February 9, 2010
The Maritime Administration would provide grants to develop U.S. marine highways under a bill passed by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.
A portion of Maritime Administration Authorization Act of 2010 would allow Marad to provides states and other public entities with grants to capitalize short sea shipping operators along routes identified by the Department of Transportation as likely to support waterborne intermodal commerce.
The grant program is intended to mitigate congestion, save energy, reduce pollution, and improve safety and system resiliency.
Ports or terminals also would be eligible for grants to improve the cargo handling for short sea vessels.
The Marad authorization bill also establishes a development fund to pay for port infrastructure improvements.
The bill now goes to the Senate floor for consideration.
Contact R.G. Edmonson at bedmonson@joc.com.
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