Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB6641

Introduced
12/6/23  

Caption

Keep America’s Waterfronts Working Act

Impact

If enacted, HB6641 would significantly enhance the management and funding capacity for working waterfronts in the United States. It introduces provisions for establishing a working waterfronts preservation loan fund that would allow eligible coastal states to receive federal grants to support local initiatives. Furthermore, it promises to authorize appropriations of $50 million annually from 2024 through 2028 for these purposes. This financial support is expected to promote restoration and protection measures across vulnerable coastal regions, directly impacting local economies and cultural heritage associated with waterfront activities.

Summary

House Bill 6641, known as the 'Keep America’s Waterfronts Working Act', aims to amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. The bill seeks to establish a working waterfronts Task Force and create grant and loan programs specifically designed for the preservation and enhancement of working waterfront areas. This initiative is crucial for supporting coastal communities that rely heavily on their waterfront for economic activities, including fishing, aquaculture, and tourism. By providing targeted financial assistance, the bill intends to help safeguard these vital resources against threats from development and environmental changes.

Contention

While the bill generally enjoys support among stakeholders that advocate for sustainable coastal management, concerns have been raised regarding the allocation of resources and oversight of the programs created under this bill. Some critics argue that there is a risk of funds being mismanaged or not reaching the disadvantaged communities that need them most. Additionally, determining the membership and functions of the Task Force could lead to disagreements on priorities and approaches to managing working waterfronts effectively. The challenge will be balancing the interests of various stakeholders, including environmental groups, local businesses, and state authorities.

Companion Bills

US HB8862

Related Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act of 2024

Previously Filed As

US HB1808

Keep America’s Waterfronts Working Act of 2025

US SB3785

Working Waterfronts Act of 2024

US SB1968

Working Waterfronts Act of 2025

US SB3180

Working Waterfront Preservation Act

US HB9909

Working Waterfront Disaster Mitigation Tax Credit Act

US HB8862

Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act of 2024

US HB6618

ARMAS Act of 2023 Americas Regional Monitoring of Arms Sales Act of 2023

US SB4871

Working Waterfront Disaster Mitigation Tax Credit Act

US HB6601

TRAIN Act Training, Retention, And Investment Now for a Better America Act

US SB3535

Keeping Girls in School Act

Similar Bills

US HB1808

Keep America’s Waterfronts Working Act of 2025

CA AB2578

Infrastructure financing districts: City and County of San Francisco.

US SB4800

Waterfront Community Revitalization and Resiliency Act of 2024

US HB8862

Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act of 2024

CA SB273

Tidelands and submerged lands: City and County of San Francisco: Piers 30-32: mixed-use development.

ME LD1625

An Act Regarding the Preservation of Working Waterfronts

US SB5570

A bill to amend title 23, United States Code, to establish a grant program to rebuild and improve transportation infrastructure at urban waterfronts, and for other purposes.

ME LD529

An Act to Establish the Alamoosook Lake Watershed Management District