Nita Lowey: “Mr. Chairman, I, too, am concerned about the viability and sustainability of our six State maritime academies under this…”

“Mr. Chairman, I, too, am concerned about the viability and sustainability of our six State maritime academies under this bill's funding level for MARAD operation and training accounts. These six academies currently provide 75 percent of our Nation's licensed mariners at approximately one-third the cost of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. In addition, the graduates enjoy an impressive press 100 percent job placement upon graduation. Mr. Chairman, it is because of this great return on our investment that I am concerned about adequate funding. The report language notes that additional funding may be available for State Academies via the sale for scrap of vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet. However, EPA regulations currently prohibit such scrapping. I would like to work with the chairman to resolve this problem, but in the meantime, I urge the chairman and Members of the subcommittee to work with the Senate in conference to ensure adequate funding for the State Maritime Academies.”