July 8, 2005
Volume 62, No. 14
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In the Courts
- Judge Allows Coalition to Intervene in Ballast Water Case
Agency Actions
- Non-Tank Vessel Response Plan Deadline Approaching
- Top Ten Reasons Licensing Applications Are Delayed
- AWO Comments on Mariner Credentialing Available
Legislative News
- Ballast Water Exchange Unsafe for Barges, AWO Testifies
- Senate Approves Funding for Corps of Engineers for FY 2006
In the News
- AWO Barge-In Featured in WorkBoat Magazine
Responsible Carrier News
- Choosing an RCP Auditor
- New Carrier Members Achieve Fully Audited RCP Compliance
- CEMS Training Opportunities
Association News
- AWO Seeking Photos, Sponsors for Safety Calendar
- Important Dates and Reminders
Regional Reports
- AWO, Coast Guard Review Atlantic Area Hurricane Policy
- Grafton Towboat Festival Attracts 2,000 Visitors
- Midwest and Ohio Valley Regions Host Joint Summer Meeting
- Missouri River Navigation Season Shortened
In the Courts
Judge Allows Coalition to Intervene in Ballast Water Case
An industry coalition that includes AWO and other maritime industry
trade associations has received permission from a federal judge
to intervene in the ballast water case Northwest Environmental Advocates
v. EPA, currently before the U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of California. As reported in the June 24 AWO Letter, a
district court judge ruled in April that the Environmental Protection
Agency unlawfully exempted ballast water discharges from the National
Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program
under the Clean Water Act. With the encouragement of EPA, an industry
coalition including AWO, the Chamber of Shipping of America, INTERTANKO,
International Council of Cruise Lines, Lake Carriers' Association,
and World Shipping Council had filed a motion to intervene in the
case on June 13, given the harm that could be done to vessel owners
if state-issued permits were to be required for routine ballast
water discharges.
On June 22, the judge granted the coalition's motion to intervene
in the case, which had not been opposed by the other parties to
the proceeding. At the case management conference on June 24, the
parties agreed to a schedule under which the judge will not issue
an order spelling out a remedy in the case (for example, remanding
the rule to EPA for reconsideration) until at least this fall, after
receiving lengthy briefs from the parties this summer and reply
briefs from the plaintiffs this fall. A hearing on the judge's order
has been scheduled for November 1.
Back to Top
Agency Actions
Non-Tank Vessel Response Plan Deadline Approaching
AWO members who operate towing vessels that measure over 400 gross
tons under either the international (ITC) or domestic (regulatory)
measurement system are reminded that the deadline for submitting
non-tank vessel response plans, as required by the Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation Act of 2004, is August 9.
The applicability of the new requirements has been a matter of
some question since the underlying statute refers to vessels over
400 gross tons "as measured" under the ITC, or International Tonnage
Convention, measurement system. The law does not specify how the
requirement is to be applied to vessels that have not been measured
under the Convention system. In a June 24 Federal Register notice,
the Coast Guard clarified that it considers owners of vessels not
measured under the ITC system subject to the non-tank vessel response
plan requirement "if there is no question that the vessel would
be 400 gross tons" if measured under that system. "Therefore, it
is likely that vessels of or near 400 gross register tons when measured
under the regulatory measurement system will be subject to the response
plan requirements of the Act. Disparities between the two measurement
systems and the applicability of the Act to vessels measured under
the regulatory measurement system would need to be addressed during
the rulemaking process," the Coast Guard notice states.
In a June 28 letter to AWO, RADM Thomas H. Gilmour, Assistant Commandant
for Marine Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection, clarified
that vessels without an International Tonnage Certificate "do not
need to be re-measured under the International Tonnage Convention
system" to determine the applicability of the statute or Coast Guard
Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 01-05, which provides
voluntary guidance for the preparation and submittal of non-tank
vessel response plans. (See Members Only section of the June 24
AWO Letter.)
(Legislation currently under consideration by Congress would clarify
the application of the non-tank vessel response plan requirement
to vessels over 400 gross tons as measured under either the international
or regulatory system.
S. 1280, the Coast Guard authorization bill reported out by the
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on June 23,
includes a provision to clarify the tonnage applicability of the
new requirement. However, final passage of a Coast Guard authorization
bill is unlikely to occur before August 9.)
