Jim Saxton: “Mr. Chairman, the purpose of H.R. 3164 is to speed up the critically needed improvements to our Nation's nautical…”

“Mr. Chairman, the purpose of H.R. 3164 is to speed up the critically needed improvements to our Nation's nautical charting program. Nautical charting receives much less publicity or funding than either highway construction or airline safety, but it is just as important to the United States' economy, particularly in today's world of international trade. However, funding for nautical charting has been cut in half over the last 15 years, and at the present time it will take nearly 30 years just to bring the minimum number of charts necessary to ensure safe navigation in U.S. waters up to modern standards. Congress has recognized the need for more support for this program and increased appropriations for nautical charting over the last 4 fiscal years. However, with only three Federal survey ships available, serious efforts to reduce the charting backlog will require a partnership between the Federal Government and private contractors. H.R. 3164 defines these responsibilities, allowing the process of reducing the backlog to proceed more quickly.”