 | MMTA ENews Brief: July 21, 2005
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| MMTA ENews Brief: July 21, 2005
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 Support the MMTA endorsed fall Boston In Water Boat Show! Please display this banner with a link to the show [http://www.bostoninwaterboatshow.com] on your web site. |
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Contact MMTA Public Affairs Director, Nathalie Grady for more information on hosting a National Marina Day event at your location. It is not too late! Want to find out more about hosting an event at your location on National Marina Day? Please contact MMTA Public Affairs Director, Nathalie Grady at nkgrady@boatMA.com. Join in the National Marina Day celebration! 
For More Information on the Grow Boating Initiative, visit: www.growboating.org For more information on the Consumer Face of Grow Boating campaign, visit: www.Discoverboating.com On July 11 HB 1399 was heard before the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. MMTA is grateful for the support of Gloucester Representative and Legislative Boating Caucus Chairman Anthony J. Verga who worked to draft and advance HB 1399 designed to make it possible for boatyard and marina owners and operators to affordably and expeditiously dispose of or sell derelict and abandoned vessels on their property.   Sincere thanks are owed to the following MMTA Members who took precious time away from their businesses to travel to the Massachusetts State House to demonstrate their support for House Bill 1399, An Act Relative to Abandoned Vessels. MMTA staffers Jamy Madeja, Esq. and Leona Roach were joined at the committee hearing by hearing by: 
MMTA made a powerful impression on the Committee thanks to the combination of the Bill Summary delivered by Ms. Madeja, testimony of several boatyards and graphic photographic illustrations of abandoned and derelict boats in MA marinas and boatyards. MMTA testimony made clear the extent of the problem and the many ways small marine businesses are struggling with the burden of boats abandoned and delinquent at their facilities. We remain optimistic and hopeful that HB 1399 will be reported swiftly and favorably from committee. MMTA will keep you posted as to the bill's progress through the legislature. Excerpts from the Office of Coastal Zone Management Newsletter: STORMS & STORMWATER NEWS NOAA Unveils 'Storm Tracker' to Follow Tropical Storms and Hurricanes As the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season gets underway, NOAA has introduced a new way to follow specific tropical storms or hurricanes. NOAA Storm Tracker will contain live links to advisories, tracking maps, and satellite images of a particular storm that is projected to strike the United States or other nations in a storm's path. For more information, go to http://www.stormtracker.noaa.gov/ New University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center The Center for Stormwater Technology Evaluation and Verification (CSTEV) is a groundbreaking program that provides rigorous scientific field-testing and demonstration of stormwater treatment technologies. CSTEV offers workshops in support of municipal managers, engineers, and others charged with developing and implementing stormwater management plans. The Center has installed and is testing 12 different best management practices (BMPs) at its nine-acre site at the UNH Durham campus. The multi-year project has been going on for about a year, and has generated extensive data on pollutant removal efficiencies and hydrology of conventional BMPs, Low Impact Development BMPs, and manufactured BMPs. For more information, go to http://www.unh.edu/erg/cstev/ Massachusetts Stormwater Technology Evaluation Project The Massachusetts Stormwater Technology Evaluation Project (MASTEP) has created this website as a source of verified technical information about stormwater BMPs and to provide information on innovative technologies to BMP users. The site includes a searchable database of performance characteristics for innovative stormwater treatment technologies. Go to http://www.mastep.net, for more information. PUBLICATIONS & TRAINING MATERIALS New Publication Online: Towards Conservation of Submerged Lands: The Law and Policy of Conservation Leasing and Ownership The report, designed to inform and add to the array of tools available for marine conservation and to spur creative thinking about the role of the public in conserving the nation's vital submerged lands, is the result of research, analysis, and dialogue between marine conservation practitioners and submerged lands' legal experts, as well as proceedings from a July 2004 workshop. The 45-page report was edited by The Nature Conservancy and Rhode Island Sea Grant/Roger Williams University and is available at http://law.rwu.edu/Academics+and+Institutes/Marine+Affairs+Institute.htm and click on the final report link. Training Materials on Small Docks and Piers Management NOAA and its National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management have prepared training materials for the management of small docks and piers. These materials, which include a guidance workbook and a number of PowerPoint presentations, are now available at http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/czm/dockpier.html#Anchor-Trainin-60372. CZM's Coast Guide Online! Just in time for the really hot weather, CZM has developed an easy-to-use online guide to beaches and coastal spots on the North Shore and in and around Boston. Based on CZM's Massachusetts Coast Guide to Boston and the North Shore publication, the website includes detailed, printable maps and brief descriptions of coastal areas that are open to the public. The sites range from small boat landings to bustling urban docks to wildlife refuge areas… For the online version of Coast Guide and the order form, go to http://www.mass.gov/czm/coastguide/index.htm. Message From Larry Innis: MRAA & MMTA Capitol Hill Advocate "The Coast Guard will soon release there were 676 boating fatalities in 2004 compared to 703 in 2003. The 2004 number is an all-time low fatality number. Even with a growth in recreational boating over the past 30+ years, the number of fatalities has declined to a record low level. Our waters have never been safer for Americans to enjoy. The boating safety programs are working, and people are becoming more safe. Spread the word."Excerpts From MRAA's Washington Watch by Larry Innis SENATE BILL 786 WOULD AX NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE Senate Bill 786 Introduced by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) would charge for weather service data and stir up a storm by severely limiting public access to the forecasts of the National Weather Service. The National weather service would still do research and compile data, but that information would be put in data portals that commercial weather companies and the media would have to pay to access. Officials at the National Weather Service Employees Organization said it would prevent the agency from providing information, including local, marine, and