Both the Federal Register notice and Admiral Gilmour's letter to
AWO also emphasize that the Coast Guard will not enforce the non-tank
vessel response plan requirements until implementing regulations
have been promulgated and have taken effect. However, AWO encourages
all members who own or operate non-tank vessels over 400 gross tons
(either international or regulatory tonnage) to prepare and submit
response plans to the Coast Guard by August 9, and to make a good-faith
effort to abide by the guidance in NVIC 01-05 (while recognizing
that some of this guidance may not be applicable to smaller non-tank
vessels such as towing vessels).
The Coast Guard is in the early stages of a regulatory project
to implement the statutory requirement, and a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) has not yet been published. However, the Coast
Guard will accept comments on the non-tank vessel response plan
requirement, including recommended approaches to the tonnage applicability
issue, until September 22. AWO has begun a dialogue with the Coast
Guard on the need for a risk-based regulatory approach that recognizes
the smaller fuel capacities, excellent spill history, and other
operational characteristics of towing vessels and will submit comments
to that effect before the September deadline. In the meantime, AWO
members with questions about the non-tank vessel response plan requirement
should contact Jennifer Carpenter at (703) 841-9300 or jcarpenter@vesselalliance.com.
Top Ten Reasons Licensing Applications Are Delayed
While the Coast Guard works to effect improvements in its mariner
licensing and documentation (MLD) delivery system and reduce backlogs
and delays, AWO members should remind their crewmembers that avoiding
common mistakes can help smooth the MLD issuance and renewal process.
The list below is reprinted from the Coast Guard's National Maritime
Center Web site and can be accessed electronically at www.uscg.mil/STCW/new_top-ten-reasons.htm.
1. Applications - If the application is not completed, it will
be returned for correction. Three signatures are mandatory: Section
III ("Have you ever...?" questions), Section V (consent of National
Driver Registry check), and Section VI (application certification).
When the "Applying for:" block is left blank or is incomplete, the
REC is left to guess what you want.
2. Drug Screen - A drug screen is often rejected because it does
not contain the Medical Review Officer's (MRO) signature, it is
a photocopy, or a company compliance letter is not written to meet
the requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 46, Part
16, Section 220.
3. Photographs - Merchant Mariner's Documents (MMDs) and STCW certificates
cannot be printed without a photograph. Two passport size photos
are needed when applying for an MMD or STCW.
4. Physical Exam - If the Merchant Marine Personnel Physical Examination/Certification
Report is not complete, it will be returned for correction. Particular
attention is paid to the "competent," "not competent," and "needs
further review" boxes, which are frequently blank. Often the type
of color vision exam given in Section IV is not indicated or mariners
who wear glasses and/or contacts submit exams without their uncorrected
vision listed in Section III.
5. Original Certificates - Photocopies of essential documents,
even if notarized, are not accepted. Only original signatures, those
documents signed by the issuing authority (e.g., course completion
certificates) or official custodian (e.g., birth certificates) are
acceptable. Original certificates will be returned when the evaluation
is completed and the REC mails the newly issued credentials to the
applicant.
6. User Fees - No or incorrect fees are included with the application.
Licensing user fees changed as of October 4, 1999. Current fees
are published in the most recent Code of Federal Regulations, Title
46, Part 10, Section 109 and on the web at: www.uscg.mil/STCW/l-userfees.htm.
7. Current or Past License, Document, and/or STCW - A mariner who
is holding, or has held, a license, MMD, and/or STCW certificate
who does not indicate it in the history (Section II of the application)
or does not include a copy of their credentials (front and back)
with the application package. This especially applies for renewals
and mariners with past transactions at other RECs.
8. Sea Service - Missing or conflicting information on the sea
service letter (e.g., not including tonnage or horsepower, the position
listed does not agree with other documents in the application package,
or conflicting waters). Service should be documented with discharges,
letters from marine employers, or small boat sea service forms.
If a small boat service form is used, it must be certified and signed
by the owner or proof of individual ownership is required.
9. Written Statement - If an applicant marks "Yes" in any block
of Section III, a written statement is required. Note that all questions
beginning with "Have you ever..." include all past convictions,
even ones that may have already been disclosed. Simply stating "on
file" will not suffice, statements should include the what, when,
where, and penalties assessed for each incident, if it has already
been disclosed to the REC, and whether there have been any new incidents.
The applicant must sign and date the statement.
10. Medical Condition - Additional medical information is required
whenever a medical condition is identified on the Merchant Marine
Personnel Physical Examination Report.
