MERRICK JONES Crew Hosts Vice President Cheney

Vice President Dick Cheney toured the Canal Barge Company inland towboat M/V MERRICK JONES docked at the Port of New Orleans on October 12, 2006 while discussing the maritime industry and Gulf Coast recovery issues. Vice President Cheney was in New Orleans to assess the state of the city a year after Hurricane Katrina and to visit businesses that have been successful in the post-storm environment.

During his visit, Vice President Cheney learned about life and work aboard a towboat, the importance of the maritime industry, its role in the nation’s economy and the need for continuing investment in the nation’s waterways infrastructure. Canal Barge President and CEO Merritt Lane emphasized the industry’s commitment to homeland security and working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard on regulatory initiatives to enhance the security of the nation’s ports and waterways.