Maritime transportation activities to expand

Ann Arbor, Mich. — David L. Knight, longtime editor of Great Lakes/Seaway Review magazine (Harbor House Publishers, Boyne City, Mich.), has joined the Great Lakes Commission as a maritime transportation specialist.

Knight, who brings 16 years of knowledge and experience to the Commission, is a widely respected journalist and analyst with extensive contacts throughout the Great Lakes St. Lawrence community. He will work with Program Manager Steve Thorp and other senior staff to expand the Commission’s Transportation and Sustainable Development Program.

“Dave’s arrival reflects the Commission’s continuing commitment to environmental and economic prosperity for this binational region,” said Sam Speck, chair of the Great Lakes Commission. “Our quality of life is fundamentally dependent upon a strong economy and a clean environment, and maritime transportation must play a role in advancing both.”

Knight will have lead responsibilities on multiple projects that examine the interface between maritime transportation and resource use, development and protection. Among others, he’ll be researching the impacts and efficiencies of different modes of transportation in the region; undertaking an analysis of the economic significance and associated needs of the recreational boating sector; examining land use issues and opportunities in port areas; strengthening interactions among policy officials and opinion leaders on critical issues; and assisting in studies looking at the environmental, economic and engineering aspects of the region’s maritime infrastructure.

Another priority for Knight will be a national initiative in the U.S. to develop a port-based network for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Sea Grant College Program. The network will assist these and other agencies in identifying and addressing the needs of the nation’s ports. A partnership between NOAA’s Coastal Services Center and the Great Lakes Commission helped make this position possible.

“Partnerships such as this have been the foundation of the Commission’s success in responding to the interests and needs of its member states and provinces, and the larger Great Lakes St. Lawrence community,” said Mike Donahue, Commission president/ CEO.

Knight joins a growing staff of professionals at the Great Lakes Commission that undertake, via legislative mandate, a suite of planning, policy development, communications and advocacy activities that promote sound public policy decisions on leading regional issues. Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., the Commission is comprised of state and provincial delegates that collectively identify and address regional priorities relating to the use, protection, restoration and management of the water and related natural resources of the Great Lakes Basin and St. Lawrence River.

For immediate release: July 17, 2003
Contact: Mike Donahue, [email protected], office: 734-971-9135

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The Great Lakes Commission, chaired by Samuel W. Speck (Ohio), is a nonpartisan, binational compact agency created by state and U.S. federal law and dedicated to promoting a strong economy, healthy environment and high quality of life for the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence region and its residents. The Commission consists of state legislators, agency officials, and governors’ appointees from its eight member states.Associate membership for Ontario and Québec was established through the signing of a “Declaration of Partnership.” The Commission maintains a formal Observer program involving U.S. and Canadian federal agencies, tribal authorities, binational agencies and other regional interests. The Commission offices are located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.