The Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC) held its seventh meeting in Long Beach, California August 13-14, 2002 to begin the final approval process of a Marine Transportation System infrastructure report to Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta.

Mr. Jonathan Benner of INTERTANKO served as Acting Chair, and Mr. James McCarville of Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals, Inc. (IRPT) served as Acting Vice Chair.

During the two-day meeting the Council reviewed the MTSNAC Infrastructure Team's Infrastructure Funding Strategy Report as a new overall MTS funding mechanism. The elements of the report encompassed Security, Infrastructure, Research & Development, Human Resources, and Safety &Environmental Protection. This mechanism encompasses existing marine infrastructure funding sources such as the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, Inland Waterway Trust Fund, and a proposed dedicated SEA-21 Trust Fund for unmet MTS infrastructure needs (Customs fees would be used to create this new SEA-21 trust fund). The Council, however, did not propose using the existing Highway Trust Fund (TEA-21) for intermodal connectors as part of this particular MTS funding package. The Council adopted the MTS Funding Strategy Report and will forward it to Secretary Mineta for his consideration.

To provide additional clarity, the Council Members felt strongly that the funding strategy recommendations should be accompanied by an MTS needs assessment, and adopted a resolution requesting the Secretary approve adequate funding for the assessment.

The California Marine and Intermodal Transportation System Advisory Council (CALMITSAC) briefed the Council on their activities and the progress of their regional MTS initiative. Captain Manny Aschmeyer of the Marine Exchange of Los Angeles/Long Beach requested Federal financial support for the regional MTS Council activities. The economic importance of the State's MTS was stressed throughout the meeting.

MTS Teams met and provided progress reports to the full Council. Additionally, three new MTS Teams were formed to complete the Council's marine system focus. The new teams are Shipbuilding, Coastal (Short Sea) Shipping, and Inland Waterways.

The Council reviewed the SEA-21 Working Group Report from May 2002 and approved a resolution to forward a MTS report to the Secretary in November. As such, the next Council meeting has been tentatively set for mid-November and will be held in New York City.