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Creates new federal tools to protect and improve “working waterfronts” — the docks, boatyards, fishing piers, and other coastal places where water‑dependent jobs happen. It sets up a federal Task Force, a competitive grant program, and capitalization grants for states to run revolving loan funds. Grants and loans must meet matching requirements, support public access where appropriate, follow strong labor standards during construction, and be reported to Congress. Dedicated support is included for Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and disadvantaged communities so they can access funding and keep coastal economies strong and inclusive.
Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 by adding new sections 306B (Working waterfronts) and 306C (Working Waterfronts Preservation Loan Fund) after section 306A.
The Secretary must establish a Task Force to work with covered entities, users of working waterfronts, and coastal stakeholders to identify and address critical working waterfront needs.
The Secretary must appoint Task Force members, including experts and representatives from NOAA’s Office of Coastal Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Navy, National Marine Fisheries Service, Economic Development Administration, other federal agencies as appropriate, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations.
The Task Force must identify and prioritize critical working waterfront needs in coastal states with a section 306-approved management program, including needs related to economic/cultural importance, threats (trade barriers and environmental changes such as sea level rise, extreme weather, ocean acidification, harmful algal blooms), and identifying/highlighting working waterfronts in communities.
The Task Force must outline options (including adaptation and mitigation options where applicable), identify which federal agency is responsible for each critical need, and recommend an agency to address any need that lacks a responsible agency.
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Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced March 3, 2025 by Chellie Pingree · Last progress March 3, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced in House