Summary

Ports across the country must be dredged yearly to maintain deep water navigation.

Background

In 2011, the Corps of Engineers reduced dredging on the deep-draft portion of the Mississippi River because of budget restrictions. This action resulted in vessel restrictions.  The Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) Trust Fund was established specifically for operations and maintenance.  Over the years these funds have been diverted for other purposes.

H.R. 104 has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Charles Boustany (R-La.). The legislation would ensure that funds paid into the Harbor Maintenance Tax HMT be used in full for the intended purpose of maintenance.  Similar legislation, S. 412, has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.).  Many TFI members are affected by the diversion of HMT funds which has left no funds for deep water dredging.  The House bill has over 100 co-sponsors.