H.R. 1808: Keep America’s Waterfronts Working Act of 2025 (119th Congress) Bill Summary

The "Keep America’s Waterfronts Working Act of 2025" is designed to modify the existing Coastal Zone Management Act to better support and sustain working waterfronts across the United States. The bill establishes a Task Force that will focus on the economic, social, and ecological needs associated with these waterfront areas. It aims to develop a comprehensive framework for funding and implementing successful strategies that enhance and preserve the essential functions of working waterfronts.

Key Provisions

The creation of a Task Force dedicated to the management and support of working waterfronts.
Annual funding of $50 million is authorized from 2025 to 2029 for a loan fund specifically aimed at preserving working waterfronts in qualified coastal states that have developed appropriate plans.
The bill provides clear definitions for key terms related to the initiative, such as "working waterfront," "disadvantaged community," and "covered entity." The term "covered entity" encompasses a range of organizations, including state agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations that may play a role in waterfront management and preservation.

Goals and Objectives

The overall objective of the bill is to create a supportive framework that fosters the ongoing viability of working waterfronts while addressing the diverse needs of local communities. This includes promoting economic development, supporting local fisheries, tourism, and related industries, and ensuring that these areas can adapt to environmental changes and challenges.

Implementation

Funding from the proposed loan fund would be allocated to states that have submitted and received approval for their plans related to working waterfronts. This would enable eligible states to implement various projects and initiatives designed to enhance the sustainability and functionality of their waterfront areas.