Federal Transportation Bill News

At the end of 2019 – December 27, to be exact – the US Department of Transportation, Office of the Secretary – filed a request for information regarding the development of a National Freight Strategic Plan (NFSP), required by the multi-year federal transportation bill, passed in 2015, called the FAST Act – “Fixing America’s Surface Transportation.”By the close of the public comment period (Feb. 10) DOT had received 82 comments. Importantly, for the maritime industry, maritime businesses and trade groups…

The House of Representatives on May 10 joined a growing list of official bodies erecting hurdles in front of a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal in Fall River, Mass. The House unanimously approved legislation that would, in effect, block LNG tankers from sailing through Rhode Island waters to get to the terminal. Sponsored by Rep. Raymond E. Gallison Jr., D-Bristol, the bill would prevent any tanker from coming within 1,000 yards of any residences, piers, docks, wharves or waterfront facilities. A tanker sailing to Fall River would have to pass within 600 yards of Fort Wetherill in Jamestown, 700 yards of Fort Adams, 400 yards of Sandy Point lighthouse on Prudence Island, 700 yards of the Prudence Island ferry dock and 500 yards of Arnold's Point in Portsmouth.

Hess LNG has agreed to give the U.S. Coast Guard more information on its plan to use smaller than anticipated tankers to deliver liquefied natural gas to its proposed Taunton River import terminal. In mid-March, the Coast Guard sent Hess LNG a letter detailing its concerns and seeking more information about the company’s plan to maneuver tankers 725 feet long and 82 feet wide under two Brightman Street bridges; the old bridge has a 98-foot-wide opening for boats. Hess LNG said the company will provide the Coast Guard with additional information and analysis including simulated modeling, information about tugs that would help maneuver the tankers…