Page 26: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (August 1990)

NWC: Promoting Sound &

Far-Sighted Waterways Policies

By Robert Boyd, Administrative Assistant

National Waterways Conference, Inc.

The National Waterways Confer- ence, Inc., advocates fair and even- handed 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 repres- sive user taxes or stiff cost sharing.

NWC strongly supports Congres- sional efforts to boost general eco- nomic development through pru- dent port and waterway invest- ments.

Efforts to reduce governmental involvement in the domestic econo- my have given impetus to proposals calling for recovery of most if not all

Federal port and waterway con- struction and maintenance expendi- tures through high-level taxes and fees. Such charges would unfairly burden waterborne commerce be- cause they ignore the other benefi- ciaries of water resources develop- ment.

To promote sound and farsighted national waterways policies, NWC relies on a well rounded education and information program. It in- cludes a highly regarded monthly newsletter, Washington Watch, economic research projects and spe- cial reports; a monthly Waterways

Roundtable luncheon for Washing- ton-based transportation leaders; a seminar series, often including pub- lication of seminar proceedings; an annual meeting examining current issues, and frequent speeches and statements, including Congressional testimony.

NWC works closely with associa- tions and industries in the water transportation and water resources fields to keep diverse shipper, car- rier, and port interests "pulling to- gether" for the common cause. Of- ten it is necessary to find consensus on issues involved in pending legis- lation and put together coalitions to most effectively represent the wa- terways industry's views before

Congress and Executive agencies.

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

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

Some 450 waterway-related busi- nesses, industries, and agencies par- ticipate in NWC. Included are barge and towing companies, shipyards and repair facilities, port authori- ties, fleeting and mid-stream serv- ices, waterway shippers, marine in- surers, dredging firms, marine con- struction companies, and river val- ley associations.

Membership is open to all busi- nesses involved in the water trans- portation industry. Annual dues are $475 and entitle member firms to a principal and alternative represen- tatives who receive publications, as well as discounts for NWC semi- nars, exhibits, and annual meet- ings.

For further information, contact

NWC, 1130 17th Street, N.W.,

Washington, D.C. 20036; telephone: (202) 296-4415. •

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We Interrupt This Picture

For An Important Message.

Some news is too important to wait.

That's why Alden's new Marinefax1 prints

Navtex emergency bulletins when they happen— breaking into charts if necessary.

Navtex is a new information service for mariners.

Emergency messages include storm warnings and changes in nav aids. Non-emergency messages include weather reports, plus information on electronic nav systems.

Marinefax TR-IV is a complete information center, with three modes of operation: in addition to weather charts and

Navtex, we've included radioteleprinting for additional weather information. Marinefax is also programmable to collect charts and messages, even when you're not around.

For more information, contact

Alden Electronics, 49A Washington

Street, Westborough, MA 01581 (508)366-8851.

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Circle 256 on Reader Service Card

Maritime Reporter/Engineering News