Katko, Upton propose SHORE Act to improve harbor project transparency, cost processes

U.S. Reps. John Katko (R-NY) and Fred Upton (R-MI) on Feb. 10 unveiled bipartisan legislation that would direct the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to account for recreation-based considerations in cost-benefit analysis procedures for harbor maintenance, intracoastal waterways, and inland waterways projects.

“In the United States, the outdoor recreation economy generates $778 billion in economic growth and supports more than 5.2 million American jobs,” Rep. Upton said. “But the recreational economy is under threat because of the rising water levels in Lake Michigan and across the Great Lakes. The SHORE Act is needed to prioritize recreational infrastructure projects that serve an important role in the economy here in southwest Michigan and across the region.”

“Boating and recreation generates millions of dollars in regional economic benefits and creates hundreds of central New York jobs,” said Rep. Katko. “However, as communities across Lake Ontario’s southern shore continue to face the devastating consequences of rising water levels, it is critically important that USACE and OMB prioritize funding recreational infrastructure projects that play a significant role in our local economy.”

Rep. Katko sponsored the Safer Harbors for Our Recreational Economy (SHORE) Act, H.R. 5832, with original cosponsors Rep. Upton and U.S. Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D-NY) to ensure the economic benefits of recreational boating are thoroughly considered as part of the project authorization processes, and to improve transparency by requiring the Corps and OMB to report to Congress on their procedures and issue recommendations for establishing a uniform calculation for recreation-based economic benefits.

“This is important legislation that would have a direct positive impact for our recreational harbors in places like Saugatuck, South Haven, and New Buffalo, and I’m proud to support yet another bill that will continue to help preserve and protect our beautiful Great Lakes,” Rep. Upton said.

In central New York, Rep. Katko said H.R. 5832 would cover projects in Little Sodus Bay, Fair Haven, and the Port of Oswego, and coastal communities across Lake Ontario.

The measure has the support of the National Marine Manufacturers Association.