Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB3846

Introduced
2/29/24  

Caption

WATERWAYS Act Waterway Activation that Targets Economic Revitalization, Welcomes Activity, and Yields Success Act

Impact

If enacted, SB3846 would initiate the formation of a task force appointed by co-chairs from an interagency working group. This task force would have the responsibility of assessing and making recommendations to enhance waterway freight usability in the designated corridors. Its activities would support investments in infrastructure and coordinate efforts among various stakeholders, including federal, state, and local entities, to effectively utilize inland waterways for economic benefit. The bill authorizes appropriations to facilitate these endeavors over a ten-year period, indicating a commitment to long-term planning and enhancement of waterway systems.

Summary

Senate Bill 3846, known as the WATERWAYS Act, aims to establish a task force dedicated to promoting waterway freight diversification and economic development in the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela River corridors. The legislation seeks to take advantage of the environmental and economic benefits that inland waterways provide, particularly in light of existing supply chain challenges. The bill emphasizes the role of barges as a more efficient method for transporting goods compared to trucks and rail, boasting lower emissions and diminished risk of worker injuries.

Contention

While the bill has clear goals for economic revitalization, there may be concerns about its execution and the distribution of funding. Stakeholders from various communities might have differing views on the prioritization of waterway projects versus other pressing local needs. Additionally, the inclusion of agencies such as the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency indicates a complex interplay between development and environmental oversight that could raise discussions related to regulatory compliance and local autonomy in decision-making about waterway management.

Companion Bills

US HB7491

Same As WATERWAYS Act Waterway Activation that Targets Economic Revitalization, Welcomes Activity, and Yields Success Act

Previously Filed As

US HB7491

WATERWAYS Act Waterway Activation that Targets Economic Revitalization, Welcomes Activity, and Yields Success Act

US SR611

A resolution expressing support for the designation of March 22, 2024, as "National Inland Waterways Workers Safety Awareness Day" and supporting the goals and ideals of "National Inland Waterways Workers Safety Awareness Day".

US SB4367

Water Resources Development Act of 2024 Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024 Fiscally Responsible Highway Funding Act of 2024

US SB3891

Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024

US SB4850

CONVEY Act Clifton Opportunities Now for Vibrant Economic Yields Act

US SB488

DEMOCRACIA Act Denying Earnings to the Military Oligarchy in Cuba and Restricting Activities of the Cuban Intelligence Apparatus Act

US SB3270

REACH Our Tribes Act Rural Economic-development Assistance and Consultation to Help Our Tribes Act

US SB4789

STAND with Taiwan Act of 2024 Sanctions Targeting Aggressors of Neighboring Democracies with Taiwan Act of 2024

US SB5629

A bill to support marine carbon dioxide removal activities, and for other purposes.

US SB5306

Targeting Environmental and Climate Recklessness Act of 2024

Similar Bills

HI HB536

Relating To Freshwater Waterways.

CA AB748

California Abandoned and Derelict Commercial Vessel Program.

OR SB74

Relating to determinations of navigability on Oregon waterways.

IL HB3191

MOTOR FUEL-WATERWAYS

NJ S168

Establishes special dredging account; directs $5,000,000 of sales tax collected annually be deposited therein; directs DEP to administer account and dredging program with certain requirements.

NJ A1721

Establishes special dredging account; directs $5,000,000 of sales tax collected annually be deposited therein; directs DEP to administer account and dredging program with certain requirements.

NJ S1889

Establishes special dredging account; directs $5,000,000 of sales tax collected annually be deposited therein; directs DEP to administer account and dredging program with certain requirements.

NJ A695

Establishes special dredging account; directs $5,000,000 of sales tax collected annually be deposited therein; directs DEP to administer account and dredging program with certain requirements.