[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 15, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H5007-H5009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING MARINAS AND EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR SIXTH ANNUAL NATIONAL 
                               MARINA DAY

  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 343) commemorating the marinas of the United 
States, expressing support for the designation of the sixth annual 
National Marina Day, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 343

       Whereas the citizens of the United States highly value 
     recreation time and their ability to access 1 of the greatest 
     natural resources of the United States, its waterways;
       Whereas, in 1928, the word ``marina'' was used for the 
     first time to define a recreational boating facility;
       Whereas the United States is home to over 12,000 
     recreational boating facilities that contribute substantially 
     to their local communities by providing safe, reliable 
     gateways to boating for members of their communities and 
     welcomed guests;
       Whereas marinas of the United States also serve as stewards 
     of the environment, actively seeking to protect their 
     surrounding waterways not only for the enjoyment of the 
     current generation, but for generations to come;
       Whereas marinas of the United States also provide their 
     communities and visitors a place where friends and families, 
     united by a passion for the water, can come together for 
     recreation, rest, and relaxation; and
       Whereas marinas throughout the United States will be 
     celebrating National Marina Day on August 11, 2007: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) commemorates the marinas of the United States for 
     providing environmentally friendly gateways to boating for 
     the citizens of, and the visitors to the United States; and
       (2) supports designation of the sixth annual ``National 
     Marina Day'' in order--
       (A) to honor the marinas of the United States for their 
     many contributions to their local communities; and
       (B) to make citizens, policy makers, elected officials, and 
     employees more aware of the overall contributions marinas 
     make to their well-being.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Pastor). Pursuant to the rule, the 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) and the gentlewoman from 
Virginia (Mrs. Drake) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Maryland.


                             General Leave

  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
on H. Res. 343.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Maryland?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 343, as 
amended, which would support designation of August 11, 2007, as the 
sixth annual National Marina Day.
  National Marina Day recognizes the central role that marinas play in 
giving shelter and providing gateways to the nearly 13 million 
recreational boats registered in the United States. National Marina Day 
is also intended to recognize the important role that recreational 
boaters and marina operators play in protecting our Nation's critical 
marine resources.
  Recreational boating is a central part of the tourism and recreation 
industry in the United States. According to the National Marine 
Manufacturers Association, in 2005 recreational boating generated an 
estimated $37 billion in sales and services nationwide. In my own State 
of Maryland, there are just over 200,000 registered boats. A study by 
the Maryland Sea Grant program estimated that in 2005 every 7.5 boats 
in the State supported a job in our State's economy and contributed 
just over $7,600 in economic activity. Recreational boating contributed 
an estimated $1.8 billion to the State's gross product.
  The millions of Americans who participate in recreational boating 
activities rely on the estimated 12,000 marinas and associated boating 
facilities in our Nation to access not only the water, but also the 
support services that boats and boaters need. An estimated 30 percent 
of these marinas are owned by municipal or State governments and 
provide the public with water access at low or limited cost. The 
remaining 70 percent of marinas are private, and many are owner-
operated facilities with long family histories.
  Importantly, however, marinas are not only centers where boats can 
obtain fuel and services. They are also centers providing boating 
safety and boating education programs intended to help improve the 
operating proficiency of recreational boaters.

                              {time}  1400

  Though 35 States now have some type of operator education or 
licensing

[[Page H5008]]

