Ed Welch News

The Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) notified its members that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting proposals for projects to reduce diesel emissions from various transportation modes. Passenger vessels are eligible to compete, as are trucking companies, school bus fleets, locomotives, and off-road construction vehicles. The agency anticipates that about $32m will be awarded nationwide under the fiscal 2011 Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grant program. This represents a substantial reduction from fiscal 2010 funding. A grant can be used to replace an existing vessel diesel engine with a modern low-emissions engine or to install other pollution-abatement technology (for example, an after-treatment system). Generally, the EPA grant will cover 75%.

Traditional navigational routes for ferries and other passenger vessels must be recognized and protected. That was the Passenger Vessel Association’s message delivered this summer to President Obama’s Interagency Task Force on Ocean Policy. PVA told the Interagency Task Force, “Ferry routes and other traditional navigational lanes are located where they are for a reason. These are the most economical and safest routes by which a vessel can reach its destination. They cannot be arbitrarily moved for someone else’s convenience or whim. As governments begin to implement ‘marine spatial planning’ (or ocean zoning), it is essential to be aware of the needs of the maritime industry, especially ferry operators, to preserve and protect their routes and traditional navigational lanes.

The Passenger Vessel Association notified its members that the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) has issued a Market Survey to ask about the cost and availability of U.S. ferry vessels. Anticipated delivery will occur on October 1, although the vessel owner may propose alternate delivery dates. The location of proposed usage will be Guam, Saipan and adjacent Pacific Ocean waters. The time charter will be for 12 months, with the possibility for three additional year-long renewals. The closing date for responding to the Market Survey is July 14, 2009. PVA has a copy of the Navy’s full document with the Market Survey. Contact Ed Welch at PVA Headquarters at 1-800-807-8360 ext. 27 or [email protected]. For further questions, contact Ms.

The Passenger Vessel Association announced that it is time again to apply for Federal Ferry Boat Discretionary Grants The program helps with the capital costs of new ferry vessels and terminals. The Federal Highway Administration has announced that it is accepting funding proposals for the current round of grants. The deadline is July 15, 2001, but since the application must first be funneled through state transportation officials, an applicant needs to get to work right away. A private operator working in partnership with a public entity is eligible to apply, as is a publicly funded operator. For a copy of the full announcement with additional information on how to apply, go to PVA's web page (www.passengervessel.com ) and click on the "Ferry Grants 2001" icon.

The newly created Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is best known for the fact that it is taking over all security and screening functions at American airports. However, TSA also has broad jurisdiction over all transportation modes, including maritime. TSA is beginning to look at security issues affecting the maritime industry. To familiarize the new agency with the characteristics of the U.S.-flag domestic passenger vessel industry, PVA staff (John Groundwater, Peter Lauridsen, and Ed Welch) met recently with TSA representatives, including several USSG officers, in Washington, D.C. TSA participants in the meeting included Mark H. Johnson (Deputy Associate Under Secretary for Maritime and Land Security), Ken Concepcion (Maritime Branch Chief, Passenger/Cargo), and Pat Harris.