ADMINISTRATION SEEKS INCREASED FUNDING FOR MARAD, FMC FOR FISCAL 2000

ADMINISTRATION SEEKS INCREASED FUNDING FOR MARAD, FMC FOR FISCAL 2000       The Clinton Administration has requested Congress to increase funding for the Maritime Administration and Federal Maritime Commission for fiscal year 2000, which begins October 1.
      The Administration requested $185 million to cover MarAd programs, which represents a $6 million increase over last year’s budget.    Of the $185 million, $80 million is earmarked for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, state maritime schools and MarAd operations that are connected with the learning facilities. Last fiscal year, Congress approved $73 million.
      The Administration is requesting $99 million to provide subsidies to 47 ships enrolled in the Maritime Security Program. This represents a $3 million increase over last year’s budget.
      Congress was also asked to approve $6 million for Title XI loans to cover subsidy costs of loan guarantees for U.S. flag and export ship construction and for shipyard modernization and administrative costs.    This represents a $4 million decrease from the amount approved by Congress last year.
      In a related development, the Administration has also requested funds under the Research and Special Programs Administration to launch a new $2.5 million university marine transportation research grant program, aimed at advancing marine transportation technology and expertise. The program will be administered jointly by the Research and Special Programs Administration of the Department of Transportation and MarAd.
      The Administration has requested Congress to increase the Federal Maritime Commission’s annual budget from $14.15 million in fiscal 2000 to $16.22 million for fiscal 2001. The FMC is now operating with five, rather than three commissioners.