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[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 465 Introduced in House (IH)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 465

   Recognizing the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association on the 
       occasion of its 10th anniversary, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 20, 2009

 Mr. Brown of South Carolina submitted the following resolution; which 
   was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
   Recognizing the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association on the 
       occasion of its 10th anniversary, and for other purposes.

Whereas the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW), completed in 1940, runs along 
        the southeast coast of the United States from Norfolk, Virginia, to 
        Miami, Florida, and measures 1088 miles long;
Whereas the AIWW was authorized by the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1937 to provide 
        a safe inside navigation channel for commercial shipping, support for 
        and encouragement of interstate commerce, and safe harbor and protection 
        for shipping from inclement weather and wartime enemy attack;
Whereas although authorized to a depth of 12 feet mean low water, the AIWW has 
        not been maintained in a satisfactory manner and has controlling depths 
        as shallow as 4 feet in some locations;
Whereas the lack of regular, adequate maintenance of the AIWW has created 
        serious navigation hazards for commercial and recreational users;
Whereas if maintained at the authorized depth, the AIWW could serve as a safe, 
        fuel efficient, and economical alternative to congested highways and 
        rail lines for some cargo;
Whereas the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association was organized in 1999 to 
        address the navigation challenges of the AIWW and to encourage the 
        continuation and further development of waterborne commerce and 
        recreation on the AIWW of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, 
        Georgia, and Florida;
Whereas since its founding, the Association has been a persistent and outspoken 
        advocate for regular dredging and adequate maintenance to promote safe, 
        cost effective navigation;
Whereas the Association has voiced the interests of commercial and recreational 
        users of the AIWW, earning the title of ``Voice of the Waterway'';
Whereas the Association promotes the AIWW as a vital marine highway along the 
        Atlantic coast, providing safe navigation for commercial and 
        recreational vessels;
Whereas the Association has been a consistent force for protecting the integrity 
        of the AIWW and securing its reputation as an important economic engine 
        for the Nation and the region; and
Whereas the Association has had many achievements over 10 years, including 
        successfully advocating for--

    (1) additional funds to be added annually to Federal and State budgets 
for waterway maintenance;

    (2) economic studies to be conducted to show the economic importance of 
the waterway;

    (3) the funding of a regional Dredged Material Management Plan for the 
waterway;

    (4) the States to become more involved in waterway maintenance; and

    (5) coordinating the many interested parties to work together for the 
waterway: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway 
        Association on the occasion of its 10th anniversary;
            (2) commends the many achievements of the Atlantic 
        Intracoastal Waterway Association; and
            (3) encourages the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway 
        Association to continue its tradition of excellence in service 
        to Waterway users.
                                 <all>
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