Texas Senate Bill SCR37

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Urging Congress to increase appropriations from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to properly maintain ship channels.

Impact

The resolution highlights the importance of fully funding harbor maintenance activities to prevent chokepoints in navigation channels caused by sediment accumulation. The text indicates that less than 25% of the HMT revenue collected in Texas has been actually appropriated for harbor maintenance, resulting in navigation inefficiencies that can hinder economic competitiveness. The resolution calls on Congress to correct this funding shortfall to not only improve infrastructure but also to stimulate economic growth by ensuring channels are safe and navigable.

Summary

SCR37 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the United States Congress to enhance appropriations from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) to ensure proper maintenance of ship channels. The resolution underscores the critical role that seaports play in the U.S. economy, generating over $4 trillion in economic activity annually and contributing significant tax revenues. Despite the substantial revenue collected from HMT, there has been a concerning trend of underfunding in recent years, leading to inadequate maintenance of vital harbor infrastructure and potentially rising costs associated with imports and exports.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR37 appears overwhelmingly supportive. It received unanimous votes from both the Senate and the House, indicating a shared recognition of the importance of maintaining harbor infrastructure across party lines. Texas legislators expressed a strong sense of urgency regarding the need for federal action to safeguard the state's ports, reflecting a commitment to regional economic interests and the broader health of the national economy.

Contention

Despite the supportive sentiment, potential contention may arise regarding the reliance on federal funding and the effectiveness of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund's current management. Critics may point to past inefficiencies in fund allocation and express concerns about the future sustainability of such appropriations. Moreover, there may be calls for transparency and accountability in how funds are used, urging that they are directed toward the most urgent needs of harbor maintenance.