to increase Ohio’s imports and exports.