HR2429-119

What This Bill Does

This Merchant Marine Academy modernization bill directs the Transportation Secretary and Maritime Administrator to carry out a campus-wide rebuilding plan informed by the Full Speed Ahead Plan and the National Academy of Public Administration's 2021 assessment. Within 180 days, DOT must develop and begin implementing a 10-year Campus Modernization Plan. Required objectives include modern learning facilities, facilities needed for Coast Guard third mate or third assistant engineer license exams, physical readiness facilities for Navy officer standards, infrastructure to attract a diverse applicant pool, industry engagement and continuing education space, and safe campus conditions. Required projects include STCW laboratories, a Safety of Life at Sea training pool, engineering powerplant labs, athletic facilities for male and female students, waterfront improvements with a new pier, visitor welcome and security buildings, senior staff and faculty housing, parking, modern classroom IT, electric grid, sewer, stormwater, drinking water and fire suppression upgrades, structural repairs, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, ADA access, roofs, windows, fire alarms, and fire suppression. The Academy must remain operational, MARAD must seek a federal construction agent, and the bill authorizes $1.02 billion from the Maritime Security Trust Fund: $54 million for FY2026 design and planning and $107,333,333 for each fiscal year 2026 through 2035 for construction and contingencies.

Who Benefits and How

United States Merchant Marine Academy midshipmen benefit from modern training labs, waterfront facilities, athletic facilities, housing, safety, and campus infrastructure. Merchant Marine Academy faculty benefit from classroom, laboratory, housing, IT, parking, and campus systems upgrades. Maritime industry employers benefit if the Academy produces officers trained on modern facilities for Coast Guard licensing and industry engagement. Construction contractors benefit from a decade of authorized modernization work. Prospective Academy applicants benefit if improved infrastructure makes the campus safer, more accessible, and more competitive.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Maritime Administration staff must develop, begin, and manage the modernization plan while keeping the Academy operational. DOT facilities officials must seek a federal construction agent and oversee design-build planning and construction. Federal taxpayers bear the cost of the $1.02 billion authorization from the Maritime Security Trust Fund. Academy campus users must tolerate phased construction, facility moves, and temporary disruptions during modernization.

Key Provisions

• Requires a 10-year Campus Modernization Plan within 180 days for the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
• Requires new or renovated STCW labs, SOLAS training pool, engineering powerplant labs, athletic facilities, waterfront, security, housing, parking, classrooms, utilities, ADA access, and fire systems.
• Requires the Academy to remain fully operational during the plan.
• Directs MARAD to seek an agreement with a federal construction agent.
• Authorizes $1.02 billion from the Maritime Security Trust Fund for fiscal years 2026 through 2035, including $54 million for FY2026 design and planning.