OUR WATERWAYS Support Working Waterfronts Bill From the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association and the Association of Marina Industries Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced H.R. 2548, Keep America’s Waterfronts Working Act of 2009, back in May, as legislation to create a grant program for states to use to provide for expansion or improvement of public access. The Association of Marina Industries is calling for the public to call their members of Congress and tell them to support this bill. If enacted, the grant program would provide federal funds to purchase threatened marinas outright, or give a non-profit group funds to buy development rights to keep a working boatyard in business. This bill will have direct impacts on the marina industry and is the best effort to date by government to recognize and try to solve the problem of private ownership taking over our waterfront businesses. The act would authorize $25-million, $50-million and $75-million to the states over three successive years. To be eligible, states would have to develop a working waterfront plan and appoint an advisory committee to oversee the program. It would also require a 25 percent match to the federal funds.
Gulfport, FL, Initiates Changes to Welcome Boaters In November, the Gulfport City Council approved that the 15 guest slips at the Gulfport Municipal Marina allow dockage for up to a two-week period of stay. The Gulfport Chamber of Commerce also supplies complimentary boater packets with helpful information on where to find services. For those coming for a shorter stay, the city offers, at the
Photo courtesy of city of Gulfport.
rear of the Gulfport Casino Ballroom, free dockage for dinghies to large vessels f or up to eight hours and within walking distance to shops and restaurants The Boca Ciega Yacht Club in Gulfport often works with other clubs to form raft-ups off the shores of the town. For more information, contact Dennis Frain, municipal marina harbormaster at (727) 893-1000, or go to www.mygulfport.us, then “City Departments,” then “Leisure Services,” then “Marina.” (SOUTHWINDS will be publishing an article in the February issue about the city marina and other amenities of benefit to boaters.)
FIND CREW CREW ON A BOAT RACING · DAYSAILING CRUISING · PASSAGEMAKING SOUTHWINDS’ PressGang* crew and boat finding web site is again up and running FIND CREW FOR YOUR BOAT - FIND A BOAT TO CREW ON PressGang serves people who are seeking crew or boats for racing, day sailing, cruising and for longer passages. Add your boat or crew listing to be included in regional searches. PressGang FOR PASSAGES Searches for boats and crew making crossings and one-way voyages. PressGang has been recently updated and will be maintained on a regular basis to stay current with listings
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Easy to use · Private · Serving the Southeastern U. S. PressGang is a free service of SOUTHWINDS magazine *PressGang (prß gng ) n.: A company of sailors under an officer detailed to force people into naval service. PressGangs have been deployed from ancient times until the present. SOUTHWINDS PressGang does not use officers. see also: press, impress.
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January 2010
SOUTHWINDS
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