S. 3266: USMMA Athletics Act of 2025

The "USMMA Athletics Act of 2025" is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to support the athletic programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). Below are the key features of the bill:

Formation of a Nonprofit Corporation

The bill allows the Secretary of Transportation to establish a nonprofit corporation, which will be fully owned by the United States, to help fund and organize sports programs at the USMMA. The corporation will focus on charitable, educational, and civic purposes related to the academy's athletic activities.

Corporate Structure

• The corporation will be organized under New York state laws and operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity.
• The board of directors will serve without pay, except for reimbursement of certain expenses. Employees from the Department of Transportation may serve on this board under specific guidelines.

Financial and Contractual Authority

The bill grants the Secretary the power to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements to secure funding for the athletic programs. These can include:

• Sole-source contracts for necessary services and resources.
• Acquisition of goods and services to directly benefit the academy.

Property and Leasing Provisions

The Secretary is authorized to lease real property at the USMMA for up to five years if it is not immediately needed by the academy. The proceeds from these leases will be used exclusively for supporting athletic programs.

Support Services and Asset Transfers

The Secretary can provide essential support services, such as utilities and office supplies, for the corporation’s activities. Additionally, the bill allows for the transfer of funds and assets from existing nonappropriated fund operations related to the USMMA athletics, excluding real estate interests.

Acceptance of Contributions

The Secretary is permitted to accept donations of funds, supplies, and services from various sources, such as athletics conferences or licensing agreements to generate revenue, ensuring that these contributions do not compromise the integrity of the Department of Transportation.

Management of Funds

All funds received under this act will be retained for use in supporting the athletic programs and will be available until fully expended. This includes licensing fees from trademarks associated with the USMMA that may be used to support recruiting and similar activities.

Regulatory Compliance

The bill requires that any agreements or contracts made do not reflect negatively on the Department's ability to function impartially, and the Secretary retains the authority to approve any marketing agreements related to the academy's trademarks.

Relevant Companies

None found.