Traditional working waterfronts continue to decline in our area - al.com

Traditional working waterfronts continue to decline in our area - al.com: "Transportation, recreation, commercial fishing, no matter how you look at it, water and access to it is an integral part of our lives along the Gulf Coast. The livelihood of some, such as oystermen, boat makers and charter fishermen, rely on ready access to the water. However, the market for waterfront residential property is as popular as ever, putting increasing pressure on the land available for open waterfront access.

The plight of working waterfronts is at the forefront of communities in many states, including our own. Maine, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida communities are all struggling with the balance of traditional working waterfronts and newer residential waterfront development. Legislative actions at both the state and federal level have addressed working waterfronts. Maine Congresswoman Chellie Penigree introduced H.R. 2548, the Protect America's Working Waterfronts Act, which would provide federal funding to protect working waterfronts in coastal states."