Zombie Form Returns: MARAD Revives Marine Highway Paperwork
Published Date: 3/19/2025
Notice
Summary
MARAD wants to bring back a form that helps review grant applications for the United States Marine Highway Program. This program supports funding to grow and promote marine highway transportation, making shipping easier and greener. Changes in the law mean projects no longer need special approval before applying, so MARAD is asking for public feedback before restarting the process.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
No More Pre-Designation Requirement
The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 removed the requirement that MARAD designate projects before they were eligible to compete for grants. That change means projects can be eligible to compete without prior designation when applying for Marine Highway Program funding.
Reinstate Grant Application Form
MARAD plans to reinstate the information collection OMB 2133-0541 so applicants can submit forms to be evaluated for United States Marine Highway Program grants. The collection was discontinued on August 28, 2023 and reinstating it lets entities again apply for funding to develop, expand, or promote marine highway transportation.
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