b'NEWSWIRENEWSWIRE New Online Transportation Worker Identification Credential Renewal ProcessT he Transportation Security Adminis- migrants in lawful status may apply for theand saves travel time and expenses associated tration (TSA) recently announced thatTWIC credential. with being away from work. Most eligible ap-as of Aug. 11, 2022, current TWICplicants receive their TWIC card in less than holders have the ability to renew their creden- According to TSA, nearly 60 percent of TWIC10 days. Those applicants with more complex tials online, which eliminates the need to go toholdersrenewtheircardeveryfiveyears. cases may require 60 days or longer for process-an enrollment center and makes the five-yearRenewingonlineeliminatestheneedtogoing. Applicants may check their TWIC status renewal process more convenient. to an enrollment center, supports U.S. criti- online at any time.cal infrastructure and supply chain workers, TWIC is required by the Maritime Transpor- Most applicants, including U.S. citizens, na-tation Security Act for mariners and workerstionals, and lawful permanent residents, will who need access to secure areas of the nationsRenewing onlinebe able to renew online without the need to maritime facilities and vessels. Jointly adminis- visit an enrollment center. Please visit TSAs tered by TSA and the U.S. Coast Guard, TSAsaves travel time andenrollmentproviderwebsiteforinforma-conducts a background check to determine ationonTWICenrollmentsandrenewals. personseligibilityandissuesthecredential.expenses associatedIfapplicantsencounterdifficultyrenewing The Coast Guard regulates the use of TWIConline, they may contact customer service at inthemaritimeenvironment.U.S.citizens,with being away (855) 347-8371. For more information on the lawfulpermanentresidents,naturalizedcit- TWIC program, visit the TSA TWIC website izens,asylumseekers,refugees,andnonim- from work. or the Coast Guard TWIC website.NEWSWIREFederal Ferry Formula Grants AnnouncedG rantawardstopublicferrysystemsTheFHWAsFerryBoatProgramdistributesNot only did the law wereannouncedonAug.5,2022,funding based on a formula set by federal law. It undertheFederalHighwayAdmin- takes into account number of passengers carriedsubstantially increase istrations Ferry Formula Grant Program. Aannually,numberofvehiclescarriedannually, total of $172.2 million was awarded to 35 statesand total route-miles. The states receiving thefunding available and three territories. largest allocations in the current funding round are Washington, Alaska, New York, Texas, Cali- under program, it also This formula program was reauthorized byfornia, New Jersey, Louisiana, and Massachusetts. the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Actenabled recipients to (also known as the Bipartisan InfrastructureMoredetailsabouttheallocationscanbeuse funds for ferry Law) enacted in November 2021 (Public Lawfound here. 117-58). Not only did the law substantiallyoperating expensesincreasefundingavailableunderprogram,Whileonlyapublicly-ownedor-operated italsoenabledrecipientstousefundsforferry system can receive funds directly, in some ferry operating expenses, as well as for theinstances a private ferry company can benefit if previously allowed purposes of capital grantsit services a publicly-owned ferry terminal. National Census of Ferry Operators. The next for ferry vessels, terminals, and maintenancecensus will be conducted in 2023, delayed for facilities. As a general rule, the federal costTo benefit from a formula grant, the ferry sys- a year to allow ferry ridership to recover from share is 80 percent. tem must have participated in the most recentpandemic-related disruptions.FOGHORN 42'