SPRING LEGISLATIVE BOATING CAUCUS SUMMARY
On June 6, 2006 the Massachusetts Legislative Boating Caucus met at the State House on Beacon Hill to discuss issues of critical importance to the recreational boating community and the marine trades industry. The Caucus consists of over 50 members of the Legislature who meet several times throughout the year to discuss and advance initiatives intended to preserve the marine trades and the recreational boating industry in Massachusetts.
In spite of both the House and Senate being in formal sessions and a number of other high-profile events competing for legislators' time that day, Senators Michael Morrissey (South Shore) and Robert O'Leary (Cape and Islands) each committed much of their afternoons to open and engaging discussions on dredging and ocean management.
Equally committing time and content to these discussions and others pertaining to pending abandoned vessel legislation, coastal infrastructure/hazards, and the future of a Boston-based boat show were Caucus Chairman Anthony Verga and Representatives Susan Gifford (Southeast Coast), Eric Turkington (Falmouth and Islands) and Frank Hynes (South Shore).
Along with key legislative staff members and state agency officials, the Caucus acknowledged that though there are insufficient funds for dredging, harder still is locating locations for dredge spoils which are acceptable to the surrounding communities. Senator Morrissey noted that the boating community is already heavily burdened with taxes yet dredging has become a critical issue that will need even further funding considerations. MMTA has been urging the executive branch to streamline administrative delays associated with dredging and has begun working with the Legislature and the Seaport Advisory Council to fund infrastructure projects to sustain the industry's basic needs.
Chairman Verga urged all present to support House Bill 4362, An Act Relative to Abandoned Vessels, which would expedite the lengthy process for marinas and boatyards to remove these boats from their property. He noted that abandoned vessels are environmentally hazardous and financially draining to small marine businesses throughout the Commonwealth.
MMTA has made HB4362 a top priority and encourages all members to contact their legislators and ask them to urge House Ways and Means Chairman Robert DeLeo to move the bill immediately out of this Committee where it has been awaiting action, with no opposition, for nearly a year. Calls from MMTA members directly to Chairman DeLeo are also appropriate (617-722-2990).
Senator O'Leary led a detailed discussion on his efforts to pass ocean management legislation, which he explained was prompted three years ago by proposed projects outside Commonwealth waterways, including wind farms and LNG tanker sites. MMTA has been welcomed by Senator O'Leary to play an important part in ensuring that the freedom to navigate is not impeded. Staff has reviewed the most recent redraft of the bill (Senate Bill 2575), and is pleased to note it now exempts transient recreational boating from requiring any plan approvals and excludes all existing recreational facilities, including mooring fields, from the mandatory planning area. Recreational fishing has also been better protected in this draft. However, MMTA will continue to press for other specific draft changes, including language designating an advisory panel seat for a representative of the recreational boating marine trades and language to explicitly preclude authority over existing facilities' new planning.
Representatives Hynes and Gifford have been appointed by Governor Romney to the Massachusetts Coastal Hazards Commission (CHC), charged with studying existing coastal hazards policies and recommending legislative, regulatory and administrative changes. Representative Hynes was pleased to report that the CHC is the first commission of this scope that acknowledges the need for a comprehensive coastal hazards plan. MMTA has volunteered to serve as an informational resource as soon as the Commission welcomes assistance.
Caucus meeting participants agreed that the outlook is promising for House Bill 4493, An Act Relative to Gate Shows, which would open the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center to gate shows and greatly improve the future prospects of an annual Boston-based boat show. MMTA applauds Senator Jack Hart and Representative Brian Wallace of South Boston for their commitment to open community-based discussions on this matter and looks forward to a mutually agreeable resolution. Passage of HB4493 has been MMTA's highest priority for the past four months.
Representing MMTA at the Caucus meeting were Director Russ Vickers of Salem's Hawthorne Cove Marina, Nathalie Grady, Public Affairs Director, Jamy Madeja, Government Relations & Legal Counsel and Leona Roach, Executive Director.
