WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On February 14, 2018, Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) received Waterways Council, Inc.'s (WCI) 17th Annual Leadership Service Award for his strong and continued leadership on ports and inland waterways issues. He was presented the award by Stephen Little, Chairman of Crounse Corporation (Paducah, Kentucky).

WCI President & CEO Mike Toohey said, “We were honored to have the opportunity to celebrate Senator McConnell, who has not only been a stalwart advocate for the inland waterways in his home state of Kentucky, but throughout the United States. The Founding Fathers of this Nation understood the inherent importance of the inland waterways system as a national treasure, and Senator McConnell continues to represent that viewpoint, for which we are profoundly grateful.”

Senator McConnell said, “It’s an honor to receive the Waterways Council’s Leadership Service Award. Kentucky is the heart of the inland waterways system – it is home to more than 1,900 miles of navigable waterways, supporting 13,000 maritime jobs. Our locks and dams are critical resources not only for Kentucky, but also for the nation. I would like to thank the Waterways Council for this award and for their years of work on behalf of American workers and communities. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I thank them for working with me to improve our nation’s vital inland waterways system.”

Stephen Little of Paducah, Ky. presents Senator McConnell with the Leadership Service Award