AWO 2021 Annual Report | Page 8

ADVOCATING FOR PRACTICAL POLICY THAT KEEPS WATERBORNE COMMERCE MOVING

ADVOCATING FOR PRACTICAL POLICY THAT KEEPS WATERBORNE COMMERCE MOVING

■ Led introduction and passage of pro-Jones Act resolutions in the West Virginia and Mississippi state legislatures and began building the groundwork for resolutions in other states .
■ Through the River Industry Executive Task Force , worked with the state of Tennessee and the Coast Guard to resume river traffic under the damaged I-40 bridge within days .
■ Through RIETF , worked with the Army Corps of Engineers to alter the repair schedule at Cheatham Lock to facilitate river commerce .
■ Defeated an Illinois bill that would have increased permitting process delays and forced companies to continuously receive approval from local governments to stay in business .
■ Worked to expedite construction of the Coast Guard ’ s new Waterways Commerce Cutters to improve operational reliability and navigation safety .
■ Secured $ 74 million to repair Missouri River structures and fund the Lower Missouri River Navigation study to improve reliability and utilization of the river .
■ Led effort to oppose unachievable California Harbor Craft emissions standards and propose alternative emission reduction strategies .
■ Worked with policymakers and stakeholders in Florida and Virginia to discourage overreaching No Discharge Zone proposals that would require expensive vessel retrofits .
4 THE AMERICAN WATERWAYS OPERATORS