Bill Overview
Title: Marine Highway Promotion Act
Description: This bill directs the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to establish a United States Marine Highway Program to designate marine highway routes as extensions of the surface transportation system and provide grants and enter into contacts or agreements for marine highway services. In awarding grants or entering into contracts and agreements, MARAD must give preference to marine highway services that present the most financially viable transportation services and require the lowest percentage federal share of the costs. MARAD may also develop strategies to encourage the use of marine highway transportation for the transportation of passengers and cargo.
Sponsors: Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in maritime and surface transportation systems
Estimated Size: 1500000
- The act aims to integrate marine highways into the surface transportation system, affecting those who rely on or work with transportation infrastructure.
- Marine highway routes will primarily involve the use of navigable waterways, which could affect regions with access to such waterways.
- Individuals working in the maritime and transportation industries will be directly impacted, including shipping companies, logistics, and cargo services.
- Communities located around waterways where marine highways are designated may be impacted in terms of local economic activity.
- Encouragement of marine highway use can lead to shifts in transportation mode preferences, impacting passengers and cargo clients.
Reasoning
- The Marine Highway Promotion Act aims to enhance the use of U.S. waterways for transportation, which may primarily impact individuals and businesses involved in maritime-based logistics and transportation.
- Given the budget and the focus on financially viable and low federal cost share transportation services, the policy is likely to benefit larger, more established maritime operations over smaller companies or new entrants.
- Communities located near waterways or reliant on maritime transport for economic activities could see increased opportunities for growth and development.
- The wellbeing of individuals closely tied to the maritime industry might improve due to potentially increased job stability and prospects.
- Some individuals or groups within rural or underserved areas might experience changes in transportation accessibility as marine highways develop.
Simulated Interviews
Logistics Coordinator (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic about the Marine Highway Act because it could streamline cargo operations and reduce congestion on roads. If our company can leverage these new routes, it might lower costs and improve delivery times.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Urban Planner (New York, NY)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Expanding marine highways seems like a smart move to lessen the load on our road networks. In urban planning, it could influence how we design transport systems in water-adjacent cities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 23 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy seems like it might create more job opportunities in marine engineering, which is great for soon-to-be graduates like myself. It might also encourage more innovative projects in waterway transportation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Barge Operator (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm skeptical. The big companies might benefit the most, while smaller operators like me might struggle if we can't compete or secure contracts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Freight Broker (Savannah, GA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This Act can bring significant changes to shipping logistics. If the marine routes can cut down road traffic and delays, it might improve our efficiency.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Maritime Logistics Consultant (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The planned improvements and federal support might allow us to enhance supply chain strategies, making U.S. waterways more competitive against road and rail.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
Retired (Detroit, MI)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I wonder if this will really help older regions like the Great Lakes. It's promising if MARAD considers diverse water routes across the U.S.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Tech Entrepreneur (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The Marine Highway Act might open new paths for implementing automated and AI-driven shipping solutions. A national focus helps to drive innovation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Environmental Scientist (Portland, OR)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about the potential for increased pollution, but if the policy includes environmental safeguards, it could be positive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cargo Service Manager (Miami, FL)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Expanding marine highways could be beneficial if it allows for more cost-efficient shipping options without impacting current service levels.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 3: $26000000 (Low: $21000000, High: $31000000)
Year 5: $27000000 (Low: $22000000, High: $32000000)
Year 10: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 100: $60000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $70000000)
Key Considerations
- Coordination between MARAD and other transportation agencies is crucial for integration of marine highways into the broader transportation network.
- The scalability and flexibility of the program depending on available funding and shifts in transportation demand.
- Impact of external factors such as fuel prices and environmental regulations on the operational costs of marine highways.