PRIORITY AGENDA ITEMS
MARITIME
2017 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
HARBOR MAINTENANCE TAX (HMT) REFORM
Continue efforts to reform the HMT to ensure United
States tax policy does not disadvantage United States
ports and maritime cargo and to provide greater equity
for HMT donor ports through expanded use of Harbor
Maintenance Trust Fund revenues.
DONOR PORT AND REBATE FUNDING
Support a $50 million appropriation in FY17 and FY18
spending bills for the “donor port” and rebate program
authorized under Section 2106 of the 2014 Water
Resources Reform and Development Act to compensate
for the current structure and impacts of the Harbor
Maintenance Tax.
FISHING FLEET MODERNIZATION
Advocate for reforms to NOAA’s Fisheries Finance
Program that would remove prohibitions on loans and
loan guarantees for the construction and reconstruction
of fishing vessels and that would include safeguards that
prevent overfishing, including limitations on the use of
replaced vessels in international fisheries. Support other
policies and programs that improve access to financing in
order to facilitate modernization of the North Pacific fleet.
SEATTLE HARBOR DEEPENING
Support an appropriation of $500,000 for the final year of
the feasibility study on deepening the federal channels
serving T-18, T-30 and T-5; on completion of the study
and Chief’s Report, advocate for authorization and
funding for design and construction.
NATIONAL FREIGHT POLICY AND FUNDING
Continue to engage with key partners at the national
level to implement and fund a national multimodal
freight strategy and related grant programs that
recognize the significance of U.S. West Coast ports. In
addition, support continued authorization and funding
for the TIGER Discretionary Grant program, and work
with members of the Washington State Congressional
Delegation and others to secure additional federal
funding for key Port freight mobility priorities, including
for Terminal 5 modernization.
SAFE AND EFFICIENT CARGO SCREENING
Work with the federal government and key members
of Congress for expedited deployment by Customs and
Border Patrol (CBP) of radiation portal monitors capable
of scanning containers in a more efficient manner for
marine container terminals utilizing straddle carriers.
Overall, secure adequate CBP staffing levels to ensure
efficient movement of cargo through the Puget Sound
gateway.
PUGET SOUND RESTORATION
Support increased federal resources for Puget Sound
restoration, including appropriations for the Puget Sound
Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project.
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P.O. Box 1209
Seattle, WA 98111
(206) 787-3000
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PRIORITY ISSUE AREAS
TRADE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Support policies that level playing fields for international
commerce and protect workers and the environment. In
addition, engage actively in both policies and programs
that boost economic, workforce and tourism development
programs, and augment existing Port efforts to promote
the health of small businesses.
ENVIRONMENT
Support proposals that may reduce carbon emissions
from Port operations and promote energy efficient
operation of transportation infrastructure. In particular,
pursue policies and funding that boosts the Port’s
environmental initiatives, including reducing emissions
and improving water quality.
CAPITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Support funding and approval for major infrastructure
projects that increase capacity, efficiency and impact of
maritime facilities, including container terminals and
the Chittenden Locks. In addition, advocate for tax policy
changes that increase resources for Port infrastructure
and related investments.
THRIVING COMMUNITIES & QUALITY OF LIFE
Closely monitor, and engage appropriately, on efforts
that make our region a better place to live, work and play,
including policies and funding for improved working
conditions, affordability and public safety.
CONTACT
For more information on the Port of Seattle’s legislative agenda, contact:
Eric Schinfeld
Port of Seattle
Senior Manager Federal & Int’l Gov’t Relations
(206) 787-5031 |
Schinfeld.E@portseattle.org
Ryan McFarland
Port of Seattle
Federal Government Relations Manager
(206) 787-3014 |
McFarland.R@portseattle.org
