32 JUNE 2018 • FOGHORN NEWSWIRE Fast Page Loads Streamlined Checkout Multiple Account Sign-Ons Improved Search Quick Order Easy Invoice Look-up Requisition Lists • Over 135,000 products for your business • 28 regional distribution centers • Same-day van delivery • 250+ stores • The most-knowledgeable and seasoned sales representatives in the industry Your 24/7 destination that’s packed with the features you need to get the most out of your time and money. westmarinepro.com All backed by the power of West Marine Pro. 1-800-621-6885 or visit westmarinepro.com. Increased Inventory Availability Several PVA ferry operators will receive or benefit from funding awarded by the Federal Transit Administration under its competitive Passenger Ferry Grant Program. Announced earlier this month, approximately $58.2 million in grants will go to 20 projects in 12 states.  This sum consists of fiscal year 2017 and 2018 funds. The grants will finance projects to purchase, replace, or rehabilitate passenger ferries, terminals, and related infrastructure and equipment. Among the projects selected to receive grants: • The Casco Bay Island Transit District in Portland, Maine will receive $6 million to replace a passenger ferry that has exceeded its useful life and will allow for safer and more reliable service. • The San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority will receive $5 million to refurbish and modernize a ferry vessel, including engine repowering and upgraded passenger amenities. • The Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District in Illinois will receive almost $2 million to construct a terminal that will increase safety and security, enhance ac- cessibility, expand dock space, and provide new passenger amenities.  The project also includes rehabilitating the agency’s ferryboat vessels. •  In Louisiana, the Regional Transit Authority will receive more than $2.4 million to modernize the New Orleans Algiers Ferry Terminal by upgrading its barge to accom- modate new pedestrian passenger ferries and to enhance passenger safety and security in the terminal. •  In Washington State, Kitsap Transit will receive more than $2.4 million to complete modifications to two existing ferry terminals in Bremerton and Kingston, which will support start-up passenger only ferry service. •  Also in Washington State, King County Ferry District will receive $1.2 million to conduct preliminary engineer- ing and environmental analysis for a permanent ferry terminal location in West Seattle for passenger-only service to downtown Seattle. •  Washington State Ferries is awarded $6 million for mod- ernizing terminal and vessel communication infrastructure and for installing a bicycle facility at the Seattle Multimodal Terminal (Colman Dock). •  Boston Harbor Cruises operates vessels between downtown Boston and Salem, Massachusetts. It also operates the ferry service between Boston and Hingham for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. The City of Salem will receive $3.4 million for a second vessel and to rehabilitate a pier. MBTA’s award of more than $6 million is intended for the construction of a new ferry dock in Hingham. •  The State Island Ferry will benefit from a grant of $6.3 million for safer raised platforms and walkways and for Federal Transit Administration Awards $58.2 Million to Improve Passenger Ferry Service PVA Urges Members to Apply for Coast Guard’s Navigation Safety Advisory Committee PVA members are encouraged to apply for open spots on the Coast Guard’s Navigation Safety Advisory Council (NVASAC).  The application deadline is July 17. NAVSAC provides advice and recommendations on matters relating to maritime collisions, rammings, and groundings; Inland Rules of the Road; International Rules of the Road; navigation regulations and equipment, routing measures, marine information, diving safety; and aids to navigation systems. Traditionally, one or two PVA individuals have been active members of NAVSAC, thereby ensuring that the U.S. passenger vessel sector has a voice in this influential venue.  However, the terms of the current PVA appointees are coming to an end, so PVA is hoping that new applicants will step forward to fill this important role. There will be seven openings on NAVSAC, all to be filled from the ranks of professional mariners and commercial vessel owners and operators. NAVSAC usually meets twice a year, and the Coast Guard pays for travel, lodging, and per diem. Visit the May 18 Federal Register notice for instruc- tions as to how to apply at www.federalregister.gov/ documents/2018/05/18/2018-10618/navigation-safety-ad- visory-council-vacancies. If you choose to apply, please advise PVAHeadquarters. n