MMTA thanks Chairman Anthony Verga for inviting members and staff to participate in the June 6 Boating Caucus meeting and looks forward to future opportunities to work with Caucus members. If your elected officials are not part of the Boating Caucus membership list below and you would like assistance contacting them on the above or other boating-related matters, please contact Nathalie Grady at 978-808-1408 or nkgrady@boatma.com.
Questions on the "Boat Show Bill" and abandoned vessel legislation may be directed to Jamy Madeja, MMTA's Legal and Government Relations Counsel at 617-227-8410 or jmadeja@buchananassociates.com.
For a list of legislative vehicles that MMTA is tracking and recent actions thereon, visit the Members Only section of BoatMA.com. This Legislative Tracking list is updated monthly.
Back to top
LINK TO THE BOSTON INTERNATIONAL IN WATER BOAT SHOW
World Trade Center - Seaport District Boston
September 28 - October 1, 2006
Increase Boat Show floor traffic to your exhibit...
Link the Boat Show site from your company web page today!
Visit the Boat Show Web Site
for simple instructions and graphics.
Back to top
WHEN DID YOU LAST VISIT BOATER 101?
Visit Boater 101's website (http://www.boater101.com) to view the new television program about boating safety, environmental issues and solutions, career opportunities and recreational opportunities.
Back to top
GOT ISLAND FEVER?
FIND THE CURE AT SPECTACLE ISLAND IN THE
BOSTON HARBOR ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK!
Skip the traffic jams and pricey getaways for island life just minutes from downtown Boston. Open dawn to dusk through Labor Day, Spectacle Island offers daytrip and overnight options for boaters to enjoy two sandy beaches and five miles of walking trails that crest at 157 feet with unsurpassed views of Boston Harbor and the Boston skyline.
Catch up on your Harbor Islands history at the Visitors Center or tie up alongside fellow boaters at Spectacle Island Marina. Check out the fabulous rates below and save $$$$ in accommodations, fuel and food costs by cruising to the island next door with a picnic for daytrips or even overnights!
Serving as a seashell landfill, lumber harvesting site and smallpox quarantine, throughout the 1600s and early 1700s Spectacle Island became part of Boston Harbor's unique past. Though rich in Native American and colonialist history, there are a few fun facts about Spectacle Island as well. Its name was inspired by the island's resemblance to a pair of eyeglasses and during the Victorian era, Spectacle was home to two summer resorts made famous for hosting gambling and other illicit activities!
Some years later, Spectacle Island's two lighthouses became important guides for vessels entering the inner harbor and over time the City of Boston added 30 acres to the island by using it as garbage dump and grease plant. The dumping ended in 1959 and rehabilitation began in 1992 when the "Big Dig" Project added 3 million cubic yards of dirt, gravel, and clay during construction of the Ted Williams Tunnel. Additionally, a seawall was built to prevent further erosion of pollution into Boston Harbor and topsoil was laid to promote tree and plant growth.
For more information on the history of the Boston Harbor Islands visit www.bostonharborislands.org or for Spectacle Island Marina information visit www.constitutionmarina.com.
Spectacle Island Marina: Great Rates = A GREAT ESCAPE!
| Vessel Length Overall | Under 30' | 30' + |
| Day Rate 9:00AM - 5:30 PM | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Overnight 5:30PM - 10:30 AM | $1.50/foot | $1.50/foot |
Back to top
Coming in September & October 2006
The very heart of the Massachusetts marine trades industry and recreational boating community are the vast natural resources the Commonwealth enjoys, including 1500 miles of saltwater coastline and 2700 miles of inland waterways.
