Lawmaker Re-introduces Harbor Maintenance Exemption

A new sponsor re-introduced in the House a bill that would benefit entrepreneurs who want to offer short sea shipping services.

The bill would exempt shippers of non-bulk cargo from paying the Harbor Maintenance Tax on shipping between two U.S. ports, or Canadian ports in the St. Lawrence Seaway system.

The Short Sea Shipping Act of 2009 (HR 3486) was filed July 31 by Rep. Brian M. Higgens, D-N.Y. It is identical to a bill filed in January by Rep. John McHugh, R-N.Y.

On June 2, President Obama nominated McHugh to be secretary of the Army. Bills sponsored by McHugh were handed over to colleagues to manage, said a spokesman for Higgens.

Many short sea advocates believe relief from the HMT is critical for making marine highway transportation viable.

Contact R.G. Edmonson at bedmonson@joc.com.