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In today’s global economy, efficient movement of goods and people is more important than ever. Our transportation practice covers all modes of transportation and puts us in the position to help our clients solve problems that cut across all the elements of the transportation sector. Our clients include major railroads, some of the largest passenger cruise operators in the world, state and local transportation agencies, regional transportation authorities, ports, investment bankers and trucking and marine associations. Our transportation policy team includes former U.S. Coast Guard, Navy and Army lawyers and officers, local government officials, members of congressional staffs and committees, as well as senior officials of the Administration. Our government relations team maintains excellent relationships with all the congressional committees and administration agencies of relevance to transportation.
Maritime
In what can be often turbulent waters in Washington, DC, our team of professionals helps navigate the legislative and political process for numerous port and maritime interests. We have also worked with industry groups, Congress and the executive branch to secure funding for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's "PORTS" program and the next-generation customs automation system.
On behalf of our maritime and port clients, we have successfully opposed new fees and taxes on the industry, including repeated efforts to impose new customs fees, navigation services fees and harbor services fees. We have a comprehensive understanding of international, federal, and state safety and environmental regimes governing ocean transportation.
We understand the impact of new customs and border policies affecting the transportation industry. We represent some of the largest passenger cruise vessels in the world on matters relating to travel in both domestic and international waters. For example, we recently obtained reversal of a Coast Guard order that would have required burdensome safety inspections of a vessel whenever it called at U.S. ports.
Aviation
From security concerns to budgetary constraints, the aviation industry is facing challenging times. Blank Rome has been called upon by industry leaders, in the U.S. and abroad, to influence changes in legislation and security regulations. We represent clients in many aspects of the aviation industry, including major air carriers, aircraft and component part manufacturers, and aviation insurance companies. We impact the development of new regulations and legislation, and obtain and implement funding to offset costs related to new security requirements. Our work ensures that the voice of our clients is not only heard but considered during the development of changes in security regulations. We work closely with the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Public Transportation
Blank Rome represents major public agencies operating and building transit systems in major U.S. Cities. We assist them in developing financial plans for their projects and in gaining Federal support for them. We also represent the interests of equipment suppliers, engineers and construction firms serving the public transportation industry. Our services to industry include business development consulting and legislative representation in Washington.
Railroads
Blank Rome has a strong track record in both the freight rail and passenger rail industries. We have represented railroads, suppliers and associations promoting rail transportation. We have helped develop legislation at the Federal level to create new financial tools for the industry and have worked with the Department of Transportation and the Surface Transportation Board to help clients resolve implementation and regulatory issues.
Highways
Through our representation of state transportation agencies, city governments and leading industry players, we have developed a strong expertise in the financing of major highway projects. We have worked to develop innovative financing tools for major highway projects and have assisted clients in taking advantage of them. We have also assisted clients in gaining sizable commitments of Federal funds through legislation.
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