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251 records in US in 1977
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to stipulate that the trade-in and trade-out values of mariner class vessels acquired by the Secretary of Commerce in exchange for obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet shall be the higher of their scrap value in domestic or foreign markets.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Essential Maritime Transportation Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, upon request by the chief executive officer of a noncontiguous State or territory which has been affected by an interruption in essential maritime transportation, to take appropriate action to provide such transportation. Authorizes the Secretary, in the case of any interruption of five days or more, to: (1) activate and direct vessels of the national defense reserve fleet to provide such transportation; (2) request any officer, department, or instrumentality of the Federal Government to make available, on a nonreimbursable basis, personnel, services, or facilities for use in providing such transportation; or (3) to commence a civil action in the appropriate Federal court for an order to terminate such interruption. Authorizes Federal courts to grant such an order if such order is necessary to assure the provision of essential maritime transportation and no practicable alternative to such an order is available.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to increase the amount of a ship construction loan which the Secretary of Commerce may guarantee from 75 to 87 1/2 percent with respect to certain ferry boats.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Air Travel Protection Act - Includes as a condition for a certificate for interstate or overseas air transportation that air carriers maintain financial protection of such type and in such amounts as the Secretary of Transportation shall require to indemnify victims of aircraft incidents. Directs the Secretary to extend such requirement to persons engaged in intrastate air transportation. Stipulates that the amount of financial protection required shall be the amount of liability insurance available from private sources, unless the Secretary establishes a lesser amount based on specified criteria. Directs the Secretary to indemnify victims of extraordinary air incidents if the liability incurred is in excess of the financial protection provided by the air carrier. Defines "extraordinary air incidents" for purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to create a revolving fund in the Treasury for such indemnification purposes by directing air carriers to collect as part of a charge for domestic air transportation an amount specified by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to allow air carriers to include an additional charge to be applied against the financial protection required under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into indemnity agreements and make advance payments thereon whenever such action would facilitate the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to use private facilities and services to the maximum extent possible to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires that any such indemnity agreements include the provision that the Secretary shall have final authority regarding the payment of any claims under such agreement. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with other indemnitors to establish coordinated procedures for prompt handlings, investigation, and settlement of claims for liability. Authorizes payments to provide immediate assistance following an aircraft incident. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe such rules, regulations, and policies as are deemed proper to carry out the functions of this Act. Requires the Secretary to maintain an integral set of accounts created under this Act which shall be audited annually. Directs the Secretary to include in the annual report to Congress an account of all activities, expenditures, and receipts under this Act. Requires provisions in indemnity agreements and insurance policies with respect to extraordinary aircraft occurrences which waive: (1) any issue or defense based on the conduct or fault of the claimant; (2) any issue or defense of charitable or governmental immunity; and (3) any defense based on the statute of limitations if suit is instituted within two years of the incident. Grants exclusive jurisdiction to the Federal courts with respect to any public liability arising out of extraordinary aircraft occurrences. Limits recovery from such an extraordinary occurrence to allowable expenses, loss of income, replacement service loss, and survivor's loss. Disallows, in the event of death, recovery for pain and suffering of the deceased or other noneconomic injury. Disallows recovery of other persons for pain and suffering or noneconomic detriment unless such a person has sustained serious and permanent disfigurement or other serious and permanent injury or has a total disability for more than 90 days. Prohibits recovery for exemplary or punitive damages. Allows any person who recovers in an action based on an extraordinary aircraft occurrence to recover as part of such judgment costs and expenses reasonably incurred in the prosecution of such action. Makes the remedies provided under this Act exclusive.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to designate certain highways in Oklahoma and Texas as part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Declares it is the policy of the United States to encourage the maximum use of United States vessels by individuals and corporations who import and export goods to and from the United States. Directs all Federal agencies which ship, by ocean vessels, any goods or commodities which are paid for of financed by Federal funds to use United States flag vessels to the maximum extent possible.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1977
Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to prohibit common carriers subject to Part I of such Act (railroads, and combined rail and water carriers) from establishing a rate for any commodity for export which is different from the established rate for the similar domestic movement of such commodity unless the carrier simultaneously establishes export rates for that commodity from the same point of origin to all port ranges served by such carrier.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1977
Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to prohibit common carriers subject to Part 1 of such Act (railroads, and combined rail and water carriers) form establishing a rate for any commodity for export which is different from the established rate for the similar domestic movement of such commodity unless the carrier simultaneously establishes export rates for that commodity from the same point of origin to all port ranges served by such carrier.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1977
