Advocacy Report
By: MIASF Staff
Date posted: Aug 27, 2021 Fri
With FLIBS just around the corner, MIASF and Informa Markets are working to have the show recognized as eligible for the National Interest Exemption (NIE). This exemption will permit FLIBS’ global exhibitors to request permission to travel for the show. Congressman Ted Deutch, once again, championed the industry’s cause by reaching out to the Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to emphasize the importance of our international exhibitor’s participation in FLIBS. Individual letters of invitation are available to exhibitors on request to help facilitate the application process.
The industry working group met with USCG this month for final comments on the draft before it goes to DC for final review. The working group will now be looking to EPA to address the tier 3 compliance issue that may present a challenge to an older vessel wishing to convert to US flag.
Every June and July we see a rotation of personnel in the USCG, this year was no different and thanks to the generosity of Water Taxi we were able to take the some of the USCG officers on an educational tour of the New River to learn about the logistics of navigating to the shipyards and the economic importance of the marine industry. As always, the trip was a success, and we have representatives in Sector Miami with a good understanding of our businesses. They have committed to participate with the CBP at the Captain and Crew Forum on Saturday at FLIBS.
The visit from USCG also brought exciting news. The Captain of the Port, Captain Joanne Burdian is now Rear Admiral Select. Her leadership and knowledge of the issues unique to our yachting community have been a benefit to the marine industry during her time in Miami and promise to stay with her when she leaves us in 2022 for her next assignment.
FDOT’s Broward Commuter Rail PD&E Study kicked off the last week of August. Of particular interest to the marine community are the four options to address passenger trains crossing the New River without impeding navigation to the businesses that contribute $9.7 billion to the local economy annually. The low bridge option (21’ or 25’) does not achieve results at the New River, nor does it address vehicle and train traffic both running at grade on Broward Blvd. The preferred option needs to provide satisfactory solutions for both issues of concern. The proposed station locations are also revealed. Visit www.browardcommuterrailstudy.com for more information.
MIASF met with Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) and a representative from John Deere to learn more about the Right to Repair bill. In Florida, the bill, which failed to make it to the floor last year, was specific to farm equipment. It is anticipated to be refiled in this coming session. Anyone with concerns about this bill are asked to contact patience@miasf.org to discuss so that we may effectively represent our businesses should the issue gain momentum this session.