In a bipartisan effort aimed at revitalizing one of Long Island’s most esteemed institutions, Congressmen Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) and Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) co-lead and have introduced a landmark bill to update and modernize the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point.
The proposed legislation seeks to enhance and modernize facilities, expand educational opportunities, and ensure the academy’s continued prominence as a premier training ground for future maritime leaders. This has garnered additional support with cosponsors signing onto the legislation including Congressmen Nick LaLota (R, NY-01) and Anthony D’Esposito (R-Island Park).
Situated on the scenic shores of Long Island Sound, the USMMA has a rich legacy of producing distinguished graduates who serve as officers in the Merchant Marines and other branches of the armed forces. However, in recent years, the academy has faced infrastructure challenges and funding constraints that have hindered its ability to provide a state-of-the-art education and training experience. Specifically, the legislation would authorize funds to support the implementation of the Full Speed Ahead infrastructure plan, created by The Maritime Security Infrastructure Council (MSIC) to address critical infrastructure needs at the USMMA. Funding would be authorized from FY24-FY34 in the amount of $54 million the first year, and $107,333,333 each subsequent year.
“The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is one of our nation’s five federal service academies and responsible for educating and training mariners who are committed to serving the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces,” said Congressman Garbarino. “Maritime security is critical to our national security, and yet the Academy has been allowed to fall into disrepair – threatening recruitment efforts as well as the quality of education the Academy can provide. With this legislation, we aim to upgrade and modernize the USMMA’s facilities so that we may continue to produce best-in-class mariners and ensure the strength of our national sea power.”
Central to the proposed bill is a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade plan that would address critical maintenance needs, renovate aging facilities, and enhance campus amenities. Many of the buildings at the Academy date back to the 1940s and are unable to meet the needs of current and future midshipmen. Nearly every building on campus has exceeded its life expectancy, and reports of flooded classrooms, a lack of hot water for Midshipmen, and broken air conditioners and heating units, are commonplace. These campus conditions are unacceptable and have a direct impact on the quality of the education provided to current Midshipmen, as well as on the ability to attract new entrants to the Academy. From modernizing classrooms and laboratories to improving athletic facilities and dormitories, the proposed improvements aim to create a conducive learning environment that meets the evolving needs of cadets and faculty.
“For more than 80 years, USMMA has trained Midshipmen and merchant mariners who have faithfully served our nation in times of war and peace. I am proud to serve on the Board of Visitors of this historically rich institution,” said Congressman Suozzi. “After facing setbacks for years, the Merchant Marine Academy is now positioned for a major turnaround. This legislation for the rehabilitation, modernization, and construction of facilities and infrastructure will greatly contribute to ensuring that USMMA remains a premier institution for years to come.”
“This important bill allocates crucial funding to update the aging infrastructure of the Merchant Marine Academy, some of which dates back to the 1940s. These outdated facilities compromise the education and training of our future leaders in national security, marine transportation, and economic fields,” said Congressman LaLota. “This investment is vital for ensuring that the academy continues to develop top-tier Merchant Marine Officers and leaders. By modernizing the Academy, we will not only enhance the quality of education but also bolster the academy’s capacity to attract and train the brightest new students.”
As the bill moves through the legislative process, Congressmen Garbarino and Suozzi are working to garner bipartisan support and build consensus around the importance of investing in Long Island’s Merchant Marine Academy. With backing from local stakeholders, industry leaders, and advocacy groups, they remain optimistic about the bill’s prospects for passage and its potential to secure a brighter future for the academy and its cadets.