Prohibits the expenditure of Federal funds for the conversion of highway signs to the metric system unless the Congress specifically authorizes such an expenditure.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to carry out certain road maintenance activities on access roads to Fort Peck Dam, Montana.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Bikeway Transportation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for 80 percent of the cost to States and municipalities of bikeway construction projects in urban territories or connecting such areas with national, State, or local parks, seashores or recreational areas. Requires such bikeway projects to be in accordance with a continuing comprehensive transportation planning process carried on cooperatively by States and local communities and in accordance with construction standards established by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a demonstration project in the city of Orange, Texas, for the relocation of the major railroad through line in such city for the purpose of eliminating rail-highway crossings. Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $15,000,000 to carry out such program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to authorize the use of funds made available under such Act for projects in area other than urbanized areas, for the payment of subsidies for the payment of subsidies for operating expenses in such areas.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1977
Ocean Shipping Act - Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to include controlled carriers within the coverage of such Act. Defines a "controlled carrier" as a common carrier by water in foreign commerce owned by a government whose vessels are not afforded most-favored nation treatment and which offer services not covered by a service agreement under such Act or whose rates are not covered by a conference or rate agreement under such Act. Sets forth restrictions regarding the rates or rate structures which such carriers may maintain. Authorizes the Federal Maritime Commission to disapprove such rates or rate structures if it finds they are unreasonable. Requires that such rates or rate structures be filed with the Commission at least 30 days before their effective date. Authorizes the Commission to suspend such rates or structures pending an investigation regarding their reasonableness. Requires controlled carriers to designate and retain registered agents within the United States. Authorizes appropriations of $1,950,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1977
Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to establish minimum rates which nonnational flag carriers operating in the foreign commerce of the United States may charge. Defines a "nonnational flag carrier" as a common carrier by water which operates vessels on regular berth services to and from United States ports and which are not documented under the laws of the United States or the other country involved. Authorizes the Federal Maritime Commission to reject rates not conforming with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1977
Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring that the cab area of all railroad locomotives and the entire interior area of all railroad cabooses be completely enclosed by bulletproof material.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1977
Reaffirms the percentage of local cash contribution required for construction of navigation facilities at the Barber's Point deep-draft harbor, Hawaii. Declares that material dredged during such construction shall become the property of Hawaii for disposal.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1976 to increase the authorization for appropriations for the special bridge replacement program.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Amends the Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring that the locomotive and rear car of all passenger, freight, and commuter trains be equipped with bulletproof glass and equipment which is capable of providing controlled temperatures.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Automotive Transport Research and Development Act - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a program to develop advanced automobile propulsion systems within five years of the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to make grants for research projects designed to assist the furtherance of such program. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to evaluate and report the extent to which the automobile industry utilizes advanced automotive technology. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to test vehicles developed pursuant to the program established by this Act, in order to determine compliance with applicable standards under the Clean Air Act and the Noise Control Act of 1972. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to test such vehicles in order to determine compliance with applicable standards under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, and the Automobile Information Disclosure Act. Establishes contracting procedures consistent with applicable provisions of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to submit annual reports to Congress of activities pursuant to this Act, including results of economic surveys designed to evaluate the extent to which Federal guarantees of financial obligations may aid in developing commercial markets for advanced automobile technology. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to require that efforts of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration be directed towards the development of advanced automobile propulsion systems. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that no more than 60 percent of such appropriations shall be directly expended in Federal laboratories.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Amends the Flood Control Act of 1954 to authorize the Corps of Engineers to furnish technical assistance to any State for removing snags, and clearing and straightening channels in navigable streams.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to direct the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration to provide financial assistance to railroads to cover rehabilitation and operation costs for unprofitable railroad lines when the Interstate Commerce Commission finds that the public convenience and necessity does not permit the abandonment or discontinuance of such a line. Stipulates that such assistance shall be available for a five year period. Sets forth the Federal share for such operation and rehabilitation costs during this period. Authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1978 through 1992 to carry out such program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
Bridge Safety Act - Title I: Bridge Program - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve Federal participation in a State project to repair or replace unsafe highway bridges under a needs formula as established in this Act. Stipulates that the Federal share of any such project shall not exceed 90 percent of its cost. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund of $180,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and $720,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1978 through 1990 for such purpose. Title II: Extension of Highway Trust Fund and Certain Related Provisions - Amends the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 to extend appropriations for the Highway Trust Fund through fiscal year 1990. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act to extend the fund through fiscal year 1990. Postpones specified excise tax reductions under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 1978. Sets forth the authorized end strength for active duty personnel and prescribes the average military student loads for the Coast Guard for such fiscal year. Stipulates that the obligated balances against appropriations for use by the Coast Guard for operation and maintenance and Reserve training purposes for the two preceeding fiscal years shall be merged with the current appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 and the Department of Transportation Act to extend for one year the period during which the Federal Government pays 100 percent of the cost of local rail service assistance programs involving rehabilitation and maintenance of rail properties.