U.S. ADMINISTRATION TO PROPOSE NEW VESSEL TAX
Despite what appears to be overwhelming opposition, the Clinton
Administration is expected to circulate a proposal next week to replace the
harbor maintenance tax.
The administration plan would collect nearly $1 billion a year from
vessels calling at U.S. ports. The tax would finance port maintenance and
improvement projects, including federal dredging costs.
The tax, which would vary according to vessel size and type, has
attracted almost across-the-board opposition and is given little chance of
passage in its proposed form.