Bill > HR2429

This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop and implement a comprehensive 10-year Campus Modernization Plan for the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), recognizing the critical role the academy plays in training merchant mariners for national defense and commercial maritime operations. The bill acknowledges that most of the academy's facilities are outdated and require significant upgrades. The modernization plan must prioritize objectives such as creating state-of-the-art learning facilities, providing spaces for Coast Guard licensing exams, maintaining physical fitness standards, attracting diverse applicants, and ensuring industry engagement. Specific infrastructure improvements include constructing new facilities like training laboratories, a training pool, engineering labs, athletic facilities, a visitor center, and upgrading existing infrastructure such as electrical systems, water systems, and campus buildings. The bill authorizes $1.02 billion in appropriations from the Maritime Security Trust Fund over 10 years, with $54 million allocated for initial design and planning in fiscal year 2026 and approximately $107.3 million authorized annually for subsequent construction and contingency expenses. The plan requires maintaining the academy's full operational status throughout the modernization process and seeks to use a federal construction agent to implement the upgrades.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2429/all-info