AWO Hails House WRRDA Passage
The American Waterways Operators, the national trade association representing the U.S. tugboat, towboat and barge industry, praised yesterday’s bipartisan passage of H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform Development Act, as a clear commitment to improving the nation’s ports and waterways and recognition of the tremendous value of our water transportation network. “The overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle is an example of what our democracy was meant to do – set aside partisan politics to help secure the nation’s collective success,” stated Tom Allegretti, AWO’s President & CEO.
Domestic Maritime Industry Praises Introduction of RIVER Act
The American Waterways Operators, the national trade association representing the country's tugboat, towboat and barge operators, announced its strong support for the Reinvesting in Vital Economic Rivers and Waterways (RIVER) Act of 2013, introduced by U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). The bill seeks to modernize America's vital water transportation network and ensure the viability of the infrastructure needed to carry the cargo on which the nation depends. "It is no secret that…
Maritime Trust Funds
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bud Shuster (R-Pa.) introduced legislation, H.R. 3566, which would take the maritime trust funds "off budget." Unlike previous legislation which dealt with trust funds in the highway, aviation and maritime areas, this bill only covers the Inland Waterways Trust Fund and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. Introduction of the "maritime only" bill is seen as an indication of Chairman Shuster's intent to deal with the issue in his committee this year. In his introductory floor statement, Chairman Shuster was clear on the needs of the nation's water transportation infrastructure and his support for continued investment in that infrastructure.
