Wilmington City Council member to serve on Maritime Strategy Advisory Team | Environment

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) — Wilmington City Council member Laura Padgett has reportedly been selected to serve on the Maritime Strategy Advisory Team.

According to a news release from the City of Wilmington, the “group will oversee a study being conducted to identify needed port and distribution improvements that will help the state gain a competitive advantage from the growth in international shipping.”

The study, which is expected to be completed by early next year, coincides with the completion of a $5.25 billion expansion of the Panama Canal. According to Communication Manager Malissa Talbert, about 65% of the Port of Wilmington’s container volume arrives via the Panama Canal.

“Ensuring North Carolina’s transportation system is prepared to take full advantage of the economic opportunity before us is a critical component in our overall economic development strategy,” said Eugene Conti, NC Secretary of Transportation, in a news release. “We need solid data that directs any future investments in our ports and this study will provide that.”

The group includes state officials and representatives from the shipping, trucking, rail and manufacturing industries. For more information, go to www.ncmaritimestudy.com.

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