AMERICA’S SHORT SEA TRANSPORTATION GRANTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MARINE HIGHWAYS.

SEC. 3515. AMERICA’S SHORT SEA TRANSPORTATION GRANTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MARINE HIGHWAYS. Section 55601 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:“(g) Grants.—“(1) In general.—The Secretary shall establish and implement a short sea transportation grant program to implement projects or components of a project designated under subsection (d).“(2) Applications.—In order to receive a grant under the program, an applicant shall—123 STAT. 2725“(A) submit an application to the Secretary, in such form and manner, at such time, and containing such information as the Secretary may require; and“(B) demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Secretary that—“(i) the project is financially viable;“(ii) the funds received will be spent efficiently and effectively; and“(iii) a market exists for the services of the proposed project as evidenced by contracts or written statements of intent from potential customers.“(3) Non-federal share.—An applicant shall provide at least 20 percent of the project costs from non-Federal sources. In awarding grants under the program, the Secretary shall give a preference to those projects or components that present the most financially viable transportation services and require the lowest percentage Federal share of the costs.”.