Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) introduced S. 1308, which includes a section that would fill a gap in the still new Short Sea Transportation program (see the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, Public Law 110-140). The Maritime Administration is reviewing comments filed in response to the interim final regulations for the program through which the DOT Secretary will designate marine highway corridors and select projects. The gap is a funding provision to provide tangible financial support for marine highway projects that eventually are selected as worthy of Federal endorsement. See section twelve in the bill, which was introduced a few days ago. Lautenberg chairs the subcommittee of jurisdiction. – Pbea