Amendments will support Mass. Maritime Academy, offshore wind supply chain, ocean research, and environmental protections

Washington (May 15, 2019) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass) secured four amendments in the Maritime Administration Authorization and Enhancement Act that passed today in the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. These include provisions to enable Maritime Academies to modernize their port infrastructure, assess vessel capacity needs for the rapidly growing offshore wind industry, enhance transparency in support of the National Oceanographic Partnership Program, and promote environmental and safety improvements in maritime transportation.

The Maritime Administration Authorization and Enhancement Act includes language from Senator Markey’s MARITIME Actincluding provisions to formally designate Maritime Academies as Centers for Excellence and a $15 million discretionary grant program to assist university and research harbors in modernizing their port infrastructure.

“Massachusetts has a thriving maritime economy that includes shipping, research, fishing, and tourism. I am pleased that we were able to work together to improve this legislation to enable our mariners and maritime industry to meet their 21st century needs and prepare for the renewable energy future,” said Senator Markey, Ranking Member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Security. “I want to thank the Commerce Committee Chairman and Ranking Member for working with me to include my amendments for the Maritime Administration Reauthorization bill, which touches on so many important industries in Massachusetts.”

More information on the reauthorization legislation, including Senator Markey’s amendments, can be found on the Senate Commerce Committee website HERE.

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