Working Waterfront Preservation Act

S 3180, the Working Waterfront Preservation Act, creates a federal grant program to protect and improve waterfront areas used by coastal industries. It authorizes $20 million annually (2024-2028) for competitive grants to eligible entities like coastal states, local governments, nonprofits, or industry participants to fund projects that enhance access to or permanently protect working waterfronts. Grants cover up to 50% of project costs for improvements like docks, access points, or climate-resilient upgrades, but cannot be used for eminent domain. The program specifically supports commercial fishing, aquaculture, recreational fishing, and boatbuilding industries in coastal communities, requiring state approval and alignment with existing coastal laws.