WASHINGTON -- Congress last week approved a 2003 appropriations
bill that brought Norwegian Cruise Line closer to becoming the only
cruise line that can sail interisland Hawaii cruises; funds Amtrak;
and contains $50 million to market inbound tourism. President Bush
is expected to sign the measure.
A provision allows the owner -- i.e. NCL -- of American Classic
Voyages' former "Project America" vessels to re-register up to
three cruise ships, including the partially U.S.-built Project
America ships, under the U.S. flag and operate them in Hawaii
without having to call in a foreign port.
The measure was altered slightly during Congressional conference
sessions, stipulating that the Hawaii-operated ships could not be
repositioned for revenue service in Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico or
Caribbean.
Amtrak issued a statement saying the $1.05 billion budget
Congress approved for the rail line last week "should be sufficient
to operate the national system" for the rest of the year.
The funding falls short of the $1.2 billion Amtrak originally
requested.
That request was "predicated upon projected revenue levels and
tight controls on spending," Amtrak said, adding the approved
budget would make "sustaining" the rail line's operations "an
ongoing challenge."
Indeed, in line with the Bush administration's objective of
reforming the rail line, the fund has several conditions, including
establishing a system in which some monies would be provided to
Amtrak in the form of quarterly grants that the rail line would
have to apply for.
Amtrak said it is vitally important that the DOT "immediately
work to expeditiously establish grant procedures so that the
funding and operations of the national passenger railroad system
continue uninterrupted."
The bill also earmarked $50 million for the promotion of inbound
tourism.
"Although $50 million may not sound like a lot of money, the
impact will be felt from coast to coast. There's not a district in
this nation that isn't impacted by travel and tourism," said Rep.
Mark Foley (R-Fla.), co-chairman of the House Travel and Tourism
Caucus, and a supporter of the provision.
"TIA is delighted that Congress recognizes the value of
investing in inbound tourism and we feel that this amendment is an
important first step in creating a multi-year sustained coordinated
national campaign," said William Norman, president and CEO of the
Travel Industry Association.