Washington Update
National Waterways Conference News Alert
6 June 2014
WRRDA Update
President Obama is expected to sign WRRDA into law in a
ceremony in the Oval Office on Tuesday morning. This marks
the first comprehensive water resources law in 7 years. Our
focus will now turn to the development of implementation guidance.
America’s Watershed Initiative Webinar
Yesterday, the America’s Watershed Initiative held a webinar
for NWC members on its efforts to develop a report card for the
Mississippi River watershed. Thanks to all of the
participants for their thought-provoking comments and questions
which will assist in the development of the draft report
card. The powerpoint presentation used in yesterday’s
webinar is attached for your reference. We will keep you
apprised of additional workshops on this initiative.
EPA/Corps Rulemaking on the Waters of the United States
NWC’s Legislative Policy Committee, led by Steven Burns of
Balch and Bingham representing Alabama Power, is preparing
comments in response to the notice of proposed rulemaking which
would expand the jurisdictional reach of those waters covered
under the Clean Water Act. In addition, NWC’s May meeting of
the Waterways Alliance featured guest speakers from the Corps and
EPA to discuss this topic.
At this time, the deadline for filing comments is July 21.
We will transmit NWC’s comments to you in sufficient time to allow
you to file comments as well, which is strongly
recommended. Several requests to extend the time
period by 45 days have been filed with the agencies, and it is
likely that an extension will be granted. We will keep you
updated on this proceeding.
Maritime Administration – Marine Highways
The Maritime Administration has issued a notice in the Federal
Register, attached for your reference, inviting interested parties
to submit Marine Highway project applications to DOT for review
and consideration.
The purpose of the call for projects, from June 30 to September
30, is to seek eligible Marine Highway projects that may establish
new or enhance existing Marine Highway services. Eligible projects
may be designated as Marine Highway Projects by the Secretary of
Transportation. Being designated a Marine Highway Project allows
Department of Transportation resources to be used to assist public
project sponsors, ports, and other local transportation or
economic development agencies in the development of Marine Highway
projects.
Since the last call for Marine Highway projects in 2010, the scope
of the Marine Highway Program has been expanded to include all of
the United States domestic marine transportation system. The
attached notice provides additional background and
information.
National Waterways Conference, Inc.
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Suite 1010
Arlington, VA 22201
703-224-8007