SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Angus King have reintroduced the Working Waterfronts Act, a legislative effort designed to support workforce development, energy and infrastructure in coastal communities across the United States. This legislation aims to mitigate climate change impacts on these communities while strengthening federal conservation research initiatives.

Senator Murkowski began gathering feedback from Alaskans in October 2022 to aid in drafting the legislation. Following two years of collaboration with stakeholders and Senate colleagues, the bill was first introduced in February 2024.

“One of my priorities this Congress was reintroducing the Working Waterfronts Act, a comprehensive and collective effort to harness the potential of the blue economy for Alaska's coastal communities,” said Senator Murkowski. She emphasized the importance of strengthening shoreside infrastructure and supporting workforce development to sustain fisheries, tourism, and mariculture sectors.

Senator King noted the changing dynamics faced by Maine’s coastal communities due to climate change and economic shifts. “The Working Waterfronts Act would provide Maine’s working waterfronts up and down the coast with the necessary financial, energy and infrastructure resources,” he stated.

Greg Smith from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute highlighted that "The Working Waterfronts Act would make impactful changes," benefiting commercial fishermen through improved access to loans and grants for infrastructure enhancements.

Kristy Clement of the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation expressed support for modernizing infrastructure and building a resilient workforce. Robert Vandermark from the Marine Fish Conservation Network praised the bill for its focus on improving shoreside facilities and promoting sustainable fisheries management.

Julie Decker from Pacific Seafood Processors Association commended Senator Murkowski’s "holistic approach" as visionary, citing benefits like expanded access to USDA loan programs for seafood harvesting and processing sectors.

Key elements of the bill include tax credits for marine energy projects, a fishing vessel alternative fuels program, rural community grants for processing facilities, maritime workforce grant programs, safety improvements in fishing industries, ocean innovation clusters, acidification research collaborations, ecosystem inventories, and invasive species management tools.