AWO Comments on Mariner Credentialing Available
The first priority of the Coast Guard's mariner licensing and documentation
(MLD) program should be to repair the harm that is done to mariners
by an MLD delivery system that consistently results in lengthy delays
for credential renewals, AWO told the Coast Guard in written comments
filed June 28 in follow-up to the agency's June 17 public meeting
on mariner credentialing (see June 24 AWO Letter). Secondly, the
Coast Guard should work with the Department of Homeland Security
and the Transportation Security Administration to ensure that the
forthcoming Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) requirement
is implemented in an effective, efficient way that does not impose
undue burdens on mariners or companies or overwhelm the already
strained MLD delivery system, AWO urged.
AWO's comments also recommended several modifications to a Coast
Guard legislative change proposal that is intended to modernize,
clarify, and reorganize the mariner credentialing statutes. For
a copy of AWO's comments, please contact Jennifer Carpenter at jcarpenter@vesselalliance.com.
Back to Top
Legislative News
Ballast Water Exchange Unsafe for Barges, AWO Testifies
Conducting underway ballast water exchange on barges poses serious
safety concerns for towing vessel crewmembers and should not be
required by ballast water legislation under consideration by Congress,
AWO told the Ocean Policy Study Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce,
Science, and Transportation Committee in written testimony submitted
June 29. AWO provided the statement for the record in follow-up
to a June 15 hearing held by the subcommittee on ballast water and
corals issues.
As a member of the Shipping Industry Ballast Water Coalition, AWO
expressed support for the testimony offered at the hearing by Ms.
Kathy Metcalf, Chamber of Shipping of America, on behalf of the
coalition. AWO expressed support for a comprehensive, national strategy
for ballast water management and for S. 363, legislation introduced
by committee co-chairman Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-HI), with several
changes, including a more robust federal preemption provision and
an exemption from ballast water exchange requirements for tug-barge
units on safety grounds. AWO also urged the subcommittee to clarify
that enacted ballast water legislation is to be the exclusive federal
program governing ballast water management in U.S. waters, to avoid
the potential for regulation of ballast water discharges under the
Clean Water Act's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permitting program.
AWO noted that historically, national and international ballast
water management requirements have been designed for seagoing ships
and crewed vessels, not unmanned barges. However, barges and towing
vessels do engage in ballasting operations, and in many cases ballasting
is essential for safe vessel operations. "In order to avoid grafting
ill-fitting legislative mandates onto small vessels, unmanned barges,
and vessels in domestic service, it is important to understand typical
ballasting practices in the barge and towing industry and ensure
that legislation is drafted with the operations and limitations
of barges and towing vessels in mind," AWO wrote, noting that "The
Coast Guard, the states [of Washington and Oregon], and the shipping
industry have all recognized the significant risks involved in conducting
ballast water exchange on barges."
AWO will continue to work closely with Congress and the Shipping
Industry Ballast Water Coalition to ensure that new ballast water
legislation exempts barges and towing vessels from ballast water
exchange requirements and includes strong federal preemption and
federal exclusivity provisions. For a copy of AWO's testimony, please
contact Jennifer Carpenter at jcarpenter@vesselalliance.com.
Senate Approves Funding for Corps of Engineers for FY 2006
On July 1, the full Senate approved the Energy and Water Development
Appropriations bill, H.R. 2419. The bill is the vehicle for funding
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and had previously been passed
by the House of Representatives on May 24 (see May 27 AWO Letter).
The bill will now go to a conference committee where the differences
between the two bills will be worked out.
The Senate-passed bill provides a total of $5.3 billion for the
Corps -- $600 million more than the House bill and $800 million
above the Administration's budget request. More than $300 million
of the difference between the House and Senate bills is in the Construction
General account, which the Senate funded at $2.08 billion, compared
to the House number of $1.76 billion. In addition, the Senate bill
provides a total of $2.1 billion for Operation and Maintenance,
$100 million more than the House bill.
For priority construction projects identified by the Inland Waterways
Users Board, the Senate bill provides nearly $380 million, compared
to the House total of $366 million. Half of the funding for these
projects will come from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund which is
paid for through the 20-cents-per-gallon fuel tax paid by inland
vessel operators. Both the House and the Senate totals for this
account represent the largest amount ever appropriated for Trust
Fund projects since the Trust Fund was established.
If you have any questions about this bill, please contact Angela
Madden or Boyd Hollingsworth at (703) 841-9300.
