HR 2429: United States Merchant Marine Academy Campus Modernization Act

Summary

This bill, known as the United States Merchant Marine Academy Campus Modernization Act, directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to modernize the campus facilities and infrastructure of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA).

Key Provisions

The main components of the bill include:

1. Campus Modernization Plan: The Secretary of Transportation is required to create a detailed plan to address the aging and deteriorating facilities at the USMMA campus. This plan must identify needed renovations, repairs, and new construction projects.

2. Timeline and Funding: The bill sets a 2-year deadline for the Secretary to develop the modernization plan. It also authorizes $350 million in funding over 5 years to carry out the approved projects.

3. Project Prioritization: The modernization plan must prioritize projects that address health and safety issues, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the overall learning and living environment for midshipmen.

4. Stakeholder Input: The Secretary must consult with USMMA leadership, faculty, and midshipmen to gather input and feedback on campus needs and priorities.

Impact

This legislation is intended to address longstanding infrastructure challenges at the USMMA, which is one of the five federal service academies. Many of the campus facilities date back to the 1940s and 1950s and require significant upgrades.

The modernization effort is expected to:

• Improve the quality of educational and residential facilities for midshipmen
• Enhance energy efficiency and sustainability of campus buildings
• Ensure the academy's infrastructure can properly support its mission of training the next generation of U.S. merchant marine officers

Passage of this bill would represent a major federal investment in updating and revitalizing the USMMA campus, which is critical to maintaining the academy's competitiveness and ability to fulfill its role in the U.S. maritime industry.