For just about anyone who's hoping to use the East Coast ICW - and perhaps the Gulf Coast Waterway, over time - you might want to visit the following URL for an update on President Bush's 2005 budget (taking effect in a few months; Oct 2004): www.floridastation.org/Intracoastal%20Waterway%20Funds%20to%20Be%20Shut%20Off.htm Essentially, the news is that there has been $0 allocated for maintenance of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Moreover, at least one spot along the ICW is already down to a reported MLW depth of 3'...and with the Corps of Engineers unfunded to address the issue. Repair and/or replacement of missing/damanged nav aids is also unfunded, apparently. This is of course a commercial waterway, not just a back-channel recreational facility for boaters. I'm sure this makes sense to someone, at some level...perhaps as a forced budget reduction process, forced down onto program administrators from budgetmeisters on high. If you care...you might want to speak up on this issue with the folks in your community, local paper or elected representative. Jack
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Is a pig pork?
Actually, over $70 million of the people's federal tax dollars will end up going to the AIWW and GIWW. It rarely shows up in the initial budget. One reason is that it only benefits the people and businesses along the east and gulf coasts and is mostly funded by state dollars of the states who benefit the most. Another reason is that politicians like to claim credit for bringing federal pork to their consitiuents (bargining chip). (definition: tax - the money politicians take from you, then use to buy your vote) A third reason is that the AIWW and GIWW once were privately operated but today's environmental terrorists makes this impossible. If you don't benefit directly from the IWW's don't feel bad about sending your contributions anyway. After all, I'll probably never drive that highway under Boston or ski at that Vermont resort MY tax dollars paid for. A little history on the link below. MArk
Actually, over $70 million of the people's federal tax dollars will end up going to the AIWW and GIWW. It rarely shows up in the initial budget. One reason is that it only benefits the people and businesses along the east and gulf coasts and is mostly funded by state dollars of the states who benefit the most. Another reason is that politicians like to claim credit for bringing federal pork to their consitiuents (bargining chip). (definition: tax - the money politicians take from you, then use to buy your vote) A third reason is that the AIWW and GIWW once were privately operated but today's environmental terrorists makes this impossible. If you don't benefit directly from the IWW's don't feel bad about sending your contributions anyway. After all, I'll probably never drive that highway under Boston or ski at that Vermont resort MY tax dollars paid for. A little history on the link below. MArk
Practical Politics
Constuctive discussion of boater friendly legislation has a real place here...but I assume we have some important disagreements in the forum on Presidential politics. I suggest that we control the urge to vent them. Finally, this forum is remarkably free of the destructive "rant" form of attack posting on any subject. When it does happen, I find it offensive. David Lady Lillie
Constuctive discussion of boater friendly legislation has a real place here...but I assume we have some important disagreements in the forum on Presidential politics. I suggest that we control the urge to vent them. Finally, this forum is remarkably free of the destructive "rant" form of attack posting on any subject. When it does happen, I find it offensive. David Lady Lillie
No No's
I agree David. Politics and religion are two things this forum is to avoid. Now, both have appeared within the past week. Everyone should review the rules of posting before Phil has to start editing. Bryon Thomas "Shore Leave"
I agree David. Politics and religion are two things this forum is to avoid. Now, both have appeared within the past week. Everyone should review the rules of posting before Phil has to start editing. Bryon Thomas "Shore Leave"
*pop Damn! Religious rant and now a political rant
All within a week !! Woah, whats going on here!? *box As much as I find it interesting this is NOT the place for side tracked political rants Granted the first post & second post was directly related to a boating related issue, which is fair game and open to discussion here (IMHO). Really don't see anything wrong with that, and it seems that a good point was brought up by Jack T and that Mark had a very thoughtful and informative rebuttal. But the purely political rant by Richard was way off base, while I sympathize with lots of his concerns, posting like he did here was wrong (not too mention, even though some things were correct, there were others that were very distorted). BTW I didn't even note ONE marine/boating related issue in that list. Lets keep the non-boating related politics off this board. I DON'T want it to become like other boards. ~/ Sail on ~
All within a week !! Woah, whats going on here!? *box As much as I find it interesting this is NOT the place for side tracked political rants Granted the first post & second post was directly related to a boating related issue, which is fair game and open to discussion here (IMHO). Really don't see anything wrong with that, and it seems that a good point was brought up by Jack T and that Mark had a very thoughtful and informative rebuttal. But the purely political rant by Richard was way off base, while I sympathize with lots of his concerns, posting like he did here was wrong (not too mention, even though some things were correct, there were others that were very distorted). BTW I didn't even note ONE marine/boating related issue in that list. Lets keep the non-boating related politics off this board. I DON'T want it to become like other boards. ~/ Sail on ~
Just Wait 'til Phil Wakes Up
You boys is in trouble! He's going to give you a shovel and send you to the ICW to dig some holes.
You boys is in trouble! He's going to give you a shovel and send you to the ICW to dig some holes.
Phil's awake
Well, at least, I'm out of bed. Sounds like we (almost) all agree on the need to stick to boating-related topics, right? For the latest on the election go to CNN. Thanks!
Well, at least, I'm out of bed. Sounds like we (almost) all agree on the need to stick to boating-related topics, right? For the latest on the election go to CNN. Thanks!
Phil ...