Back to Top
In the News
AWO Barge-In Featured in WorkBoat Magazine
During the AWO Spring Convention in April this year, AWO conducted
its third annual Congressional "Barge-In." More than 50 AWO members
spent a "day on the Hill" (Capitol Hill, that is) and visited almost
50 Congressional offices to discuss towing industry issues.
Pamela Glass of WorkBoat magazine accompanied one of the groups
while they made their congressional visits on Capitol Hill, and
her account of the event is documented and highlighted in the July
issue of WorkBoat. A reprint of the article can be found here.
Association News
AWO Seeking Photos, Sponsors for Safety Calendar
Fifth Annual Photo Contest
AWO is now accepting photos for its fifth annual "Safety Calendar
Photo Contest." We are looking for both "vessel" and "people" photos
to feature in next year's calendar. All prints must be in color,
at least 5 x 7 inches in size, and have the company's name, the
name of the person submitting the photo, and a contact phone number
on the back of the photo.
Electronic photos may be entered, but must be in a "TIFF" or "JPG"
format, at least 300 dpi, and emailed to Traci Fischer at tfischer@vesselalliance.com.
Photos must be received by Friday, August 19 for consideration.
All photos received become the property of AWO, and AWO reserves
the right to use them in other association materials to promote
the industry. If you have any questions about the contest, please
contact Anne Burns at (703) 841-9300.
Safety Calendar Sponsorship Program
Last year, AWO sold its entire stock of 2005 Safety Calendars
in a matter of months. Who purchased these calendars? Thousands
of people who have an interest in safety and a stake in the tugboat,
towboat and barge industry, that's who! If our industry is your
target market or if you would like to help AWO promote safety, then
we have a great opportunity for you!
AWO is now accepting sponsors for its 2006 Safety Calendar. The
calendar is printed in full color and features safety tips and photos
of member company vessels -- all winners of AWO's Annual Photo contest.
There are twelve high-profile sponsorship blocks available, one
featured each month, allowing sponsoring companies to spread the
word about their products and services. To secure a sponsorship,
please complete the attached form and fax to "AWO Safety Calendar
Sponsorship" at (703) 841-0389. For additional information, please
call Anne Burns at (703) 841-9300.
Important Dates and Reminders
- July 13-14: AWO Interregion Safety Committee meeting,
Louisville, KY. Please contact Kathy Rehak for more information.
- August 17-18: Midwest and Ohio Valley Joint Summer Meeting,
St. Louis, MO. Registration is due July 18, 2005. For more information,
contact Marilyn Clark.
Welcome, New Carrier Member!
Five B's, Inc.
P.O. Box 51056
New Orleans, LA 70151-1056
Rep.: Ms. Beverly G. Barrois, President
Back to Top
Responsible Carrier News
Choosing an RCP Auditor
2005 is the year when the majority of AWO members will be re-auditing
their Responsible Carrier Programs. While there are a significant
number of new AWO member companies who have yet to undergo their
initial Responsible Carrier Program (RCP) audit, most AWO companies
are thinking about the second re-audit of their Responsible Carrier
Programs. As all AWO members are well aware, an RCP audit is valid
for three years. Approximately 150 AWO companies are due to undergo
the second re-audit of their programs this year. This article should
be of special interest to those AWO member companies about to choose
their next RCP auditor. When preparing for your next RCP audit,
consider whether or not your previous audit met your expectations,
and if that is the same arrangement for which you want to contract
again. Remember, you and your auditor can determine if your company's
audit should encompass suggested areas for improvement, over and
above those required by the RCP. If your auditor did not provide
you with the depth of audit you expected, either make clear your
expectations and ask your auditor to upgrade his or her performance,
or seek another auditor. As the old saying goes, "You get what you
pay for."
When preparing to choose an auditor, remember that when the third-party
audit system was designed, it was anticipated that market forces
would be allowed shape some of the audit process. For example, negotiations
between AWO companies and auditors would determine the fee structure,
and the extent and depth of services provided. This means that although
the RCP audit must be sufficiently thorough to certify compliance
with the program, if a company desires, it can request a much more
in-depth examination from its auditor of all aspects of the company's
safety management system. Whichever way you want to go, there is
a wide range of services that RCP auditors can provide and commensurate
fees that auditors may charge (as one might expect under such a
system).
