GREAT LAKES MARITIME TASK FORCE

2002 POLICY STATEMENT

The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force:

I.    Promotes a strong U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine on the Great Lakes to best advance the domestic and international trades. To this end, we:

a.) Advocate full application of the U.S. Cabotage laws, best known of which are the Jones Act and the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA). These laws ensure the safety and efficiency of Great Lakes commerce. Any exemptions to these laws will invite substandard ships and operators to the Great Lakes.

b.) Support maritime security legislation that ensures that U.S.-Flag deep sea vessels are available to meet the national security needs of the United States.

II. Seeks expanded domestic and international trade through public and private Great Lakes ports and docks. To this end, we:

a.) Support an extension of the season on the St. Lawrence Seaway to year-end.

b.) Support fair trade in steel, but also, government action to stop the illegal dumping of steel priced below the cost of production. The Bush Administration's tariffs are a short-term effort to curtail the most blatant dumping. Congress must monitor import levels and respond quickly if dumping increases. The Administration must seek international agreements to shut down the inefficient mills that lead to oversupply and dumping.

III.    Opposes unwarranted taxation of waterborne commerce. To this end, we:

a.) Support H.R. 2737 which repeals the Harbor Maintenance Tax and restores full Federal funding for Operation and Maintenance dredging (O&M) of the nation's deep draft ports and waterways. Since waterborne commerce benefits virtually every citizen and industry, the United States funded O&M dredging from general revenues from its earliest days until 1987 and should do so again.

b.) Oppose Navigation Assistance Tax (NAT) included in FY03 budget and any attempt to impose Coast Guard icebreaking user fees.

IV. Promotes fuller utilization of U.S. shipyards in the Great Lakes region. To this end, we:

a.) Support continuation of Federal Mortgage Insurance (Title XI) and Capital Construction Fund programs administered by the Maritime Administration.

b.) Support renewal of Maritech ASE Program in FY2001.

c.) Seek change in present scoring rules to permit Navy long-term lease authority for auxiliary ships.

V. Seeks to strengthen the economy of the Great Lakes basin. Believes commerce and the environment can exist in harmony. To this end, we:

a.) Provide leadership efforts to stem the influx of non-indigenous species into the Great Lakes system.

b.) Will participate in meaningful studies of new technologies to further protect the Great Lakes environment.