05.17.19

Sullivan, Commerce Committee Advance Maritime Administration Legislation

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) joined his colleagues on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in voting to approve the Maritime Administration (MARAD) Authorization and Enhancement Act, authorizing appropriations for MARAD for Fiscal Year 2020, including several provisions pushed by Sullivan. 

“Alaska’s unique geography and lack of infrastructure mean that my constituents rely on maritime transportation as a lifeline,” said Senator Sullivan. “Alaskans are extremely dependent on barge deliveries for even the most basic necessities. Yet, even today, many Alaskans still lack reliable marine access. I’m pleased we were able to advance major programs today focused on developing rural maritime projects that could make a world of difference for those living in our smaller coastal communities. The legislation also supports the readiness of strategic ports, like the Port of Alaska, giving us a useful new tool in funding our infrastructure challenges. If approved, this MARAD authorization gives us the opportunity to make significant headway in closing Alaska’s coastal infrastructure gap.” 

“For a state whose economy largely depends on strong maritime infrastructure, the reality is some areas of Alaska are still far from having the reliable ports, harbors, and infrastructure to support the safety and security of coastal communities. And in Alaska’s Arctic, port infrastructure is minimal or simply non-existent,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am glad to see this bill move forward with important provisions that will benefit Alaska, including grants for the development of safer and more efficient ports and provisions to assist our nation’s investment in strategic ports and military readiness on the water. I strongly support Senator Sullivan’s provisions for an increase in the small shipyard grant program — in Alaska, we’ve witnessed how this grant not only enhanced the shipyard, but also enriched a region’s entire maritime community. I thank Senator Sullivan and his colleagues on the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, for their efforts to advance this legislation.” 

The MARAD Authorization and Enhancement Act authorizes appropriations to the U.S. Department of Transportation for programs associated with maintaining the American merchant marine industry. Senator Sullivan advocated for provisions, including: 

  • The Port and Intermodal Improvement Program for port and intermodal infrastructure projects. The program, authorized at $600 million with a 25% set-aside for small projects up to $11 million, would allow for a higher federal share of the funding for projects located in rural areas and a streamlined application process. The provision also provides the Secretary of Transportation with the authority to set aside funding for “research harbors,” ports that support federally-owned vessels operated by a state maritime academy or a non-federal oceanographic research facility, like Seward, Alaska. 
  • Increased funding for the Small Shipyard Grant program. 
  • A program to support infrastructure development at Department of Defense (DOD) designated strategic ports, helping to ensure there are an adequate number of commercial seaports to support the deployment of U.S. forces during a military contingency or national emergency. 
  • Language ensuring all of Alaska’s tribes, Native corporations and tribal consortiums are able to participate in the MARAD Port and Intermodal Improvement Program 

# # #