When choosing an auditor, you may also want to consider whether
a different auditor - a "new set of eyes" - might best suit your
company's needs. Many AWO member companies have argued that changing
auditors increases the credibility of the audit. However, some AWO
members, who have undergone similar re-audits under the ISM system,
prefer to work with the same auditor who is already familiar with
the company's operations. Others have found that a different auditor
in the same organization (such as a large firm like ABS) can provide
another opinion of your operations, while working within a framework
with which you are familiar. If you are having trouble choosing
which avenue to take, you may want to ask your AWO colleagues about
their audit experiences and whether they can recommend a course
of action or an auditor with a new perspective.
Also, keep in mind that RCP auditors' certifications are valid
for three years and some are only certified to conduct joint RCP/ISM
audits. If, for whatever reason, your previous auditor did not choose
to recertify as an RCP auditor, you will need to select someone
new. Check the AWO Web site, www.americanwaterways.com, under "Commitment
to Safety" to make sure your auditor's credentials are valid and
up-to-date.
The philosophy of the Responsible Carrier Program audit is to provide
a value-added, independent means to verify an AWO member's company
commitment to safety through full implementation of the Responsible
Carrier Program. As always, AWO's goal is to help its members continuously
improve their operations so they can provide safe and environmentally
sound waterborne transportation.
Finally, it is noteworthy that at this year's auditor recertification
training, a number of AWO members attended to learn more about auditing
and what to expect from their AWO-certified auditors. As part of
a wide-ranging discussion, which is a hallmark of this training,
AWO members unanimously agreed that completing a rigorous audit
instilled a sense of pride in their company's accomplishment and
a new confidence in their safety efforts.
For questions about the RCP or third-party auditor pool, please
contact Bob Clinton or Kathy Rehak at (703) 841-9300.
New Carrier Members Achieve Fully Audited RCP Compliance
Since June, six AWO members have successfully undergone an initial
third-party audit of their Responsible Carrier Programs. Most of
these companies certified compliance well before their deadlines
to do so. AWO is proud of their accomplishment. The following companies
have achieved audited compliance with the RCP:
- Cocodrie Boat Rentals, Inc., Chauvin, LA
- Curtin Maritime Corporation, Avalon, CA
- Henry Marine Service, Inc., Spanish Fort, AL
- J & K Marine, Inc., Cut Off, LA
- PR Towing, Inc., Chauvin, LA
- Turn Services, Inc., New Orleans, LA
The Responsible Carrier Program (RCP), the premier safety management
system for the tugboat, towboat and barge industry, is a requirement
of membership for all AWO carrier members. For these newly certified
companies, this achievement underscores their commitment to improved
safety and environmental protection, and is concrete evidence of
their dedication to the continuous journey toward this goal. Congratulations
to them!
CEMS Training Opportunities
The Crew Endurance Management System (CEMS) is a system for managing
risk factors in maritime work environments that can lead to human
error and performance slumps. The Coast Guard and AWO have been
working together to help companies implement the principles of CEMS.
In this space, AWO will publish details of CEMS training opportunities
around the country. For further information on CEMS training opportunities,
please contact LT Samson Stevens, U.S. Coast Guard, (202) 267-0173.
Back to Top
Regional Reports
AWO, Coast Guard Review Atlantic Area Hurricane Policy
The September 2000 Atlantic Area Port Operations Severe Weather
Policy (LANTAREAINST 16601) remains in effect and should be followed
by both Coast Guard Captains of the Port (COTPs) and vessel owners
and operators, Coast Guard and AWO representatives agreed at a June
29 meeting in Norfolk, Virginia. AWO had requested the meeting with
CAPT Kevin Cook, Chief of Marine Safety for the Atlantic Area, in
an effort to avoid a recurrence of problems that occurred during
the 2004 hurricane season, when barges in at least one Seventh District
port were ordered to leave port in the face of an approaching storm.
The Atlantic Area policy was originally issued as the result of
a Coast Guard-AWO Safety Partnership initiative in the region and
instructs that "COTPs should not order oceangoing barges and their
tug escorts out of port or prevent them from entering port within
72 hours of the predicted arrival of gale force winds from a hurricane
force storm (Condition WHISKEY)"
The Coast Guard assured AWO that the existing Atlantic Area instruction
remains in effect and agreed to reiterate to Captains of the Port
in the First, Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Coast Guard Districts
the importance of abiding by the instruction in establishing port-specific
severe weather plans. The Coast Guard also agreed to communicate
to Atlantic Area COTPs the need to take account of the limitations
of inland barges, which are not covered by the existing instruction
and do not have the ability to outrun a storm. After the 2005 hurricane
season, the Coast Guard and AWO will meet again to review lessons
learned from this year's storm season.
