Corps Releases Work Plan, Allocating $1.1 Billion

Washington, D.C.—The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released its fiscal year 2022 work plan for its civic works program, describing it as a transformative investment to support the use of waterways and ports to boost supply chains.

Delivered to Congress, the work plan presents the allocation of additional funds, roughly $1.1 billion, included in the omnibus appropriations bill signed into law by President Joe Biden in March.

The work plan divided those additional funds as $593 million for commercial navigation; $98 million, flood risk management; $300 million, Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP); other authorized project purposes, $99 million.

According to the Corps, the work plan funds to completion 18 feasibility studies, 14 projects in the preconstruction engineering and design phase and seven construction projects or elements of projects.

“The Army Civil Works FY 2022 Work Plan is yet another increment of transformative investments during this administration that will yield high economic and environmental returns, by supporting the use of the nation’s waterways and ports to strengthen supply chains, building resilience to climate change to protect people and infrastructure and increasing opportunities to work with and support disadvantaged communities,” said Michael Connor, assistant secretary of the Army for civil works.

Additional information can be found at: www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Budget/.

Surge In MMC Applications

The National Maritime Center (NMC) reported a significant surge in application submissions for Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) over the past several months.

To avoid delays, the NMC recommended several steps for mariners:

• Apply at least 90 days in advance. Renewals can be submitted up to eight months early with no change between expiration and renewal dates.

• Use Regional Exam Centers and Monitoring Units to review applications before submission. Appointments are available in person or over the phone.

 • Use the tools and resources on the NMC website such as the application acceptance checklist and evaluator checklists.

 • For general questions, contact the NMC Customer Service Center by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662), or using the Live Chat feature on the NMC Home Page.

Additionally, mariners can request expedited mailing of their MMC or Medical Certificate, which includes the ability to track the package.

Full instructions can be found on the NMC website.

Maritime Day

In his National Maritime Day 2022 Proclamation, President Joe Biden stated the merchant mariners’ legacy of perseverance and dedication continues today as the people of Ukraine defend their country.

“As tyranny and violence again cause the tragic loss of innocent lives and senseless destruction in Europe, our merchant mariners have answered the call of duty by crewing vessels of our United States Ready Reserve, moving vital military cargo to help the Ukrainian people in their defense of freedom,” the president’s proclamation stated.

Biden also saluted the entire maritime industry for its efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“They put the well-being of the American people first, risking their lives to ensure that essential cargoes of medical supplies and personal protective equipment were delivered to those in need across our nation,” the proclamation read.

Biden also repeated his administration’s “unwavering support” of the United States Merchant Marine, as well as the Jones Act, “which protects the integrity of our domestic maritime industry, supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and contributes over $150 billion in economic benefits.”

USMMA Council 

The Maritime Administration (MarAd) announced an extension of time for submitting nominations to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Advisory Council.

Applicant or nominator submissions should be received by June 14.

They must be submitted by email to Jack.Kammerer@dot.gov, which also can be used to ask for additional information along with 202-366-2805.

Composed of eight to 14 members, the council offers advice and recommendations on issues identified in the National Academy of Public Administration’s Comprehensive Assessment of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy November 2021 report.

Issues range from morale and discipline to fiscal affairs and infrastructure needs.

For additional information, see the MarAd notice in the May 24 Federal Register.

Congressional Gold Medal

The Maritime Administration (MarAd) announced eligibility criteria for World War II Merchant Mariners to receive duplicates of the Congressional Gold Medal presented May 18 at the U.S. Capitol.

Passed by Congress and signed into law in 2020, the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes MarAd to award duplicates of the medal to individuals who, between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946, were members of the United States Merchant Marine, or other related services.

If a qualified individual has passed, the law authorizes MarAd to issue medals to the next of kin.

To request a duplicate medal, veterans or their survivors can submit: a copy of the Merchant Mariner’s DD Form 214, “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty” with continuation ship if provided (the DD Form 214 is required to verify Merchant Marine service on vessels during World War II); a summary, if available, of World War II sailing history to include the theater(s) of operation and ports of discharge; and book number or United States Maritime Service (USMS) number if available.

Inquiries, along with the required documents, can be emailed to Katrina McRae at katrina.mcrae@dot.gov.

MRRIC Applications

The commander of the Northwestern Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is seeking applications to serve on the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC) and represent waterway industries, flood control and other stakeholder interest categories.

Applications and endorsement letters must be received by July 1.

They can be mailed to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District (Attn: MRRIC), 601 E 12th St., Kansas City, Mo. 64106 or emailed to mrric@usace.army.mil with ‘‘MRRIC’’ in the subject line.

For additional information, contact Lisa Rabbe at 816-389-3837.

MACOSH To Meet

The Maritime Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH) is scheduled to meet June 9 via WebEx to discuss incident response for workers, severe weather preparedness, rescue of persons in the water and on-dock rail safety.

Set to begin at 1 p.m., the meeting can be accessed at https://usdolevents.webex.com/usdolevents/j.phpMTID=mdc44fa031bf 41679d38d3bc32fc898e9 with password Welcome!24. The event may also be accessed by dialing 877-465-7975 and using access code 2762 793 4224.

Comments and requests to speak at the meeting must be submitted electronically at www.regulations.gov.

For additional information, contact Amy Wangdahl 202-693-2066.