USA: RAMP Act – Great Deal for Dredging

The Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Fairness Coalition applauds Congressman Charles Boustany (R-LA) and Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT) for their outstanding efforts in surpassing 150 co-sponsors for H.R. 104, the RAMP Act.

The RAMP Act, introduced by Congressman Charles Boustany (R-LA) and Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT), and supported by a broad bi-partisan group of Congressional interests, ensures funds in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund are used for their intended purpose of dredging and maintaining coastal ports, harbors, and waterways.

Barry Holliday, Chairman of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Fairness Coalition stated, “Our RAMP Coalition members are very pleased that this important legislation enjoys such broad based, bipartisan support. It is encouraging and timely that H.R. 104 has acquired this level of support, when many of the Nation’s major navigation projects are functioning with less than acceptable channel conditions. Just yesterday, the Mississippi River – one of our most critical transportation arteries, experienced the grounding of a deep draft vessel, causing a major disruption, and a subsequent reduction in safe operating draft! The viability of our economy is at stake, and we cannot endanger our ships, our jobs, or the environment.”

The Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Fairness Coalition was established in 2008, to seek legislation that will ensure that all tax revenues annually generated by the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund are used for their intended purpose – operation and maintenance of Federal ports and waterways. Member organizations represent a broad spectrum of maritime interests, including maritime unions, shippers, carriers, Ports, major trade associations, coalitions, regional port and waterway organizations, dredging contractors, and States.

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Dredging Today Staff, January 19, 2012; Image: usace