The labor shortage in New Orleans is hurting local industry and it has been suggested that category 5 protection is needed to convince citizens to move back. How long will it take for New Orleans to obtain category 5 protection?
1. Not any time soon. The authorization and funding for flood protection will only extend to category 3 or 4 hurricanes. 50%
2. 6-10 years. 24%
3. 5 years or less. 7%
4. None of the above. 20%
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What do you think is the greatest challenge facing the marine industry today? (November 23, 2005)
1. Labor and employement issues: finding enough qualified workers to operate the boats. 47%
2. Government policies and funding: increasing regulation and less than needed funding to keep the infrastructure operating properly. 30%
3. Rising costs: fuel, steel, etc. 20%
4. None of the above. (Write us about what challenges concern you!) 3%
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Do you feel that the move to making towboats inspected vessels will benefit the industry?
1. Yes 33%
2. No 62%
3. Not sure 5%
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Are you confident that container-on-barge shipments will become commonplace on inland rivers within the next 10 years?
1. Yes 75%
2. No 17%
3. Unsure 9%
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In general, do you feel that the interests of the waterways industry are best served by a Democratic or Republican president?
1. Democrat 42%
2. Republican 45%
3. Equally good/bad 9%
4. Not sure 3%
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Are you pleased with the Coast Guard's recent changes in the licensing process?
1. Yes 24%
2. No 65%
3. Not sure 11%
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Which government agency should have responsibility for operating and maintaining locks and dams and other navigation structures on our nation's waterways?
1. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 73%
2. The Department of Transportation 16%
3. Other 11%
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Total barge cargo tonnage has been on the decline the last several years. Do you feel this trend will continue, or will the industry make a turnaround?
1. Barge tonnages will continue to decline as the aging waterway infrastructure continues to crumble. 20%
2. Tonnages will stay about the same for a few years, because we've just about reached bottom. 30%
3. Cargoes should begin a slow, steady increase soon. 23%
4. I think we've turned the corner, and tonnage totals will soon start increasing rapidly. 28%
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Now that the Corps of Engineers has laid out possible alternatives for infrastructure improvements on the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway, how confident are you that meaningful navigation enhancements will be authorized within the next year?
1. Very confident: This issue has been studied from every angle, and I think it's clear to everyone that it's time for action. 16%
2. Somewhat confident: Although support for lock construction is strong, I don't trust Congress to act quickly. 52%
3. Completely pessimistic: The Navigation Study has a history of hitting roadblocks, and I fear they might decide they have to start the whole thing over. 32%
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In the 10 years since the Sunset Limited accident, the Coast Guard and the towing industry have taken a number of steps to improve safety on the waterways. In your opinion, have they done enough?
1. Yes - Thanks to the actions taken in the past 10 years, the industry is as safe as it can be. 31%
2. Not Quite - The industry is much safer than it was, but more could have been done. 49%
3. No - Although there are some minor improvements, there is still much to be done. 20% |
Do you think that merging existing trade associations would benefit the river industry?
1. Yes. 42%
2. No. 50%
3. Not sure. 8% |
Do you feel the Endangered Species Act should be revised or repealed?
1. Repealed. The act, as it is currently written, goes way too far and hurts industry, with very little benefit for the environment. 24%
2. Revised. With some minor revisions, the act could be made less of a burden on business, while still protecting threatened species. 21%
3. No, leave it alone. The act is the only tool for protecting species which would otherwise disappear because of human encroachment, even if that means that some industries will suffer. 55%
4. No opinion. 0% |
Does the American Waterways Operators' Responsible Carrier Program go far enough to ensure safe operations of inland waterways companies?
1. Yes 46%
2. No 41%
3. Not Sure 13% |
Would you recommend work in the waterways industry to someone thinking about a career?
1. Yes 61%
2. No 36%
3. Not Sure 3% |
Should the Coast Guard have a district devoted to inland waterways?
1. Yes 90%
2. No 4%
3. Not Sure 6%
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Do you feel enough is being done to protect inland waterways operators and facilities from terrorist attacks?
1. No, the inland waterway system is still vulnerable. 31%
2. Yes, the Coast Guard is doing a good job of identifying threats and dealing with them. 31%
3. The government is over-reacting, and the threat to inland facilities does not justify the measures the Coast Guard has taken. 39% |
