Resolution: Update of Great Lakes Commission's Modal Shift Study
Adopted on October 11, 2001

Whereas, transportation policy at all governmental levels must take into consideration energy, environmental and safety factors; and

Whereas, transportation is a major energy use sector in North America with a large impact on environmental quality; and

Whereas, safety, across all modes, has become a priority concern for both the public and government; and

Whereas, the Great Lakes Commission completed a study in June 1993 which looked at the safety, energy and environmental implications of various commodity movement scenarios where surface freight transportation was substituted for Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River commerce; and

Whereas, the 1993 study revealed that commercial vessels were safer, used less fuel, had fewer emissions and were better for reducing noise and congestion when compared to equivalent rail and truck movements; and

Whereas, transportation industry and technology changes since the early 1990s as well as changes in commodity volumes and routings and roadway congestion indicate a need to update the 1993 modal shift study; and

Whereas, the Commission study was well received and extensively used as guidance by the Great Lakes Commission membership and the larger Great Lakes-St. Lawrence community.

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission agrees to pursue an update of the 1993 study and seek appropriate funding support, including the U.S. and Canadian domestic shipping associations, St. Lawrence marine associations, Seaway operating agencies, as well as Great Lakes and St. Lawrence ports.

Adopted unanimously at the 2001 Annual Meeting of the Great Lakes Commission, October 11.