[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 14 (Tuesday, January 29, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S442-S443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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        CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PORT OF STOCKTON

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Port of Stockton, the second 
busiest inland port on the west coast.
  During the Gold Rush, the city of Stockton was an important seaport 
because it was the farthest point upriver ships could travel. In the 
early 20th century, Stockton became a vital hub for farm equipment that 
transformed the San Joaquin Valley from a primarily wheat-growing 
region to the Nation's most diverse and productive agricultural region.
  When it became apparent that the San Joaquin River was too shallow to 
accommodate the increasingly large ships that supplied the region's 
growing demand for farm equipment, the first dredging contracts for the 
Stockton Deep Water Channel were awarded in 1930. The port of Stockton 
officially opened in 1933.
  Today, the Port of Stockton processes more than 6 million tons of 
cargo annually. The port trades with more than 55 countries, from 
Canada to New Zealand, and from Thailand to Trinidad. It supports over 
4,500 jobs in the region, accounting for more than $170 million in 
annual income.
  In recent years, the Port of Stockton has made a commitment to 
implement a program for environmentally friendly port operations. 
Through its Delta Environmental Enhancement Program, the port has 
planted the seeds for sustained, long-term changes that will help 
protect the air, water, soil, and wildlife that are part of the 
precious Delta waterways.
  The success of the Port of Stockton is made possible by the 
dedication of scores of hard-working people who work together to make 
sure that its operations go smoothly. Every person who has lent a 
helping hand over the years can take great pride in knowing that their 
support and hard work has resulted in the continued growth and success 
of the Port of Stockton.
  I congratulate the Port of Stockton on its 75th anniversary and wish 
its

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staff and supporters a bright future and continued success.

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