VMA COMMITTEES

3/16 Offshore Wind| Updates were received from Dominion Energy, Avangrid Renewables, and Orsted, as well as an update from the U.S. Coast Guard on Central Atlantic activities. A presentation was also given on energy credits and power acquisition, and lunch was provided afterwards from DLS Marine.

3/21 Communication & Outreach| Port Day 2023 was reviewed, as well as the status of legislation and budget requests from the 2023 session. Various federal updates were given, including the status of funding for the Southern Branch. Finally, the Committee reviewed assigned action items from the VMA’s 2022 Strategic Plan and discussed the creation of VMA “Ambassadors.”

3/23 Environmental Affairs| An overview of legislative items pertaining to environmental regulations in the 2023 session of the General Assembly was presented, as well as several regulatory updates. Dredging activity and other sustainability and resiliency programs were discussed.

4/3 Harbor Anchorage, Dredging, & Navigational Rules| Updates were received on various dredging projects and navigation initiatives, including offshore wind project siting and safety fairways. The U.S. Coast Guard also shared information on an upcoming anchorage assessment, inviting interested members to participate.

4/11 Terminal Operators| Updates were received on various dredging projects and navigation initiatives, as well as information on several federal grant opportunities for members to take advantage of. Increasing participation from other terminal operators was also discussed.

4/12 Towing & Barge| Discussions took place on ongoing operational issues with several local bridges, as well as upcoming bridge repair projects. A standardized reporting form for bridge non-compliance was also discussed, as well as several other safety best practices.

4/12 Inland Transportation| Discussions took place on recent TMTA/Pier Committee progress on remaining work items, also receiving an update on Hampton Blvd. motor carrier hours. A presentation was also given on growing economic development in the City of Suffolk and future traffic routing considerations.

4/19 Education & Training| Assigned action items from the VMA’s 2022 Strategic Plan, as well as ongoing efforts around internships were reviewed. A presentation was also given on the Newport New Shipyard’s workforce needs.

For more information about VMA Committees, contact Shayla Prince, at sprince@vamaritime.com.

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