Transportation (Ports)

This bill amends coastwise laws to clarify that passenger vessels traveling between U.S. ports (including routes via foreign ports) must comply with U.S. coastwise regulations. It directly affects passenger vessel operators on domestic routes, ensuring these services fall under existing U.S. maritime rules. The key change adds a specific definition to the law, explicitly including vessels using foreign ports as transit points in their U.S. passenger routes, while confirming this does not exempt them from other federal laws.

This bill increases the maximum passenger facility charge (PFC) airports can collect from travelers. It sets new annual caps: $5.50 starting January 1, 2027; $6.50 in 2028; $7.50 in 2029; and $8.50 starting January 1, 2030, with future annual inflation adjustments. The policy directly affects airlines and travelers who pay these fees at participating airports. It amends existing law to update the PFC structure, effective for fees imposed on or after January 1, 2027.

This bill amends federal ferry funding rules to make ferry services in the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) eligible for funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It redefines "ferry service" to include routes operating regularly before March 2020 that connect rural areas over 50 miles apart, and explicitly designates the entire CNMI as a "rural area" for funding purposes. This change allows CNMI ferry services to qualify for federal funds previously restricted to U.S. states, including requirements for establishing and operating eligible ferry services. The policy change directly affects CNMI's ferry operators and residents by enabling access to existing federal transportation funding streams.

This bill creates a new grant program to fund community infrastructure projects near land ports of entry. It directly assists state, tribal, local governments, and nonprofit utilities within 25 miles of a land port, focusing on transportation, water, waste, utility, or environmental projects affected by port operations. Key provisions include a 30% local funding match (reduced or waived for rural areas or security-focused projects) and reimbursement for eligible projects completed after November 2021. The program prioritizes projects improving border security, trade efficiency, community resilience, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel quality of life, as outlined in DHS guidance.