A little-known annual American commemoration is coming up again on May 22 . . . National Maritime Day. It was declared by Congress in 1933 to call attention to America’s proud maritime heritage and to honor the men and women who serve and have served as U.S. merchant mariners.
It’s also a day to recognize and reflect on the benefits that America’s ports bring the country in terms of jobs, economic development, goods movement and international competitiveness. The Port of Redwood City is among ports around the nation acknowledging this special observation.
American Association of Port Authorities President and CEO Kurt Nagle will participate in the federal government’s commemorative program on Monday, May 23, when he joins U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen at USDOT’s Washington, D.C., headquarters for the National Maritime Day and Wreath Laying Ceremony.
“Nationwide,” said Mr. Nagle, “America’s seaports support 23.1 million jobs, annually generate more than $321 billion in federal, state and local taxes, account for over a quarter of the U.S. economy and handle more than 2.2 billion metric tons of international and domestic cargo.
“On top of that,” he continued, “our nation’s seaports and their private-sector partners are planning nearly $155 billion in port-related infrastructure investments over the next five years, which will further bolster the economy and help ensure the goods we export and import are moved efficiently, thereby improving America’s competitiveness in worldwide markets.”
The Port of Redwood City was developed from a natural deepwater channel discovered in the year 1850, at the mouth of Redwood Creek. From the early use as a log float port, commercial use expanded to a variety of industrial commodities; moreover, it was considered the birthplace of shipbuilding on the North American west coast. The Port provides wharves for dry bulk, liquid bulk, and project cargoes, along with recreational opportunities and public access to San Francisco Bay. The Port’s tenants import construction materials from Canada, Australia, Mexico, and the Pacific Northwest, and exports recycled scrap metal to the Far East, among other things.
This year the Port is celebrating its 80th anniversary as an official part of the City of Redwood City, which this year is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