aviation forecasts, to the public, the media, academia, and state and local emergency management officials. Santorum said he does not want the government providing a service available by private companies. AccuWeather, a provider of climatological data, is based in Pennsylvania. NHSTA REGULATES BOAT TRAILER WEIGHTS The National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHSTA) regulates boat trailers and has passed a new regulation which would require boat trailers to be display a placard (decal), which gives the exact weight of the boat trailers. That's Right…..No Tolerances. …. No room for ERROR. If a boat dealer adds a spare tire, wheel, and bracket…..a new placard will have to be issued and displayed on the trailer. If a boat dealer adds boat guides, it will change the exact weight issued by the manufacturer and a new placard will have to be issued. THE PROBLEM……A set of scales to accurately weight the boat trailer (at a cost of $1,000 to $2,000) would have to be purchased by each boat dealer and each boat trailer would have to re-weighed whenever modified. Ironically and sadly, the scales register weights in increments of 10 # and are accurate to within plus or minus 20#. It will be Impossible to comply with the rule no matter what is done. MRAA is working with NHSTA to set weight tolerances for boat trailers that would preclude dealers from this onerous requirement. BANKRUPTCY BILL NOW LAW Bush signs Bankruptcy Bill into law. The Bankruptcy Bill would make consumers who file for bankruptcy wait Two to Four years longer before they can file again. AND, it would STOP the ratchet down concept where purchasers of a boat could file for bankruptcy, keep the boat, and refinance it at its fair market value rather than the loan balance. The market value could easily be 50% or more less than the outstanding loan balance. FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE & BUDGET CUTS House axes funds for Environmental programs. Federal environmental programs would bear the brunt of budget cuts next year under budget limits sent to the House Appropriations Committee. It looks like the EPA's clean water grant program is in the most trouble. Environmental programs would be cut by 2.2 percent from current outlays; in addition, Energy and water programs would be reduced by $100 million form 2005 levels. Defense and Homeland Security will rise by over $12 billion next year. WALLOP-BREAUX AUTHORIZATION Wallop-Breaux authorizes federal funds for fish hatcheries, boating safety, pump outs, boating access construction, and the outreach programs of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and has gone to conference. The Senate had passed language favorable to boating and fishing interests, the House failed Wallop-Breaux language. In a senate conference letter, conferees were urged to accept the House language realizing full recovery of the 4.8 cents per gallon motorboat and small engine gasoline tax, set to expire on September 30, which is currently going to the general revenue fund for deficit reduction. This would amount to an additional $110 million per year. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY 60 YEARS YOUNG Congratulations to the Coast Guard Auxiliary….Sixty-six years ago Congress established the Coast Guard Reserve. This volunteer force of men and women was created to assist the Coast Guard and the recreational boating public. In 2005, the 30,000 members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (renamed in 1941) are still supporting the Coast Guard and helping recreational boaters with vessel safety checks, regatta patrols, safety patrols, checks to aids to navigation, boating safety education, and search and rescue. 
INTRODUCING THE FIRST MMTA BUYING PARTNERSHIP: THE MMTA-STAPLES BUSINESS ADVANTAGE PROGRAMLeveraging our collective buying power and need for simple office supply ordering and competitive pricing, MMTA is pleased to offer this program exclusively to members of the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association. The deep discounts and dedicated customer service are typically reserved for much larger corporations. Because you are an MMTA member, these discounts are now available to you. What are the benefits to your marine business?
It's easy. Visit the MMTA Members Only Section at www.BoatMA.com and click on the Staple Logo. After you complete the online enrollment, an MMTA-Staples Account Manager will contact you to complete the registration process and assist with any questions you have about getting started. It's That Easy! The Boston International In Water Boat Show is Boston's only Boat Show with over 200 In-Water Boat Displays and 300 Indoor Boat Displays. This show attract boaters from all over New England, and one of New England's largest, most attractive boat shows. Children under 12 are admitted free with an adult companion and complimentary youth life jackets are available dockside. Endorsed by the Massachusetts Marine Trade Association, the Boston International In Water Boat Show is Boston's only Fall Boating Event showcasing the latest in boating technology. Over 500 power and sailboats, hardware, engines, and accessories are exhibited by today's marine industry leaders. ATTENTION MMTA MEMBER EXHIBITORS: 
The $250K Boat Buyer's Bonanza is what distinguishes the Boston International In Water Boat Show from all other boat shows in the Northeast.The Bonanza is a cooperative Reward Program that gives YOUR customers a financial reward for CONCLUDING their boat purchase during the show. No other show offers this kind of incentive to close sales at a boat show.
Over 250,000 Impressions of Special Direct Mail and Print Advertising will be distributed in late September. Advertising space is limited so call, 978-777-4439, today for more information.
Unlike the US Post Office, the cyberspace postmaster does not forward your e-mail. Has your e-mail address changed? If so, be sure to let us know so you won't miss an issue of MMTA ENews: Send a notice of any email address changes or requests to opt out of future mailings to: webmaster@boatMA.com THE BEST PROMOTIONAL VALUE FOR YOUR MARINE BUSINESS! If you do ANY advertising, this is THE place to be! Only for MMTA members, the BOATMA.com web site draws thousands of boaters every single day. There is no better place to get exposure for your marine trades business!
Email webmaster@boatma.com or call David, the BoatMA.com webmaster, at 508-240-2533 to sign up today! Like what you have read? PLEASE share these ENews briefs with colleagues and staff of MMTA member firms. While emails are sent to one contact at a Member Firm, all employees of member firms can benefit from this information. Do you know a firm that should be a Full or Associate member of MMTA? We want your referrals for membership: just drop a note to Membership Committee Chairman Niven Damon at Niven@nivendamon.com or complete a Membership Application On-line. Late summer is the BEST time to join MMTA: new member applications approved in the Fall of 2005 will be approved for a 15 month membership for the price of 12 months!
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