Sec. 3503. United States marine highway program
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/bill/117/hr/7900/pcs/section-3503·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Section 55601 of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: There is in the Department of Transportation a program, to be known as the United States marine highway program . In order to be designated as a marine highway transportation route under subsection
(c)or as a marine highway transportation project under subsection (d), a route or project shall— provide a coordinated and capable alternative to landside transportation; mitigate or relieve landside congestion; or promote marine highway transportation. The Secretary may— designate a route that meets the criteria under subsection
(b)as a marine highway transportation route; and collect and disseminate data related to such designation. The Secretary may— designate a project that meets the criteria under subsection
(b)as a marine highway transportation project if the Secretary determines that such project uses vessels documented under chapter 121 and— develops, expands, or promotes— marine highway transportation services; shipper utilization of marine highway transportation; or port and landside infrastructure for which assistance is not available under section 54301; or implements strategies developed under section 5560; and conduct research on solutions to impediments to such projects. The Secretary may make grants, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements, to implement a marine highway transportation project designated under subsection
(e)or a component of such a project. To be eligible to receive a grant or to enter into a contract or cooperative agreement under this subsection, an applicant shall— submit to the Secretary an application in such form and manner, at such time, and containing such information as the Secretary may require; and demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Secretary that— the proposed project is financially viable; the funds received under the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement will be spent or used efficiently and effectively; and a market exists for the services of the proposed project, as evidenced by contracts or written statements of intent from potential customers. Not more than 80 percent of the funding for any project for which funding is provided under this subsection may come from Federal sources. In awarding grants or entering in contracts or cooperative agreements under this subsection, the Secretary shall give a preference to those projects or components that present the most financially viable transportation services and require the lowest percentage Federal share of the costs. In carrying out the program established under subsection (a), the Secretary of Transportation may— coordinate with ports, State departments of transportation, localities, other public agencies, and appropriate private sector entities on the development of landside facilities and infrastructure to support marine highway transportation; and develop performance measures for the program. . The analysis for chapter 556 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 55601 and inserting the following: 55601. United States marine highway program. .