Page 49: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (August 1993)

AWO

AWO Continues To

Support Maritime Issues by Joseph A. Farrell, AWO president

At first glance, it may seem that the American Waterways Opera- tors (AWO) has spent the year con- sumed by a single issue: the Clinton

Administration's proposal for a massive new diesel fuel tax on in- land waterways operators.

While it is true that AWO launched and continues to sustain a mighty battle against the so-called barge tax, it is also important to note that we haven't let down our guard on the myriad of other regu- latory and policy fronts that affect

America's barge and towing opera- tors. Because of all the media at- tention given the barge tax, it just seems like all other issues confront- ing the industry have been relegated to the back burner.

In fact, there is now a range of unprecendented challenges for

AWO as the association attempts to cope with incredibly complex legis- lation. The impact of these bills on industry operations, personnel and resources demand that AWO con- tinue its work to maintain and im- prove communication and coopera- tion between the Congress and our industry. As always, AWO will con- tinue to seek innovative ways to ensure that the decision makers on

Capitol Hill hear and understand our viewpoints. Frankly, as the standard bearer for the barge and towing industry, we have a full plate for 1993 and beyond.

First off, the barge tax issue awaits resolution as we go to the press.

Action by Congress so far has been a mixed bag in our eyes with the House voting to retain the tax in its budget bill - but at half of the 525 percent level originally proposed by the Ad- ministration - and the Senate voting to scrap the tax altogether. Obvi- ously, these two radically different versions will have to be reconciled.

As it has from the very beginning,

AWO continues its drive to demon- strate that any increase in the barge fuel tax beyond that already in place -17 cents per gallon on the way to 20 cents per gallon - is not equitable.

AWO is continuing to keep close watch on three related bills intro- duced in the House this year, which are intended to "revitalize the U.S.

Merchant Marine." • The Maritime Security and Com- petitiveness Act aims to reduce need- less government regulation of U.S.- flagged carriers and to encourage investment in new, more efficient and more economical vessels. Under the Operating Differential Subsidy program, this bill would provide pay- ment to vessel operators of $2.3 mil- lion per vessel for fiscal year 1996 0Continued on page 54)

AWO Fall Convention, Sept. 7 to 9, Washington, D.C.

The AWO Fall Convention, to be held at the Madison Hotel, Washington

D.C., will mark the first meeting of AWO's newly-formed sector committees, which will elect officers at that time. Three days of meetings will draw from

AWO's 300-plus member companies and will include directors, committee members, affiliates, directors emeritus and other representatives from

AWO member companies. Qualified representatives of tug and barge industry companies or shipyards who are interested in membership in AWO may attend the meeting by special arrangement by contacting AWO headquarters. For information, contact AWO at 1600 Wilson Boulevard,

Arlington, Va. 22209. Tel: (703) 841-9300; fax: (703) 841-0389.

Meeting schedule:

Tuesday, Sept. 7: 1:00-2:00 p.m. - AWSC Regulatory Committee 2:30-4:00 p.m. - AWSC Legislative & Government Affairs Committee 4:00-5:30 p.m. - AWSC Steering Committee Meeting 5:30 p.m.-Midnight - AWSC Night at the Ball Game

Wednesday, Sept. 8: 8:00-9:30 a.m. - Common Issues Council Meeting 8:30-11:30 a.m. - AWSC Membership Meeting 9:30-11:30 a.m. - Inland Liquid Committee Meeting 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - AWO Public Affairs Committee Meeting 1:00-2:30 p.m. - AWO Harbor Services Committee Meeting 1:00-3:00 p.m - AWO Inland Dry Committee Meeting 3:00-5:00 p.m. - AWO Coastal Committee Meeting 5:30-7:00 p.m. - AWO Reception

Thursday, Sept. 9: 8:00 a.m. - AWO Board of Directors Meeting