After being the unwilling and unwitting initiator of the religion thing earlier, I sure agree on keeping the subject off the board. Politics probably comes under the same heading, and I will never post on either again. But, just for the record, and for the sake of new users so they don't get flamed, I just reviewed the link "Forum rules and policies." Nowhere does it say ANYTHING about either politics or religion. It might fall under the "custom" area, but a new user won't know custom. And, I want to encourage us all to remember it's late winter, we're all getting edgy, etc. Maybe the thing to do is wait a couple hours before writing anything we might regret. Here's to fair winds and sunshine ... may they come soon!!!! Tom
After being the unwilling and unwitting initiator of the religion thing earlier, I sure agree on keeping the subject off the board. Politics probably comes under the same heading, and I will never post on either again. But, just for the record, and for the sake of new users so they don't get flamed, I just reviewed the link "Forum rules and policies." Nowhere does it say ANYTHING about either politics or religion. It might fall under the "custom" area, but a new user won't know custom. And, I want to encourage us all to remember it's late winter, we're all getting edgy, etc. Maybe the thing to do is wait a couple hours before writing anything we might regret. Here's to fair winds and sunshine ... may they come soon!!!! Tom
Ron prefers Fox - I prefer Foxy's
We will be there for the music fest next Fri & Sat. Eat your hearts out!!! ;D
We will be there for the music fest next Fri & Sat. Eat your hearts out!!! ;D
My Preference is "Naked News"
It always sounds better when presented this way. http://nakednews.com/
It always sounds better when presented this way. http://nakednews.com/
Tom; news referral
Hi Tom - thanks for the heads-up on that. I suppose we had it covered before under culture and customs, but it is now spelled out. Nothing wrong with discussion of either of those topics, of course, but we try to keep this place reasonablly on topic and flame free. That makes the archives a cleaner body of knowledge. I do appreciate your comments and support of this policy. Regarding CNN... I was only citing it as a generic term, like 'Kleenex.'
Hi Tom - thanks for the heads-up on that. I suppose we had it covered before under culture and customs, but it is now spelled out. Nothing wrong with discussion of either of those topics, of course, but we try to keep this place reasonablly on topic and flame free. That makes the archives a cleaner body of knowledge. I do appreciate your comments and support of this policy. Regarding CNN... I was only citing it as a generic term, like 'Kleenex.'
Local funds may still be available
I know that at least part of the maintenance of the ICW on the east coast of Florida is funded by the Florida Inland Navigation District. I pay taxes to them every year, and they play a role in maintaining the ICW. So, even though the Feds may cut their funding, some existing local funds may continue to be available. The FIND web site is attached as a link. There may be similar agencies in other areas.
I know that at least part of the maintenance of the ICW on the east coast of Florida is funded by the Florida Inland Navigation District. I pay taxes to them every year, and they play a role in maintaining the ICW. So, even though the Feds may cut their funding, some existing local funds may continue to be available. The FIND web site is attached as a link. There may be similar agencies in other areas.
Wow Rick give us a warning
before we open that at work!.....looked great though...sent the link to 5 other sailors already!
before we open that at work!.....looked great though...sent the link to 5 other sailors already!
Dave, Thought the Name Said it All
For others "naked" means just that. There is a link for the gals to get their news as well. I guess it is the same thing I have never clicked on it to check.
For others "naked" means just that. There is a link for the gals to get their news as well. I guess it is the same thing I have never clicked on it to check.
There is some merit to this discussion
regardless of one's political views. The AICWA (link below) has been staging hearings and meetings along the waterway to encourage local boaters, business owners, etc., to get involved in the long range planning for the ICW. Their (main?) argument is that the ICW has been consistenly underfunded and therefore undermaintained for many years, and the future is bleak. Bleak regardless of how much funding is ultimately allocated this year. The purposes of these forums and the various web sites is to solicit opinions and enhance understanding on both sides of the issue. And, no doubt, to garner funding and support from federal, state and local govt's and entities. Obviously the hope is to sway more folks to support the ICW than not, but if you disagree give them your best shot. My point here is that this issue is serious to all boaters and you should understand it and get involved - in the appropriate forums, which is probably not here at HOW. Just think, if the ICW were to close or be signifiantly impeded, and the number of coastal sailors declines, what's going to happen to the value of our boats, regardless of where you or your boat are located, or your your particular political persuasion? Just one man's opionion...
regardless of one's political views. The AICWA (link below) has been staging hearings and meetings along the waterway to encourage local boaters, business owners, etc., to get involved in the long range planning for the ICW. Their (main?) argument is that the ICW has been consistenly underfunded and therefore undermaintained for many years, and the future is bleak. Bleak regardless of how much funding is ultimately allocated this year. The purposes of these forums and the various web sites is to solicit opinions and enhance understanding on both sides of the issue. And, no doubt, to garner funding and support from federal, state and local govt's and entities. Obviously the hope is to sway more folks to support the ICW than not, but if you disagree give them your best shot. My point here is that this issue is serious to all boaters and you should understand it and get involved - in the appropriate forums, which is probably not here at HOW. Just think, if the ICW were to close or be signifiantly impeded, and the number of coastal sailors declines, what's going to happen to the value of our boats, regardless of where you or your boat are located, or your your particular political persuasion? Just one man's opionion...
Hmm number of coastal sailors declines, ??
Whats' going to happen? Well I know one thing there might be more slips available and my $#@&@%!!# Damn annual slip fees might go down. *grr Its up to $112 a foot already ! But in all seriousness this IS an important issue, lets just keep it to the direct issue.
Whats' going to happen? Well I know one thing there might be more slips available and my $#@&@%!!# Damn annual slip fees might go down. *grr Its up to $112 a foot already ! But in all seriousness this IS an important issue, lets just keep it to the direct issue.
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