Working Waterfronts Act of 2025

The Working Waterfronts Act of 2025 is a broad, multi-title proposal aimed at bolstering rural coastal and maritime economies through energy, fisheries and seafood, shoreside infrastructure, and workforce development, with an emphasis on preserving working waterfronts and advancing sustainable technology. Key ideas include a new federal tax credit to maintain and upgrade hydroelectric facilities tied to marine and fish passage investments, a pilot program to transition U.S.-flag fishing vessels to alternative fuels, expanded financing and loan eligibility for fishing and fish processing, and targeted grants and programs to support rural seafood processing, cold storage, and working waterfront protections. The act also seeks to spur innovation (including electronic monitoring), address coastal ecosystem considerations, and increase workforce development in maritime occupations. Several provisions would require new appropriations or reallocation of existing funds over fiscal years 2026–2030. The bill is introduced in the Senate (June 5, 2025) by Senators Murkowski, Collins, and King. It would require implementing regulations and reports, with many programs carrying specific authorizations of appropriations for 2026–2030. The measure envisions significant federal support for rural coastal communities, fishermen, mariculture operators, boatbuilding, and related supply chains, while integrating environmental and ecosystem considerations and modernization of fisheries monitoring and energy infrastructure.