Bill > S1968

This bill, the Working Waterfronts Act of 2025, is a comprehensive legislative effort to support rural coastal and maritime economic development through multiple interconnected initiatives. The bill establishes several key programs and provisions, including a tax credit for maintaining and enhancing hydroelectric facilities, a pilot program to help commercial fishing vessels transition to alternative fuel technologies, and expanded loan and grant opportunities for fishing and mariculture businesses. It creates an Ocean Innovation Cluster program to foster collaboration and innovation across maritime sectors, provides grants for developing coastal infrastructure and workforce development in maritime industries, and includes provisions for studying and protecting vegetated coastal ecosystems. The bill also addresses ocean acidification research and collaboration, with a particular emphasis on engaging Tribal and Native Hawaiian organizations in research and decision-making processes. Additionally, the legislation includes technical amendments to existing laws and establishes mechanisms for supporting small coastal communities, improving seafood processing infrastructure, and promoting sustainable maritime economic growth across different regions of the United States.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1968/all-info