Bill > HR3048

This bill establishes a comprehensive national program to support and develop Ocean Innovation Clusters (OICs) to strengthen the United States' coastal economies and marine-related industries. The bill requires the Secretary of Commerce to designate at least 7 Ocean Innovation Clusters across different geographic regions, including the Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico, with priority given to entities that have a history of supporting cross-sector growth in the "Blue Economy" (a term defining sustainable marine-related industries). These clusters will be collaborative networks composed of businesses, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, government agencies, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian groups, aimed at promoting innovation, economic development, and sustainable growth in ocean-related sectors. The bill mandates the creation of Ocean Innovation Centers for Cross-Sector Collaboration in each cluster's region, which will serve as physical spaces for entrepreneurs to network, develop shared resources, and create workforce development opportunities. Additionally, the bill authorizes competitive grants of up to $10 million per cluster for a two-year period, renewable based on regional economic benefits, with a total authorization of $10 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The legislation emphasizes inclusivity, prioritizing support for diverse, multigenerational ocean-dependent populations, and focuses on areas such as seafood supply chains, ocean energy, technology development, and creating economic opportunities for small businesses in marine-related industries.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3048/all-info