In the meantime, AWO members are encouraged to review the Atlantic
Area instruction and abide by the guidance it provides for barges
and supporting tugs remaining in port in the face of an impending
storm. The instruction notes that "it is incumbent upon the vessel's
master or owner to make all appropriate arrangements for berthing,
mooring or anchoring, including tug service or any other precaution,
as necessary, to ensure the safety of the vessel and to prevent
damage to the port," and requires the person in charge of the barge
and assist tug(s) to submit a written mooring plan for approval
by the Captain of the Port. The instruction includes a "Storm Preparedness
Planning for Oceangoing Barges with Tugs Remaining in Port Checklist"
that specifies the information to be included in the mooring plan
submission.
AWO members with questions about the Atlantic Area severe weather
policy should contact Jennifer Carpenter at (703) 841-9300 or via
email at jcarpenter@vesselalliance.com.
Grafton Towboat Festival Attracts 2,000 Visitors
On June 25 and 26, close to 2,000 visitors toured B&H Towing's
m/v Mary Halter (named after Buck and Helen Lay's granddaughter)
and Luhr Bros.' m/v Michael Luhr (named after the company's president).
The generous donation of the vessels allowed this annual event,
sponsored by the Grafton, Illinois, Chamber of Commerce, to highlight
the positive aspects of waterway transportation. The crews of both
vessels discussed the positive aspects of the industry and the lifestyle
of a towboater. AWO staff provided safety briefings and media tours.
MARC 2000 staff assisted with the tours and promoted lock modernization
to the crowd.
Midwest and Ohio Valley Regions Host Joint Summer Meeting
The Midwest and Ohio Valley Regions' Joint Regional Summer Meeting
will be held on August 17-18 in St. Louis, MO. The events begin
on August 17 with a reception from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., and a fundraiser
for Congressman Kenny Hulshof (R-MO) from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Congressman
Hulshof is a long-time supporter of waterway issues and was instrumental
in ensuring the repeal of the onerous 4.3-cent fuel tax. Congressman
Hulshof has also worked to maintain the viability of Missouri River
navigation.
The business meeting runs from 7:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August
18. Guest speakers include Chuck Shea, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Chicago District, on the Fish Barrier; COL Duane Gapinski, Corps
Rock Island District Commander, on the UMR-IWW Navigation Study
and Competitive Sourcing; CAPT Scott LaRochelle, Commander, U.S.
Coast Guard Sector - Milwaukee, on Upper Illinois Waterway and Lake
Michigan issues; CAPT Tim Close, Coast Guard Eighth District Inland
Waterways Coordinator, on the Waterways Action Plan (WAP); and Roy
Murphy, Kirby Corporation, on challenges facing the industry due
to new licensing regulations. Mr. Craig Philip, Ingram Barge Company,
will also provide an update on the towing vessel inspection rulemaking.
The meeting will be followed by a congressional workshop barge
tour that includes lunch, a short program, and ample opportunity
to communicate with congressional staffers. Further information
on this event is attached to this newsletter.
The host hotel is the newly renovated Hilton Downtown. Rooms are
being held until July 18 at an AWO rate of $139.00. Contact the
hotel directly at (314) 436-0002. The attached registration form
is due by July 18, 2005. You can also register electronically at
www.americanwaterways.com. For more information, including an agenda,
contact Marilyn Clark at (703) 841-9300.
Missouri River Navigation Season Shortened
Stakeholders' Group Makes Progress on River Management
On July 6, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Northwest Division
announced that the Missouri River navigation season would be shortened
by only 48 days instead of the 61 days previously announced. The
change was caused by an unpredicted increase in reservoir levels
on July 1. The upper basin states of Montana, South Dakota, and
North Dakota all experienced record rainfall in June.
On June 29-30, the Missouri River plenary group met in Bismarck,
North Dakota. The group is chartered to advise federal agencies
on Missouri River spring flow releases from Gavin's Point Dam. The
final meeting of the group will be at the end of July. AWO Vice
President - Midcontinent Lynn Muench serves on the plenary group.
Following the completion of this project, a permanent advisory group
to the involved federal agencies will be formed. This group, the
Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC), will provide
ongoing guidance on flow management and species recovery.
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This edition of the AWO Letter is sponsored
by:
For further information, contact:
Anne Davis Burns
Vice President - Public Affairs
801 North Quincy Street
Suite 200
Arlington, VA 22203
PH: (703) 841-9300
FAX: (703) 841-0389
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