Working Waterfronts Act of 2024

The Working Waterfronts Act of 2024 provides tax credits for hydroelectric facilities with fish passage improvements, expands loan and grant programs for fishing businesses and seafood processing facilities, and establishes a grant program to protect working waterfronts. It includes provisions for rural coastal communities to develop processing infrastructure, support workforce development in maritime industries, and promote ocean innovation through clusters. The bill directly affects commercial fishing operators, seafood processors, mariculture businesses, and rural coastal communities. It authorizes funding for these programs over fiscal years 2025-2029, with specific allocations for different program components including $10 million annually for rural coastal processing grants and $20 million annually for waterfront preservation.