Allied Partnership and Port Modernization Act

The Allied Partnership and Port Modernization Act (HR 6729) permits dredging in U.S. navigable waters by vessels documented under NATO member countries, built by NATO members or major non-NATO allies, and majority-owned by entities incorporated in NATO countries. It also amends transportation rules to exclude dredged material from the "valueless material" category, removing special transportation permits required for such material. This bill directly affects port dredging contractors and operations involving allied nations. The policy change streamlines handling of dredged material, commonly generated during port maintenance and expansion.