Working waterfront bill advances in Congress

File Photo / Laurie Schreiber A bill that would protect jobs, commercial activities, and public access to the country's shoreline passed the U.S. House of Representatives this week on a 262-151 vote.

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By Staff

A bill aimed at preserving the character of coastal communities, including those in Maine, passed the U.S. House of Representatives this week on a 262-151 vote.

U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine 1st District, introduced the bill, HR 3596, which would provide $24 million in grants and loans to help coastal communities protect jobs, commercial activities and public access to the country's shoreline.

The bill would also organize a task force at the Department of Commerce to identify and prioritize critical needs for working waterfronts, especially in the face of the climate crisis and increased trade threats.

“More than 30,000 Mainers rely on marine-related industries for their livelihoods,” Pingree said in a news release. “Yet out of 5,000 miles of coastline, just 20 miles of workable waterfront remains in the state. Coastal communities across the country are feeling the same squeeze. Further reducing our usable coastline will adversely impact everything from aquaculture and boatbuilding, to coastal tourism and commercial fishing.”

Water-dependent commercial activities support thousands of Maine jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity.

Maine-based supporters expressed support for the bill.

“As a nonprofit dedicated to improving and protecting the health of Casco Bay, Friends of Casco Bay understands that globally we must reduce the causes of climate change, and locally we must find solutions to the inevitable consequences of our climate crisis,” Ivy Frignoca with Friends of Casco Bay said in the release. “[The act] properly supports and funds localized solutions that can help keep Maine’s marine waters and economy healthy and vital.”

Ben Martens, executive director of the Maine Coast Fisherman’s Association, said, “Fishermen are a crucial part of our food system and supply our nation with high quality sustainable seafood from wild harvest and aquaculture sources. Much like we invest in local agriculture and infrastructure, we must to find ways to invest in our working waterfront to ensure access and opportunity for fishermen, families, and the next generation. This is a step in the right direction towards that end.”