On November 13, Senators Susan Collins and Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced the Working Waterfront Preservation Act. The bipartisan bill would help preserve access for the nation’s fishermen and maritime workers to the waterfronts in coastal communities, supporting the commercial fishing, aquaculture, boatbuilding, and for-hire recreational fishing industries that are vital to culture, heritage, and economies of coastal towns and cities.

Senator Collins has held her seat since 1997 and is Maine’s longest-serving senator. She has advocated and secured funding for numerous fisheries in the state for over two decades. She has worked on many acts with Maine’s Senator King, who has also actively supported Maine fisheries with bipartisan legislation such as the Fishing Industry Credit Enhancement Act. Senators King and Collins have worked to help keep the fishing industry alive from coast to coast.

“The hardworking men and women of Maine’s maritime industries continue to lose access to the waterfronts that sustain them. Recent demand for coastal property has only intensified the problem in Maine and nationwide,” said Senator Collins in the news release.

Senator Reed was elected in Rhode Island in 1996 and has worked on clean water projects to sustain a healthy environment and support the state’s fishermen and lobstermen. Reed recognizes these individuals’ significant risks as they work hard to earn a living on the water. He continues to push to help grow Rhode Island’s marine workforce and revitalize its boating and fishing industries.

“Passing this bill would help support and sustain fishermen and other hardworking men and women who make their living on the waterfront,” said Senator Reed.  CLICK ABOVE IMAGE TO READ FULL ARTICLE.