Maritime administrator stepping down

{mosads}The DOT said Matsuda oversaw the distribution of $1 billion to shipyards and ports during his tenure at the Maritime Administration. Matsuda was responsible for efforts to upgrade 25 ports and modernize 100 small shipyards, the agency said.

“During his three years as administrator, Matsuda tackled legacy agency challenges — including environmental cleanup of the California Suisun Bay fleet site and addressing ailing infrastructure at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy — and refocused the agency on future maritime challenges, including use of alternative maritime fuels like liquefied natural gas and Panama Canal expansion impacts on U.S. ports,” the DOT said.

DOT officials said Matsuda will be replaced by Deputy Maritime Administrator Chip Jaenichen at the end of May. LaHood has also said that he will step down as Transportation secretary after President Obama’s nominee to replace him, Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx (D), is confirmed by the Senate.

-This story was updated with new information at 3:57 p.m.