requirement, the National Transportation Safety Board reported in 2007 
that more than 80 percent of all recreational boaters have still never 
taken any kind of boating educational program. Perhaps in large measure 
as a result of the still limited enrollment in recreational boating 
safety classes, total deaths in recreational boating exceed deaths in 
general aviation. Marinas will continue to play a critical role in 
helping to reduce boating accidents and to lower the number of 
fatalities associated with recreational boating by organizing and 
hosting boating education programs to complement the technical services 
they provide.
  I hope that all marina operators through these United States will 
take the opportunity afforded this year by the National Marina Day to 
continue their vital effort to expand boating safety programs and 
efforts. I commend marina operators for their vital role in supporting 
recreational boating in the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 343, which was introduced by my 
colleague Harold Rogers, recognizes August 11, 2007, as National Marina 
Day. This resolution acknowledges the significant contributions that 
marinas provide to so many of our local waterfront communities.
  There are over 12,000 marinas in the United States, and these 
facilities serve as a place where people who share a passion for the 
water can come together to enjoy our Nation's oceans, lakes and rivers. 
Marinas also serve as stewards of the environment and actively seek to 
protect the waterways that surround them.
  I represent a district in which recreational boating plays an 
important role in the lives of many constituents, and marinas provide 
an easy access point for citizens who wish to enjoy our Nation's 
waterways. This resolution highlights the importance of marinas and 
their role in promoting recreational boating and in connecting people 
to their local waterways.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Kentucky (Mr. Rogers).
  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady for 
yielding me time, and I want to thank the gentlelady and the chairman 
for ushering this piece of legislation through the committee and on to 
the floor honoring and acknowledging the contributions of marina owners 
and operators across this great country.
  Whether it is fishing one of the 1,000 lakes in Minnesota, cruising 
the inland waterways of the Sunshine State, or enjoying the 1,200 miles 
of shoreline along Lake Cumberland in my district, marinas are 
America's launching point for millions of boats and boaters seeking to 
enjoy the beautiful rivers, lakes, bays and oceans.
  These marinas employ nearly 140,000 people at over 13,000 operations 
nationwide, providing safe harbor and supply depots for boaters. In 
Kentucky, over 130 marina facilities served over 176,000 registered 
boats in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, from Fishtrap Lake in the east 
to Lake Barkley out west. In between in my district is the crown jewel 
of Kentucky's waterways, Lake Cumberland.
  Over 5 million visitors a year jet ski, enjoy bass fishing and cruise 
the 40,000 acres of Lake Cumberland. Lake associated businesses, 
including the 11 large scale marina operations, generate over $160 
million in economic activity for the region.
  The lake area is famously dubbed the ``Houseboat Capital of the 
World,'' made famous by the prominence of world class houseboat 
manufacturing in Wayne, Pulaski and Russell Counties. These 100-foot 
houseboats are literally floating homes, with hot tubs, roof decks, 
full size kitchens, waterslides, grills, kitchens and the like. These 
boats are great venues for fishing trips, reunions or weekend escapes 
on the waterways across the Nation.
  This resolution, Mr. Speaker, recognizes the essential role marinas 
and the men and women who own and operate them play in the United 
States, providing their communities and visitors a place where friends 
and families can come together for recreation, rest and relaxation.
  I thank the committee for bringing this resolution through to the 
floor. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and designation 
of National Marina Day.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve my time.
  Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Michigan (Mrs. Miller), the cochair of the Boating Caucus.
  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentlelady 
yielding, and I certainly rise in strong support of House Resolution 
343, which commemorates the marinas of the United States and expresses 
support for the sixth annual National Marina Day.
  The purpose of National Marina Day is to inform the public about the 
important role that marinas do play in our local communities by 
providing a very safe, family-friendly venue to encourage the 
recreational boating industry, which can generate literally millions 
and billions of dollars in economic activity. The positive spin-off 
effects of marinas encourage the development of all kinds of businesses 
and restaurants to supplement the marinas' putting people to work.
  Actually, in my home municipality of Harrison Township, Michigan, a 
huge part of our commercial tax base is marinas and recreational 
oriented businesses, and my congressional district is a shoreline 
waterfront district as well and our marinas play a very large role in 
the very identity of our region.
  In the Great Lakes region alone, boating and marinas generate $4.3 
billion annually. Actually, I grew up in the marina business. It was 
our family business as well as our hobby. So I know firsthand that 
marinas also provide an essential venue for recreational boating, which 
is an important part in creating a very high quality of life in a 
community.
  While increasing access to our Nation's water resources, marinas also 
play an important role in keeping our Nation's water clean. Marinas 
provide an appropriate place to dispose of waste materials so that they 
are not discharged out into the waterways. Operators of marinas often 
play an important role in organizing cleanup efforts to collect marine 
debris to keep our waters clean.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, marinas are playing a very important role as 
well in the defense of our Nation. I say that because they have been 
partnering with the United States Coast Guard, and the marina operators 
and their customers are staying vigilant and keeping their eyes open 
for suspicious activity. Just as our truck drivers are our eyes and 
ears on the interstate, marina operators and their customers are really 
our eyes and ears on the waterway as well. Marina operators fill a 
critical role in keeping our Nation secure along our liquid borders, 
such as the one that my home State of Michigan shares with our great 
neighbors of Canada.
  So I would certainly urge my colleagues to join me in support of this 
resolution.
  Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, once again I want to thank Mr. Rogers of Kentucky for 
this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of it.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 343, 
commemorating the marinas of the United States and expressing support 
for the designation of National Marina Day on August 11, 2007.
  There are more than 12,000 marinas in the United States. They provide 
services and access for millions of recreational boaters to the lakes, 
rivers, and bays of the United States. In my State of Minnesota, 
marinas provide boaters access to thousands of lakes and the headwaters 
of the Mississippi River.
  Each weekend, millions of Americans take to the water from marinas to 
enjoy fishing, kayaking, sailing, and just cruising down the river 
enjoying the water. Marinas make all of this happen. They employ more 
than 140,000 people whose sole purpose is to help boaters enjoy their 
time on the water safely.
  On August 11, 2007, National Marina Day will focus on the role 
marinas play as safe, family-friendly gateways to boating, and the 
invaluable service marina operators and owners perform as stewards of 
the environment. Activities include fishing tournaments, boating

