Ehrlich on Washington column, October 1, 1995

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON Week of October 1, 1995 By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. THE PORT OF BALTIMORE STEAMS AHEAD The Port of Baltimore is an integral part of the economy of the Second Congressional District. The Port generates about $1.3 billion in revenues, employs nearly 45,000 Marylanders directly or indirectly, and creates about $141 million in state and local taxes. Thousands of Maryland residents work for the Port as longshoremen, bay pilots, truckers, and warehouse workers— receiving almost $600 million in income. I realize the economic growth and success of the Port is crucial to thousands of hardworking men and women in my district. Issues concerning the Port have been one of my top priorities since I took office last January. While much has been accomplished, I will continue to wage a high-seas battle to ensure that the Port remains world competitive while continuing to lobby for new jobs-making contracts. I led the fight in the House to preserve the Port of Baltimore’s status as a “home port area” for the U. S. Navy. BethShip-the shipbuilding arm of Bethlehem Steel Corporation based in Sparrows Point— receives about 20 percent of its business as a direct result of the Port’s home port status. The U.S. Navy recently awarded BethShip a $20.4 million contract— a contract the Port would not have received had it lost its home port status. I will continue to fight for new Navy contracts as well as MIRAD contracts.