Given the economic benefits and quality of life gained from our geographic assets, once in a while our fellow citizens and our state government need a reminder that we are all responsible for protecting our coastal environment. One of the many ways to improve the condition of the waterways is to participate in a COASTSWEEP cleanup event this fall. MMTA strongly encourages its members, its member employees and member customers to become actively involved in CoastSweep events in your area. As stewards and users of our public trust waters, we share the responsibility of maintaining and treasuring our coastal resources. We hope you will make plans to demonstrate your commitment to our waterfront and our industry's dedication to the resource that supports our livelihoods.
Each year thousands of COASTSWEEP volunteers take to the Commonwealth's coastlines, ocean bottoms and riverbanks to remove trash and marine debris. Collection information becomes part of the Ocean Conservancy's international effort to understand and ultimately reduce marine pollution. Hard as it is for most of us to imagine polluting the marine environment, last year 2,000 COASTSWEEP volunteers collected 25,104 pounds of trash at 133 beaches. That's over 11 pounds of trash per volunteer!
- When is the CoastSweep Kickoff? - Saturday, September 16, 2006 - Location to be determined Cleanup events will take place throughout September and October 2006.
- Who Participates? - Volunteers from across Massachusetts
- What is COASTSWEEP? - COASTSWEEP is part of an international effort focused on cleaning the world's coastal areas and preventing further buildup of marine debris.
Top 10 Debris Items Collected
During COASTSWEEP 2004
1. Cigarettes/Cigarette Filters
2. Food Wrappers and Containers
3. Bottle Caps/Lids
4. Cups/Plates/Plastic flatware
5. Straws/Stirrers
6. Rope
7. Bags
8. Plastic Beverage Bottles (2L or less)
9. Beverage Cans
10. Glass Beverage Bottles
|
- Why does Massachusetts have COASTSWEEP? - Marine debris is a local as well as a global problem that affects wildlife habitats, water quality, and recreational opportunities. Through COASTSWEEP, volunteers help make the state's beaches and waterways safer for the animal and human users. Our local efforts prevent debris from circulating throughout the world's oceans and contribute information used to develop programs intended to reduce marine debris.
- How do I get involved in COASTSWEEP? - We are always looking for Volunteers, Local Coordinators, and Sponsors to help make the program successful. To learn more about each of these opportunities visit the COASTSWEEP website's "How to Get Involved" page at http://www.coastsweep.umb.edu or call 617-287-5570.
Organized by the Office of Coastal Zone Management and the Urban Harbors Institute of the University of Massachusetts Boston, COASTSWEEP 2006 welcomes financial donations but also in-kind donations such as volunteers, fuel and boat use at underserved areas. Becoming a COASTSWEEP Sponsor is very easy! Just contact Pauline Westhaver at 617-287-5570 or email her at Coastsweep@umb.edu For more information about getting involved, please contact Nathalie Grady at nkgrady@boatma.com or 978-808-1408. You can also visit http://www.coastsweep.umb.edu.
Back to top
LOOKING TO SCOUT LOCATIONS FOR EXPANDING YOUR MARINE BUSINESS?
BE SURE TO ATTEND THE 2006 BROWNFIELDS TRANSACTION FORUM
Take part in the business of brownfields at the 3rd annual Brownfields Transaction Forum on Monday, November 13, from 11:30 a.m. -1:00 PM at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. This free forum brings together brownfield property owners with developers, investors and financiers to network and craft redevelopment deals. At the Brownfields Transaction Forum you can:
- Meet with site owners about properties available for purchase and lease
- Talk with brokers and developers seeking properties
- Look at detailed listing information and market data
- Attend educational sessions to learn how to purchase, sell, lease, and obtain financing for brownfield deals
- Take part in a pre-conference workshop on how to market brownfield properties
The Brownfields Transaction Forum is presented to encourage new real estate transactions. The 2006 Brownfields Transaction Forum is now accepting registrations. http://www.brownfields2005.org/en/?hsid=1&ssid1=47&ssid2=98.
The Brownfields Forum is co sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the International City/County Management Association.
Back to top
Regulatory Fairness Hearing for Small Business
Small business owners have an opportunity to discuss concerns about federal regulatory compliance and enforcement issues during this event sponsored by the U. S. Small Business Administration.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!
