NWC: Promoting Sound & Far-Sighted Waterways Policies

By Robert Boyd, Administrative Assistant National Waterways Conference, Inc.

The National Waterways Conference, Inc., advocates fair and evenhanded Federal navigation policies.

It is the only waterway organization which directs practically all of its resources into the policy arena, working for adequate funding for navigation projects without repressive user taxes or stiff cost sharing.

NWC strongly supports Congressional efforts to boost general economic development through prudent port and waterway investments.

Efforts to reduce governmental involvement in the domestic economy have given impetus to proposals calling for recovery of most if not all Federal port and waterway construction and maintenance expenditures through high-level taxes and fees. Such charges would unfairly burden waterborne commerce because they ignore the other beneficiaries of water resources development.

To promote sound and farsighted national waterways policies, NWC relies on a well rounded education and information program. It includes a highly regarded monthly newsletter, Washington Watch, economic research projects and special reports; a monthly Waterways Roundtable luncheon for Washington- based transportation leaders; a seminar series, often including publication of seminar proceedings; an annual meeting examining current issues, and frequent speeches and statements, including Congressional testimony.

NWC works closely with associations and industries in the water transportation and water resources fields to keep diverse shipper, carrier, and port interests "pulling together" for the common cause. Often it is necessary to find consensus on issues involved in pending legislation and put together coalitions to most effectively represent the waterways industry's views before Congress and Executive agencies.

Over the last three decades, NWC has become a strong voice in Washington for the waterways industry.

As a result, we have gained a reputation for exerting a "positive force" in shaping public policy.

Some 450 waterway-related businesses, industries, and agencies participate in NWC. Included are barge and towing companies, shipyards and repair facilities, port authorities, fleeting and mid-stream services, waterway shippers, marine insurers, dredging firms, marine construction companies, and river valley associations.

Membership is open to all businesses involved in the water transportation industry. Annual dues are $475 and entitle member firms to a principal and alternative representatives who receive publications, as well as discounts for NWC seminars, exhibits, and annual meetings.

For further information, contact NWC, 1130 17th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036; telephone: (202) 296-4415.

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 26, Aug 1990

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