Maritime Info in Brief

Boat Sales Tax Cap Status

Pumpout Grant Program Receives New Funding

Funding For Erosion Controls

Change Management Skills Workshop

Dredging Funds Limited This Year

Boat Fueling Changes at Marinas?

Clean Marinas to Date

End to No Discharge Zones Could Be Coming

EXPO 2001 – Visit Charleston – Hear Head of NMMA, Thomas Dammrich

Sign up NOW for Fall Training Co-Sponsored Workshops

New NCMTA Company Membership Rate

Dredging Funds Limited This Year

NC Army Corps of Engineers will get $2.3M for dredging the ICW, representing a 20% decrease from last year’s budget and one third of what was requested. Even less money had been earmarked for NC, but Congressman Walter Jones and Mike McIntyre with assistance from the lobbying efforts of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association, were able to increase the final funding.

The operations department of the COE indicated the following areas will be dredged: Oregon Inlet and Old House Channel, Inner Harbor and Ocean Bar at Morehead City, Bulkhead Channel in Beaufort Harbor, Bogue Inlet, Bear Inlet Crossing, New River Inlet and New River Crossing, Topsail Creek, Topsail Crossing and Topsail Inlet, Carolina Beach Inlet and Carolina Beach Crossing, Masonboro Inlet, Baldhead Shoal Channel, Lockwoods Folly Inlet and Lockwoods Folly Crossing, and Shallotte Inlet Crossing. For more information on dredging schedules or maps of the areas impacted, contact Bob Sattin, Chief of Navigation at the COE 910/251-4819.

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Maritime Info in Brief

• Boat Sales Tax Cap Status – It appears that the efforts to eliminate the “luxury” tax cap on boats sold at a price over $50,000 has been put on hold indefinitely.         Top of Page

• Pumpout Grant Program Receives New Funding – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services has  awarded $111,000 to NC for the pumpout grant program. Project applications will be accepted beginning in September 2001. For more information contact Mike Lopanzanski, DCM, 919/733-2293.  Top of Page

• Funding For Erosion Controls – The N.C. Coastal Federation is looking for property owners willing to stabilize their eroding shorelines with methods the group considers environmentally sound. The Federation will pay half the cost. The project is focused on Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender, Onslow and Carteret counties. For more information and applications, call Melanie Severin at (252) 393-8185. Contractors who wish to participate can call Tracy Skrabal at 790-3275.   Top of Page

• Change Management Skills Workshop – learn about an intensive 2-day program that identifies core issues like finance, human resources, and information technology and help participants use strategic thinking, decision-making, leadership assessments and management models to find solutions to management issues. Experience a free preview of this management training program (Symmetree) on September 11, on the campus of UNCW in Wilmington. For more information call the SBTDC offices at (910) 962-3744 or (336) 299-5189.   Top of Page

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Boat Fueling Changes at Marinas?

While boat builders are likely familiar with EPA’s plans to regulate evaporative emissions from boat fuel systems, marinas may not be aware of the issue or how the proposed rule will effect them. EPA’s rule will change boat fuel tank technology. Several technologies are being evaluated with the prevalent thinking being that a tank would have to be manufactured to meet the reductions achieved by a closed vent 2-psi relief valve. This type of system could require modifications in the fuel fill tube and fuel tank cap, which could mean marinas would have to pay to adjust fuel pumps to fit the new tanks.  EPA plans to propose a new rule in September 2001. The industry will ask for answers to whether or not plastic tanks can be guaranteed not to fail over time, will vapors concentrate in the bilge or engine compartment, and finally how much time would tank manufacturers be given to comply with a new rule. If the rule can be implemented at a cost effective level for the industry, everyone wins with reduced emissions, and fewer problems during boat refueling and fuel handling at marinas.  

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Clean Marinas to Date

Congratulations to the following Clean Marinas: International Yachting Center, Casper’s Marina, Wilmington Marine Center, Coral Bay Marina, Town Creek Marina, Matthews Point Marina, Sheraton Marina, Deaton’s Yacht Yard. Participate. It is appreciated by your customers, attracts new ones, and helps the industry look environmentally aggressive. Applications are available by calling Wendy Larimer 910/962-3351 or download one at www.NCMTA.com.