General Summary of the Bill

The proposed legislation, titled the "Waterway Activation that Targets Economic Revitalization, Welcomes Activity, and Yields Success Act" or the "WATERWAYS Act," seeks to establish a task force dedicated to enhancing waterway freight diversification and economic development in the corridors of the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela Rivers. This initiative aims to capitalize on the United States' inland waterways as a safe and environmentally friendly means of transporting goods such as agricultural products and energy resources. The bill aligns with recent legislative efforts like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, targeting communities impacted by deindustrialization, including those traditionally coal-dependent.

Significant Issues

The bill outlines a substantial $5,000,000 annual budget for the task force's operations from 2024 through 2034. However, there are notable concerns about the absence of defined metrics and benchmarks to evaluate the task force's effectiveness. Without clear criteria for project selection and funding allocation, there is a risk of favoritism or unequal resource distribution. Additionally, the vague language used in the sections about promoting inland waterway access and the lack of specific action plans may lead to ineffective implementation of the bill's objectives.

Furthermore, the discretion given to involve additional federal agencies without preset boundaries could result in bureaucratic complexity, potentially hindering the task force's efficiency. The technical jargon, particularly in the savings provision section regarding tribal rights, may obscure its implications for the general public without further clarification.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, the bill holds the potential to positively impact regions along the specified river corridors by fostering economic growth and providing new opportunities for freight transport, which could lead to job creation and increased infrastructure investment. As waterway freight is environmentally preferable to other forms of transportation, it could also contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions and energy consumption, benefiting public health and the environment.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For coal-dependent and economically depressed communities, the bill could signify hope for revitalization and economic support. By identifying and implementing critical projects, it aims to inject life into these areas, potentially reversing trends of industrial decline. Local stakeholders involved in transportation, economic, and community development may also find new avenues for collaboration and investment, leading to enhanced regional connectivity and growth.

Conversely, without clear stipulations and focused guidance, the bill could lead to unintended negative consequences, such as misallocation of funds, bureaucratic stagnation, or failure to adequately address the needs of all communities equitably. Stakeholders, including state and local agencies and indigenous tribes, might require additional clarifications to fully understand how the legislation aligns with their interests and responsibilities.

Overall, while the WATERWAYS Act sets forth an ambitious plan to leverage inland waterways for economic development, attention to detail in its execution and guidelines will be crucial to realizing its full potential without adverse effects.

The "WATERWAYS Act," or Senate Bill S. 3846, introduces significant financial components targeted at enhancing waterway freight diversification and economic development across the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela River corridors. A detailed review of these financial aspects provides insight into the bill's focus and the potential challenges that accompany its financial provisions.

Financial Allocations and Appropriations

The bill authorizes $5,000,000 annually for each fiscal year from 2024 through 2034. This funding is designated for establishing and maintaining a task force that will work toward diversifying freight transport and promoting economic development in the specified river corridors. This allocation is intended to support several objectives, such as studying current waterway freight use, facilitating investment, coordinating stakeholder activities, and producing annual reports detailing the task force's progress.

Issues Relating to Financial References

Several issues arise from this financial reference that question the adequacy and effectiveness of the authorized funding:

1. Undefined Metrics and Benchmarks: There is concern that the allocation of $5,000,000 per year might not be effectively tied to clearly defined needs, outcomes, or performance metrics. Without these benchmarks, there is a risk of inefficient spending, as the bill does not specify how the effectiveness of the financial expenditures will be measured or evaluated.

2. Potential for Favoritism: The absence of explicit criteria for selecting "critical projects" funded by the annual budget might result in unequal or biased allocation of funds. This lack of clarity can open the door to favoritism, where funding could be unevenly distributed among projects without a fair and transparent selection process.

3. Ambiguity and Complexity: The bill's broad language allows considerable discretion to the Interagency Working Group in choosing additional federal agencies to involve in the task force. This can lead to a complex administrative environment, potentially diluting the focus and effectiveness of how the funds are used.

4. Lack of Specific Actions: The promotion of inland waterway access mentioned in Section 2 lacks concrete actions or programs, making it unclear how the financial resources will translate into tangible improvements. This vague language risks ineffective implementation, where funds may not achieve the desired impact on the communities intended to benefit.

In summary, while the authorization of $5 million annually signals a strong commitment to leveraging river freight as an economic driver, the bill would benefit from clearer criteria, specified outcomes, and actionable plans to ensure the allocated funds are used effectively. Establishing transparent processes and performance indicators could address the potential issues of inefficiency and ensure that the financial allocations produce meaningful results aligned with the bill's objectives.