National association honors Pingree for “preserving access” to waterfronts

Chellie receiving an award from the States Organization for Boating Access.

The States Organization for Boating Access (SOBA), an association of state government officials concerned with the protection and expansion of boating access, honored Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today with their 2010 Congressional Award for her work to save working waterfronts.
 
"Congresswoman Pingree is among the greatest champions of recreational boating access in the U.S. Congress, from her Working Waterfronts legislation to her on-the-ground efforts in Maine," said SOBA President Wayne Shuyler.  "Her efforts help protect the jobs created by the boating industry and  and SOBA is thrilled and honored to present Congresswoman Pingree with this Congressional Water Access Award on behalf of all boaters."
 
SOBA cited a bill Pingree wrote to preserve working waterfronts and access to waterfronts for fishermen and recreational boaters.
 
“In Maine our waterfronts are not just part of our heritage, they are a fundamental part of our economy,” Pingree said.  “They are the source of jobs and if we lose access to the waterfront, those jobs will disappear.”
 
Pingree’s bill, the “Keep America’s Waterfront Working Act,” would create a federal grant program to acquire working piers and other points of waterfront access and provide funding for waterfront planning. The program is designed to allow states and local communities to support and protect places along the coast where commercial fishermen, boat builders, excursion and tour boat operators and other small businesses operate.