Washington Waves for August 9, 2024
Washington, D.C.—The Senate unanimously approved its version of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, leading to the process of resolving differences with the bill passed earlier by the House. Supporters in both chambers say they remain committed to maintaining their years-long record of passing a WRDA every two years.
Sen. Thomas Carper (D-Del.), the retiring chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee whose name was placed on the biennial bill, called the measure crucial to investing in the nation’s infrastructure, protecting communities and creating jobs. S. 4367 directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop and execute a plan to implement past WRDAs fully, expedite the completion of several ongoing studies and projects, and create and modify certain environmental infrastructure authorities of the Corps.
Waterways Council Inc. (WCI) promoted the provision to adjust permanently the inland waterways cost-share for construction and major rehabilitation projects to 75 percent general revenues/25 percent Inland Waterways Trust Fund, up from a 65 percent/35 percent split. WCI also cited language that provided 100 percent full federal funding for projects funded in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
WCI called on its members to support the lock and dam modernization in WRDA 2024. Singling out a key difference between the two bills, WCI noted the House version does not include any inland waterways provisions.
MMC Fees
The Coast Guard issued a final rule exempting certain members of the uniformed services from Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) fees for the evaluation of an MMC application, the administration of an examination required for an MMC endorsement, and the issuance of an MMC. In response to Executive Order 13860, “Supporting the Transition of Active Duty Service Members and Military Veterans Into the Merchant Marine,” and the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2020, the rule takes effect November 4.
Documents can be viewed at www.regulations.gov under Docket No. USCG-2021-0288. For additional information, contact James Cavo at 202-372-1205 or james.d.cavo@uscg.mil.
FY25 Spending Bill
The Senate Appropriations Committee voted unanimously to advance its Energy and Water Development spending bill for fiscal year (FY) 2025 that would boost funding to maintain the nation’s ports and harbors. The 28 to 0 vote sent S.4927 to the full Senate for a floor vote.
WCI highlighted the bill’s $10.34 billion “record funding” for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works mission. WCI also cited language on two issues: 1) directing the Corps, under certain circumstances, to use its existing continuing contract authorities for construction projects that cost-share with the Inland Waterways Trust Fund and dam safety projects, and 2) prohibiting the Corps from using any funds for remote lock operations until the Senate committee is provided with the national assessment completed on lock and dam remote operations and a stakeholder engagement plan.
With the $319 million increase for ports and harbors, the committee said the bill provides “a historic $3.147 billion” for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to improve navigation through dredging ports.
In stark contrast, the House version of the spending bill was sent to that chamber’s floor on a 30 to 26 committee vote. The House bill never received a floor vote amid uncertainty whether it would draw enough votes to pass, and the House leadership sent members home to begin their annual August break early.
Lawmakers in both chambers are scheduled to return the week of September 9.
Pilotage Rates
The Coast Guard is proposing new pilotage rates for 2025 with estimates that the proposed rule would result in approximately a 7 percent increase in operating costs compared to the 2024 season.
According to the Coast Guard, the proposed new pilotage rates are the result of increases in both the number of pilots and revenue needed for the working capital fund. Comments and related material must be received by September 4 and may be submitted at www.regulations.gov and identified by Docket No. USCG-2024-0406. For additional information, contact Brian Rogers at 410-360-9260 or Brian.Rogers@uscg.mil.
NSAC Meeting
The National Shipper Advisory Committee (NSAC) is scheduled to meet August 19 in Elizabeth, N.J., to solicit and discuss information on the conditions in the ocean freight delivery system relevant to the Federal Maritime Commission. Open to the public, the meeting is to begin at 1 p.m. eastern time at Maher Terminal, 1210 Corbin St., Elizabeth, NJ 07201.
Requests to register should be submitted to nsac@fmc.gov and contain ‘‘REGISTER FOR NSAC MEETING’’ in the subject line by 5 p.m. eastern time August 15. The meeting also will stream virtually, and a link will be distributed to those who register in advance. Note in the registration request if your attendance will be in person or virtually. For additional information, contact Dylan Richmond at 202-523-5810 or drichmond@fmc.gov.
