SLC Times

Washington - Senator Mike Lee, a Republican from Utah, has introduced a suite of legislative measures aimed at revitalizing and modernizing the United States' port infrastructure. These four bills seek to address long-standing issues in the port sector and enhance the competitiveness of American maritime logistics.

One of the bills, the Dredging to Ensure the Empowerment of Ports (DEEP) Act, proposes a new Nationwide Permit for dredging projects, repealing the outdated Foreign Dredge Act of 1906. The DEEP Act aims to reduce dredge backlog and provide project managers with certainty in the decision-making process.

Another bill, the Allied Partnership and Port Modernization Act, seeks to amend the Foreign Dredge Act of 1906 to allow NATO-affiliated dredging vessels into U.S. waters. This move is expected to foster competition and potentially lead to reduced dredging costs and consumer prices for goods entering U.S. ports.

The Port Modernization and Supply Chain Protection Act, building on the need for competitive dredging markets, would repeal the cabotage requirements of the Foreign Dredge Act of 1906. This would allow any qualified dredge vessel to operate in U.S. waters, driving down the costs of dredging and subsequently lowering the costs of imported goods.

To expand the U.S. dredging fleet, the Incentivizing the Expansion of U.S. Ports Act would amend the Foreign Dredge Act of 1906 to allow the purchase of foreign-built dredge vessels, as long as they are crewed by Americans and fly the U.S. flag. This strategic move aims to enhance the operational capacity of American dredgers.

Nick Loris, Vice President of Public Policy at C3 Solutions, praised Senator Lee's dredging reform efforts, stating that they are "good for the economy and the environment." Loris emphasized that increasing competition for dredging activities will improve America's ports at a lower cost to taxpayers and provide more economic opportunities for U.S. businesses. Additionally, more efficient dredging can generate environmental benefits by reducing congestion on roads and restoring wetlands and beaches.

Senator Lee's introduction of these bills demonstrates his commitment to revitalizing America's maritime infrastructure and supply chain logistics. By addressing the cost and regulatory challenges of dredging, these bills aim to position American ports to efficiently meet the growing demands of global trade.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.lee.senate.gov/2023/12/lee-introduces-suite-of-bills-to-revitalize-american-ports