NEW ORLEANS, LA, USA - In a conference call on May 29, with U.S. Congressman Rick Crawford (AR), members of the World Trade Center Mississippi River Alliance (WTCMSRA) gathered to discuss the newly established Panama Canal Expansion Caucus (PCEC). The goal of the Caucus is to assess the impact that the Panama Canal expansion will have on U.S. ports. Crawford, co-chair of the Caucus, stated the concerns that the PCEC will address including infrastructure, transportation, and access to the global marketplace.

Also represented on the call was the Panama Canal Expansion Coalition, a working group appointed by the Caucus. Matt Sagely, Executive Director of the Expansion Coalition, discussed its role in hosting events and educating public stakeholders on the benefits of the Canal Expansion. Sagely reported that the Panama Canal Expansion Coalition is currently hosting roundtables in VA, AK, and TX, extending the offer to WTCMSRA Partners that are open to talking about these issues and getting additional members of congress involved.

Congressman Crawford further reported progress made within the PCEC and its membership, inviting and encouraging WTCMRSA Partners to ask their members to join the caucus. “I believe building caucus membership will ensure that the United States is on the right path and keeps pace with its global competitors,” says Crawford.

Dominik Knoll, Group Leader of the WTCMSRA and CEO of World Trade Center New Orleans agreed on the importance of the Panama Canal Expansion Coalition and Caucus initiatives and gave a WTCMSRA’s commitment to becoming an involved and contributing partner.