December 19, 2019 — Legislation that would provide grants and low-interest loans to keep America’s working waterfronts in business sailed through the U.S. House of Representatives last week, and will now make its way to the Senate.
The Keep America’s Waterfronts Working Act was introduced by Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Rep. Joseph Whitman (R-Virginia). It was included in a package of bills that passed with bipartisan support. Democrat William Keating, who represents Massachusetts’ 9th Congressional District, was a co-sponsor. The bill would amend the Coastal Zone Management Act.
In the larger scheme of things, it’s not a lot of money. Under the bill, $12 million each would be authorized for the loan and grant programs. States would be in charge of allocating the funds to eligible local local governments, non-profits and fishing co-ops. The bill would establish a working waterfronts task force within the U.S. Department of Commerce.
“To the extent that federal money becomes available, that’s all for the good,” said Edward Anthes-Washburn, executive director of the New Bedford Port Authority. “We are very much in support of the legislation.”
Even in New Bedford, with its thriving working waterfront, serious investment will be needed to secure that status for future generations, according to studies conducted by the Port Authority.