On November 7, TRVA addressed a letter to U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee. Today we were informed that Congressman Fleischmann intends to introduce TRVA requested legislation designed to provide additional funding for our nations Inland Waterway Transportation System. Thank You Congressman Fleischmann! November 7, 2014 The Honorable Chuck Fleischmann United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Dear Mr. Fleischmann, The membership of the Tennessee River Valley Association (TRVA) would like to thank you for your leadership and commitment to our nation’s water resources infrastructure. You recently demonstrated that leadership by voting for, and presiding over the passage of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014 in the U.S. House of Representatives. While WRRDA has been successfully enacted and the Corps Civil Works program has received higher funding levels from FY2014 appropriations, the need still exists for higher investment in our nation’s aging inland waterways transportation infrastructure, as illustrated by the recent unscheduled closure of the failing Chickamauga Lock. More than 200 industries relying on our nation’s rivers and waterways have unanimously endorsed increasing the existing 20-cent-per-gallon fee on diesel fuel for commercial transportation by as much as 6 to 9 cents per gallon. That additional revenue, deposited into the Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF), would be matched by funds from the General Treasury (normally 50%-50%) for new construction and major rehabilitation needs of the system, including the Chickamauga Lock Replacement and the Kentucky Lock Addition projects on the Tennessee River. The TRVA is hopeful that Congress will consider this much needed adjustment in user’s fees for the IWTF in the upcoming lame duck session, and respectfully requests your leadership and support. We look forward to debate and passage of legislation including this adjustment, recognizing the critical role of our nation’s inland waterways transportation infrastructure to a robust economy, job creation, public safety and environmental well-being. Sincerely, Cline Jones TRVA Executive Director
Posted on: Thu, 13 Nov 2014 01:57:06 +0000
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