The BoatU.S. Government Affairs Team is always working to stay in front of policy trends on the water. Here’s what BoatU.S. is watching for you:

The primary interaction most boat owners have with government entities is at the state level. Think boat registrations, on the water law enforcement, etc... Keeping in front of policy at this level for all 50 states is a challenge, and we look to partner organizations for help. The BoatU.S. Government Affairs Team works with many state marine trade associations on behalf of boaters. Most states with a significant boating industry have a state marine trade group. These groups are often the "boots on the ground" when it comes to lobbying state officials.

We partner with organizations such as the Empire State Marine Trades Association (ESMTA) in New York and the Marine Recreation Association in California on "lobby days" where we directly visit lawmakers and staff.

BoatU.S. recently joined ESMTA at the groups annual’s Advocacy Day in Albany, NY. A centerpiece of discussion with legislators and staff was Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposal new $50 million in capital funds targeted for the 524-mile New York State Canal System. This is on top of the recurring $140 million it costs to operate the system each year. The canal system’s operator, the New York State Canal Corporation, would use the funds for infrastructure upgrades such as overdue dam repairs and other water impound structure improvements, flood mitigation, lock rehabilitations and other critical safety and resiliency work. Most of today’s waterway structures were constructed between 1905 and 1918.

Also up for discussion was continued support for New York State’s budding marine apprenticeship program. The 8,000+ hour program, modeled after those abroad, began 2019. It takes four years to complete and combines an associate college degree with hands-on, practical experience. Born by ESMTA efforts, it’s helping to grow the critical ranks of qualified marine technicians needed in the state with more than 439,508 recreational boat registrations – 6051 more than the prior year.

BoatU.S. thanks Senator Walczk (NY 49th District) and legislative staff for inviting us over to have these important discussions that can greatly affect the quality of boating in New York, and support a vibrant local marine industry that BoatUS members and boaters need in the Empire State.

We count on boaters to alert us to issues and trends in their own areas. What are your thoughts? Drop us a line at govtaffairs@boatus.com