Senate Appropriations Subcommittee addresseses HMT Spending Policy

 

Yesterday, the Senate Appropriations Energy and Water Development Subcommittee approved the FY 2013 appropriations bill for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps).  While the bill has yet to be published, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has learned that it includes language urging the Corps to develop planning goals for FY 2014 and beyond, to return 20 percent of the collected Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) revenue to the state in which it was collected. 

 

Discussions within the Senate continue on this issue, as there is some concern that the funding for many states would be cut if the Corps adheres to this requirement.  Full committee markup of the bill is scheduled to take place tomorrow at 7:30am PST.  

 

As previously reported PNWA strongly supports the RAMP Act, which would require full spending of HMTF revenues on their intended purpose of maintaining deep draft and coastal ports and harbors. In early March, the Senate included language regarding the HMTF in their transportation bill titled Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21). The "Sense of the Senate" language noted that the Administration should request full use of the HMTF on their intended purpose of deep draft and coastal O&M. On Wednesday, April 18th the U.S. House of Representatives passed their version of the Transportation Reauthorization Bill, which included language supporting the RAMP Act, minus the Point of Order provision.

 

PNWA will be monitoring the transportation reauthorization process, as the House and Senate conference on the bill. We continue to track the progress of the appropriations process, including the HMT language referenced above. We will provide updates as information becomes available. To learn more, please download our HMT fact sheet or log onto www.pnwa.net.

PNWA Summer Conference: Online Registration is Now Available

 

Join us in Seattle, WA June 27-29, for the 2012 PNWA Summer Conference! Our agenda will focus on meeting current and emerging issues head on, tackling challenges and capitalizing on opportunities for navigation and energy stakeholders in the Northwest. Thought provoking and relevant speakers will address the membership and Northwest ports, energy interests, navigation stakeholders and community leaders will discuss efforts to help our region continue to grow. Make your plans to join us and register today!

 

Speaker & Topic Highlights

• USACE Seattle District: Priorities for 2012 and Efforts in the No-Earmark Era
• Emissions Control Area Regulations - New Standards, New Challenges
• Campaign 2012: The Political Outlook for the Presidential and NW Delegation Elections
• Dredge Material Management Program - USACE Update and Innovative Disposal Solutions
• Puget Sound Action Plan - Working Together To Promote an Environmentally Sound Region
• Washington Council on International Trade - Policies and Priorities for 2012
• Global Coal Perspective: What is Driving Recent Market Developments?
• Exports Through Puget Sound Ports - The Impact On Our PNW Economy
• USACE IWR Report: Port and Inland Waterways Modernization Strategy - Options for the Future
• Case Study Overview: Port of Tacoma, NOAA & USACE Work to Coordinate Bathymetric Surveys
• Washington Board of Maritime Pilots: Challenges of Ensuring Safe, Reliable Service While Ensuring Gateways Remain Cost Competitive
• Much, much more!

Draft Agenda

Wednesday, June 27

10:00am PNWA Executive Committee Meeting
1:00-4:30pm General Session
5:00-7:00pm PNWA Reception (guests welcome!)

Thursday, June 28

8:00am Breakfast & Speaker
9:30-11:30am General Session
11:30am Lunch & Speaker
1:00-4:00pm General Session
4:00pm IPNG Meeting (IPNG members only, please)

Friday, June 29

8:00-11:00am Board of Directors Meeting (all PNWA members may attend)

 

Marriott Seattle Waterfront

This year's event will be held in the heart of downtown Seattle at the Marriott Seattle Waterfront, Washington's most popular waterfront district near Pike Place Market. From your guest rooms, you will see incredible views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains and the majestic Mount Rainier. This is a truly great venue for both business and pleasure - make your plans to attend today. We look forward to seeing you in Seattle!

 

To make your hotel reservations online, please click here. The group code for making online reservations is "pnwpnwa".  For more information event, log onto our website or contact Heather Stebbings at 503-234-8553 or heather.stebbings@pnwa.net.