H.R. 3619 - Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 has passed the House, but is stuck over in the Senate. I'd appreciate it if you would consider writing your Senators and urging them to pass this appropriations bill. Beyond the fact that the USCG is one of the most effective organizations in the federal government, and that they save a lot of lives, there is a lot of good stuff in that bill to encourage better survival gear. I have a personal interest in one aspect of that. In SEC. 804. FISHING VESSEL SAFETY, there is a new $3M grant program that provides 75% grants for research and such. In years past this money was earmarked by Sen. Ted Stevens for Alaska and most went to AMSEA (a good organization, but...), however it is now drafted to be open to all.

SEC. 804. FISHING VESSEL SAFETY

(j)(1) The Secretary shall establish a Fishing Safety Research Grant Program to provide funding to individuals in academia, members of non-profit organizations and businesses involved in fishing and maritime matters, and other persons with expertise in fishing safety, to conduct research on methods of improving the safety of the commercial fishing industry, including vessel design, emergency and survival equipment, enhancement of vessel monitoring systems, communications devices, de-icing technology, and severe weather detection.

(2) The Secretary shall award grants under this subsection on a competitive basis.

(3) The Federal share of the cost of any activity carried out with a grant under this subsection shall not exceed 75 percent.

(4) There is authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 for each fiscal years 2010 through 2014 for activities under this subsection.’.

Certain folks at the Coast Guard would like to take a look at life rafts, a subject we are quite accomplished at evaluating. So, we are hoping to apply for some of that grant money for ETS Foundation. However, until the bill is passed, with that section intact, nothing is going to happen.

Your help in encouraging your Senators to pass this bill with this section intact would be greatly appreciated.