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GULF INTRACOASTAL CANAL ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES WEB
SITE TO SUPPORT CAUSE
FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS, SEPTEMBER 10, 2001 - The Gulf
Intracoastal Canal Association unveiled its new web site (www.gicaonline.com)
as part of the organization's annual convention, held recently in
New Orleans, Louisiana. The site is designed as a conduit for communication
to members, but also as a resource for educating the public on the
importance of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and waterway transportation
in general.
Waterway transportation is more efficient and environmentally
responsible than alternate modes such as truck or rail. Because
of their great capacity, one inland barge can carry the same amount
of cargo as 15 railcars or 60 trucks. Keeping that freight on the
waterway prevents land-based traffic centers - many of them already
congested - from becoming even more grid locked. Further, waterway
transportation is more fuel-efficient. One barge, for example, can
move one ton of cargo 514 miles with one gallon of fuel. The same
ton of cargo and gallon of fuel could only cover 202 miles by rail,
or 60 miles by truck. Fuel efficiency keeps transportation costs
down, which make up as much as 25% of the cost consumers pay for
goods. Complete details are on the web site at http://www.gicaonline.com/pages/initiatives/promotion.htm.
The Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association, founded in
Victoria, Texas, in 1905, is largely responsible for facilitating
construction of today's Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, which is the
third busiest in the nation. Today, it is the only organization
whose primary purpose is to ensure the waterway is operated, maintained
and improved to provide safe, efficient, and environmentally sound
waterway transportation. The board of the association recognizes
the need for more persistent communication and promotion regarding
the waterway to its members, government officials, and the general
public, in order to accomplish this mission. The new web site plays
an integral role in their commitment to that campaign.
For further information, contact:
Raymond Butler, Executive Director
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Association
Ph: 281.996.6915 / Fax: 281.992.4383
E-mail: info@gicaonline.com
Web: www.gicaonline.com
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