[[Page H5009]]

safety demonstrations, water sports, and environmental demonstrations.
  We also recognize that the role of the marina operator has changed 
since September 2001. They are helping the Coast Guard and others keep 
an eye out for suspicious activities on the waterways. Marina operators 
are on the water every day. They know what is routine--and what looks 
suspicious. They are keeping a lookout for aggressive behavior, unusual 
diving, suspicious packages on bridges or terminals, and other 
activities that appear out of place.
  Members of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
recognize the waterways of the United States as an important component 
of our national transportation system. However, these waterways also 
serve another important purpose: They allow people to have fun on the 
water. Marinas allow these types of recreational activities to occur.
  I thank the gendeman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) for introducing this 
resolution and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House 
Resolution 343.
  Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
National Marina Day. Kentucky's Marinas aye a substantial impact on the 
Commonwealth's economy. The First District of Kentucky is home to many 
of the United States' most adored lakes, which provide recreation areas 
for Kentuckians and important habitats for fish and wildlife.
  While it would be too exhaustive to name every lake, two of the 
largest lakes are Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Together they create 
the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, LBL. LBL contains 
nearly 17,000 acres of habitats, trails, and campsites, providing 
tourists with a wide array of outdoor experiences. A canal connecting 
Lake Barkley with Kentucky Lake forms one of the greatest freshwater 
recreational complexes in the country. This site has been used for 
numerous fishing tournaments and other outdoor events. These lakes are 
also home to many marinas that facilitate boating and fishing 
activities. Their presence helps ensure safe and reliable access to our 
lakes.
  On the eastern side of my District is another exhilarating outdoor 
experience. Lake Cumberland is visited by more than 4.7 million people 
annually. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, the 
tourism economic impact for the four-county area, Clinton, Pulaski, 
Russell, Wayne, with access to the lake is $152.6 million. Recently, 
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began a rehabilitation project at the 
Wolf Creek Dam on Lake Cumberland, which has impacted some of the 
marinas in the area. However, the lake continues to be a great 
recreation and vacation spot, and we welcome visitors to come enjoy the 
opportunities available at the lake.
  Marinas are instrumental to recreation and tourism and that is why I 
stand today in support of this industry. I ask that my colleagues do 
the same by voting in favor of H. Res. 343 sponsored by U.S. 
Representative Hal Rogers.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Pastor). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 343, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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