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Dive into the details of the "Realizing America’s Maritime Promise Act" (H.R. 104) introduced by James H. Weakley, President of the Lake Carriers' Association. This act aims to rejuvenate America's maritime industry, focusing on Harbor Maintenance Act reform and the critical need for dredging in Great Lakes ports. Explore how this legislation can enhance efficiency, revenue, and infrastructure, supporting vital industries such as steel production, electricity generation, and home construction.
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James H. I. WeakleyPresident, Lake Carriers' Association Vice President, Great Lakes Maritime Task ForceMember, Restore America’s Maritime Promise H.R. 104: “Realizing America’s Maritime Promise Act” Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment July 8, 2011Rayburn – Room 2167
H.R. 104 Restores Trust • Harbor Maintenance Act: • Requires Administration to propose HMTF expenditures based on HMTF revenue • Modeled on AIR - 21 • Should not “score” • Should not violate budget rules • Should increase ACOE’s “top line” • Insulated from inflation • Increases HMTF spending – less than 3% of Energy & Water Appropriations
70,000 Net Tons 700 Railroad Cars 1 Vessel 2,800 25-Ton Trucks 47 Barges LAND-BASED MODES OF TRANSPORTATION DON'T STACK UP TO SHIPS !
HP Per Ton .2 - .3 Vessel 1 Railroad Cars 12 - 20 Trucks
VESSEL HP/TON EQUIVALENTThe engine of alawnmowercould move a truck.
1 INCH’S IMPACT The 55 U.S.-Flag Lake Carriers’ enrolled vessels leave behind a combined 8,000 tons of cargo per trip for each inch of lost depth: 8000 Tons is enough… Iron Ore to produce steel for 6,000 Automobiles Coal to provide 3 Hours of Electricity for Detroit Area Limestone to build 24 Homes Each1,000 foot-long vessel leaves 400,000 tonsper year on the dock for each inch of lost depth. Our national economy cannot afford the inefficiency?
INADEQUATE DREDGING SYSTEM-WIDE Lost Inches, Lost Efficiencies THIS MAP IS A SAMPLING. VIRTUALLY EVERY LAKES PORT NEEDS SIGNIFICANT DREDGING.
HMTF Expenditures and Balance FY 1992 – FY 2010 TRUST GAP (millions $)
H.R. 104 Restores Trust • Harbor Maintenance Act: • Requires Administration to propose HMTF expenditures based on HMTF revenue • Modeled on AIR - 21 • Should not “score” • Should not violate budget rules • Should increase ACOE’s “top line” • Insulated from inflation • Increases HMTF spending – less than 3% of Energy & Water Appropriations