WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee today approved legislation (S.2997) cosponsored by Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) to reauthorize the Maritime Administration (MARAD).  MARAD’s mission is to improve and strengthen America’s marine transportation system by ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s seagoing commerce. The bill is sponsored by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.). 

 “Maritime commerce is vital to our economy, especially in Alaska,” said Senator Stevens.  “This measure will improve the safety and security of maritime shipping in Alaska by directing the Coast Guard to prepare vessel traffic risk assessments for Cook Inlet and the Aleutian Islands. The Aleutian Islands shipping route is one of the most traveled in the Western Hemisphere, and more than half of Alaska’s population lives within 100 miles of Cook Inlet.” 

The provision, authored by Senator Stevens, would require the Commandant of the Coast Guard to prepare two vessel traffic risk assessments in Alaska. The first assessment would be for Cook Inlet, Alaska within one year after the date of enactment, and the second would be for the Aleutian Islands within two years after the date of enactment.  Each assessment would describe the level of shipping traffic and the current and projected use of routing measures, long-range vessel tracking systems, and the Automatic Identification System (AIS).  The assessments also would provide recommendations for enhancing the safety and security of marine shipping in Alaska.  This provision would authorize $1,800,000 for both fiscal year 2008 and 2009 to conduct the assessments.

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