The "Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act of 2025" establishes programs and funding to preserve and improve working waterfronts through grants, loans, and a collaborative task force.
Chellie Pingree
Representative
ME-1
The "Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act of 2025" establishes a task force and grant program to support the preservation and improvement of working waterfronts. It enables covered entities to submit working waterfront plans for approval and receive financial assistance for implementation. The act also authorizes capitalization grants to coastal states for establishing working waterfront preservation loan funds. It allocates $50 million annually from 2025-2029 for both the grant and loan programs.
Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act of 2025: $50M a Year to Preserve Coastal Access and Jobs
The "Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act of 2025" aims to protect and expand the spaces where people make a living on the water. It's about making sure that fishermen, boat builders, and other waterfront businesses have the resources they need to thrive.
Coastal Cash and Collaboration
The bill sets up a few key things:
- A Task Force: This group will bring together people from different levels of government, waterfront businesses, and community members to figure out the best ways to support working waterfronts. Think of it as a brainstorming session for coastal economies.
- Working Waterfronts Plans: Coastal communities can create their own plans for protecting and improving their waterfronts. These plans need to focus on keeping access to the water open and aligning with local strategies. (SEC. 2)
- Grant Program: The government will provide grants to help these communities put their plans into action. This could mean money for buying land, upgrading facilities, or adapting to changing conditions. (SEC. 2)
- Loan Fund: The bill also creates a loan program to help finance the preservation, improvement, and even acquisition of working waterfronts. This gives communities another tool to invest in their coastal infrastructure. (SEC. 2)
Real-World Ripple Effects
Imagine a fishing community where the docks are falling apart, and there's no space for new businesses to set up. This bill could provide the funds to rebuild those docks, create new processing facilities, or even establish a training center for marine trades. For a boat builder, it could mean access to better equipment or a more secure location. For a seafood restaurant, it might mean easier access to fresh, local catches.
Or picture a small coastal town where rising sea levels threaten a historic shipyard. The loan fund established by this bill could help that shipyard relocate to higher ground, preserving jobs and a piece of maritime heritage. It's about keeping these vital parts of our economy and culture alive.
Funding the Future
The bill authorizes $50,000,000 each year from 2025 to 2029 for both the grant program and the loan fund. That's a significant investment in coastal communities and the people who depend on them. It is important to note, however, that "authorizes" does not mean "appropriates." Just because the funds are authorized does not mean that they will be allocated for these purposes. While the bill lays out the framework and intent, the actual money flow depends on future budget decisions.
The Bottom Line
The "Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act of 2025" recognizes that working waterfronts are more than just pretty scenery. They're economic engines, cultural hubs, and vital parts of our national identity. This bill provides the tools and resources to help these areas adapt and thrive in the face of changing conditions.