WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) is advancing in the lame-duck 118th Congress.
On Nov. 21, the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed Moore’s proposal to improve recreational access to federal waterways.
“This bill – the Modernizing Access to our Public Waters (MAPWaters) Act – will update water access data and open the doors to more public and private sector cooperation so outdoor enthusiasts can have the tools they need to better recreate on federal waters,” Moore explained.
The goal of Moore’s proposed legislation will be to enhance access to the national’s outdoor recreational opportunities by digitizing and standardizing mapping information, including the access points and permissible uses of federal waters.
Federal waters are those that are subject to federal regulations, including the requirements that vessels observe federal statutes, such as visual distress signals, according to the Army Corps of Engineers.
The definition of federal waters includes coastal water (the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and all bays, sounds, harbors, rivers, inlets and more); the Great Lakes and waters connected to them; oceans and coastal waters within three nautical miles of the mainland of the United States; waters that are subject to the ebb and flow of tides; and waters that could affect interstate or foreign commerce.
Specifically, the MAPWaters Act would require that the secretaries of Agriculture and Interior develop interagency standard for data collection and dissemination of information related to federal waterways and fishing restrictions within 30 days of the enactment.
Moore’s proposal would also require that federal officials publish online Geographic Information System (GIS) data on federal waterways and fishing restrictions within four years.
In proposing the MAPWaters Act, Moore was joined by Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Russ Fulcher (R-ID) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI).
Companion legislation was also introduced in the U.S. Senate by John Barrasso (R-WY) and Angus King (D-ME).
Following the committee vote, Moore expressed his gratitude to the members of the House Natural Resources Committee and especially its chair, Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR), for advancing his legislation.
“Given his famously beautiful home state of Utah,” Westerman acknowledged, “Moore knows how important it is for Americans to enjoy the great outdoors.”
“The House Natural Resources Committee’s passage of my MAPWaters Act is a step in the right direction toward enhancing access to our beautiful waterways for visitors to enjoy for years to come,” Moore added.