Washington Waves
President Donald Trump marked National Maritime Day by honoring mariners and recommitting to restoring and expanding America’s maritime dominance.
“Today, that mission is more vital than ever,” the president said in a statement.
Trump cited the executive order he signed last year “to expand our shipbuilding capacity, strengthen our maritime workforce, protect our industrial base and ensure America’s shipping capabilities can support both military operations and economic independence.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Maritime Administration leader Stephen Carmel were among the speakers at an event honoring the day at the Transportation Department.
Deauthorization List
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking comments from the public on its proposed deauthorization list of water resources development projects and separable elements that have been identified in accordance with the Water Resources Development Acts (WRDA) of 2020 and 2024.
“The intent is to identify water resources development projects and separable elements of projects that are no longer viable for construction due to: (1) a lack of local support, (2) a lack of available federal or non-federal resources or (3) an authorizing purpose that is no longer relevant or feasible,” the Corps stated in the May 21 edition of the Federal Register.
The Proposed Deauthorization List can be found at: https:// www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Water-Resources-Development-Act/.
To ensure comments are considered, they should be received by August 19. Identified by Docket No. COE-2026-0034, comments may be submitted via http:// www.regulations.gov/, email at WRDA2024@usace.army.mil with the Docket Number in subject line of the message or mail at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ATTN: Sharon Sartor, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 441 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20314.
For additional information, contact Sharon Sartor at 202-761-4495 or WRDA2024@usace.army.mil.
Arctic Security Cutter Contract
The Coast Guard finalized a $3.5 billion contract for five Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs), which the service described as a new class of polar icebreaker vessels that will strengthen America’s position in the Arctic.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the contract was awarded to Davie Defense, with the first vessel to be delivered in 2028 and the last delivered by February 2035.
“Finalizing this contract represents decisive action to guarantee American security in the Arctic,” said Admiral Kevin Lunday, commandant of the Coast Guard. “These cutters will ensure the Coast Guard’s ability to control, secure and defend our northern border and maritime approaches.”
The Coast Guard is expected to finalize the two remaining contracts soon.