Small business owners may testify during the hearing by registering in advance. Call Joan Trudell at 617/565-5572 at the SBA Massachusetts District Office or send an e-mail to joan.trudell@sba.gov. Testimony may be submitted in writing in advance or at the hearing. Anyone desiring confidentiality may request that his or her name not be released and may submit written testimony in lieu of a public appearance at the hearing.
- WHEN: Friday July 14, 2006, 08:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- WHO: Small Business Administration [SBA] National Ombudsman Nicholas N. Owens and members of SBA's Regulatory Fairness Board for Region 1 will meet with community leaders, members of trade and business associations, small business owners and invited members of the congressional delegation to discuss concerns about federal regulatory compliance and enforcement in the region.
- WHERE: Thomas "Tip" O' Neill Building, 10 Causeway St, Auditorium, Boston
- CONTACT: For more information, vist http://www.sba.gov/ombudsman
Back to top
MARINE INDUSTRY EVENT CALENDAR
Have an event to be added to the calendar of interest to all members, send an e-mail to Leona.Roach@boatma.com
Back to top
ONGOING REMINDERS TO MEMBERS AND LINKS OF INTEREST
2006 MASSACHUSETTS MARINE SHRINKWRAP RECYCLING INFO:
http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/newsbriefs/2006_may_08_news.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIRECTORIES AVAILABLE:
If you would like additional copies of the 2006 MMTA Directory for your staff and key employees, send a check for $6 per copy to MMTA P.O. Box 272, Milton, MA 02186.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BOATER INFORMATION PIPELINE SIGNUP:
http://www.boatma.com/boatersenewssignupform.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MMTA NEWSBRIEF ON ETHANOL:
http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/newsbriefs/2006_march_11_news.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MMTA NEWSBRIEF ON LOW SULFUR GASOLINE:
http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/newsbriefs/2006_march_03_news.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RENEW YOUR 2006 MMTA MEMBERSHIP ONLINE THROUGH PAYPAL:
https://ssl3.pair.com/bythesea/cgi-bin/quickstore/boatma-renew/order.pl
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAKE THE MMTA JOBS BULLETIN BOARD WORK FOR YOU!
Be sure to post your help wanted notices here. It's free, it's popular and it works! http://www.boatma.com/jobs/bbs.pl
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARINE TRADES EDUCATORS WISH LIST
Go To: www.boatma.com/membersonly/news/bbs.pl to visit the MMTA News Bulletin Board of Wish Lists from Ben Franklin Institute of Technology, Massasoit Community College and Cape Cod Tech.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHOW YOUR COLORS
Proudly Display the MMTA Logo: Download it Here:
http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/mmtalogos.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WE WANT YOUR MARINE INDUSTRY PHOTOS!
We need photos of marinas, boatyards, retailers, service and repairers. Please send all photos in a high resolution version and indicate if a photo credit is applicable or not. Send to Leona.Roach@boatMA.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPCOMING MARINE INDUSTRY EVENTS
CLICK HERE: http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/memberscalendar.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MMTA-STAPLES BUSINESS ADVANTAGE PROGRAM
Click Here, or visit the MMTA Members Only Section at www.BoatMA.com and click on the STAPLES LOGO.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E-MAIL CHANGES?
Send a notice of any email address changes or requests to opt out of future mailings to: webmaster@boatMA.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPORT YOUR ASSOCIATION: ADVERTISE ON BOATMA.COM
THE BEST PROMOTIONAL VALUE FOR YOUR MARINE BUSINESS! Email webmaster@boatma.com or call David Watson, the BoatMA.com webmaster, at 508-240-2533 to sign up today!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARE THE WEALTH!
PLEASE share these ENews briefs with colleagues and staff of MMTA member firms. HAVE AN ITEM FOR ENEWS? Drop us a line at: Leona.Roach@BoatMA.com
Back to top
|
