Jay Inslee: Washington's 1st Congressional District
Home > Issues > Transportation > Legislation
Issues
Transportation
Ferry Security Funding Amendment Passes House
5 November, 2003
The U.S. House of Representatives successfully passed, by a bipartisan voice vote, an amendment offered by U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee to help ensure federal funding for ferry security measures.Inslee’s amendment to the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2003 will give passenger ferries priority in receiving grants from the federal government to pay for the cost of increased security measures. The amendment was combined with other bipartisan proposals and offered on the floor by Rep. Don Young (R), Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Said Inslee, "By passing my amendment today, we achieved a bipartisan victory for passenger safety on Washington State ferries. I am pleased that members of both parties could work together to make federal funding a priority for our passenger ferries, as they incur costs for increased security measures. This vote will help ensure that commuters in my district can have continued access to a safe and affordable public transportation system. These grants can be a very important supplement to Senator Murray’s efforts to see that Washington State ferries receive adequate federal funding."
"Congressman Inslee's continued leadership with regards to ferry security is much appreciated by ferry system management and customers," commented Mike Thorne, CEO of Washington State Ferries. "Funding these new initiatives is a key component of assuring the future safety and security of ferry passengers. Thanks to the Congressman's efforts, a huge step has been taken today to address the funding need."
The text of the amendment is as follows:
AMENDMENT TO H.R. 2443, AS REPORTED OFFERED BY MR. INSLEE OF WASHINGTON
At the end of title VI (page 43, after line 2) add the following:
- PRIORITY FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS IN MAKING GRANTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF SECURITY PLANS.
Section 70107(e) of title 46, United State Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
- PRIORITY FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS.
- PRIORITY.—In making grants under subsection (a) the Secretary of Transportation
- shall give priority to otherwise eligible projects concerning implementation of security plans with respect to public transportation systems.
- REGULATIONS.—The Secretary shall issue regulations establishing procedures and requirements for awarding grants pursuant to the priority required by this paragraph.