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Bridge Safety Act - Title I - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) inventory all bridges not located on any of the Federal-aid systems; (2) classify them according to serviceability, safety, and essentiality; and (3) assign each bridge a priority for replacement based on such classification. Authorizes Federal participation in State projects to replace such bridges after October 1, 1980. Increases the authorization for appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for bridge replacement programs. Title II - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to extend such fund through fiscal year 1990. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to postpone specified excise tax reductions. Title III - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to increase the excise taxes on gasoline, diesel fuels, and special motor fuels. Amends the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 to stipulate that such increases shall be deposited in a special account of the Highway Trust Fund to meet the obligations incurred by the United States pursuant to bridge replacement programs.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Federal Aid Highway Act Amendments - Amends the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1976 to increase and extend the appropriations authorized under such Act for the Federal Aid primary system to $3,350,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1978 through 1990. Increases the Federal Share for projects financed with primary funds on the Federal aid primary system from 70 percent of its cost to 80 percent, or to 95 percent under specified circumstances. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 109, 120)
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
Emergency Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to eligible applicants for projects involving the repair, rehabilitation, or improvement of railroad roadbeds and facilities. Stipulates that the purposes of such grant program are to: (1) reduce unemployment in areas of substantial unemployment; (2) improve severely deteriorated roadbeds and facilities which are a risk to public safety or seriously inhibit freight and passenger service; and (3) improve roadbeds and facilities which meet transportation needs and policies. Sets forth the information which must be included in applications for such assistance. Stipulates that the funds provided under this Act shall be used solely to pay the wages and benefits earned by individuals employed in programs funded by this Act and not for administrative expenses. Establishes a priority system for hiring individuals for jobs created pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish rules and procedures for referring eligible individuals for employment to applicants receiving funds under this Act. Sets forth criteria for determining which roadbeds and facilities are eligible for project grants under this Act. Sets forth goals to be achieved with respect to such projects. Stipulates that projects must be structured and administered to achieve such goals in order to be eligible for funding. Sets forth restrictions regarding subcontracts for such work on such projects. Sets forth measures relating to labor protection and wages and benefits for employees. Requires recipients of Federal funds under this Act to keep such records as the Secretary of Transportation may prescribe. Directs the Secretary to submit periodic reports to the President and the Congress regarding actions taken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $750,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to extend the age limitation before which passenger ships delivered on or after December 1, 1952, can qualify for operating differential subsidies from 25 to 30 years.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to compile information on motor vehicle safety devices and to make such information available to the States. Stipulates that such information shall contain statistical data on the difference in severity of automobile injuries based on the use or nonuse of such safety devices. Authorizes the Secretary to make incentive grants to a State which uses such information as part of its procedure for issuing motor vehicle operating permits. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund of $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to carry out such grant program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
Prohibits the expenditure of Federal funds for the conversion of highway signs to the metric system unless the Congress specifically authorizes such an expenditure.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to require that applicants for funding under the urban mass transit grant program charge handicapped and elderly persons at most one-half the fare charged other individuals for mass transportation services during both peak and nonpeak hours.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973, the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976, and the Department of Transportation Act to extend for 15 months the period during which the Federal share of rail service assistance programs is 100 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize air carriers operating within the State of Florida pursuant to authority granted by the Public Service Commission and which operate aircraft capable of carrying 30 or more persons to enter into agreements with other air carriers to establish joint fares, rates, and services. Specifies various methods for determining the lowest such joint fare or rate which may be established.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
Amends the Flood Control Act of 1954 to authorize the Corps of Engineers to furnish technical assistance to any State for removing snags, and clearing and straightening channels in navigable streams.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to direct the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Con Rail) to make premium payments in order to maintain insurance policies providing medical or life insurance benefits to employees and retirees under such Act. Entitles the corporation to a loan under such Act to make such payments. Deems such costs to be expenses of the administration of the respective estates of the railroads in reorganization.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Amends the Flood Control Act of 1954 to authorize the Corps of Engineers to furnish technical assistance to any State for removing snags and clearing and straightening channels in navigable streams.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from approving any grant or loan under such Act unless the applicant gives satisfactory assurances that prior to the establishment or change in any fare or service which may substantially effect any community or segment thereof, the applicant will conduct public hearings with adequate prior notice and consider the impact on the community of such establishment or change in fare or service. Directs the Secretary, upon a determination that a fare or service has been established or changed without such public hearing, to suspend any further grant or loan payments and to disapprove any further grant or loan applications until the applicant has complied with the procedural requirements specified in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from approving any grant or loan under such Act unless the applicant gives satisfactory assurances that prior to the establishment or change in any fare or service which may substantially effect any community or segment thereof, the applicant will conduct public hearings with adequate prior notice and consider the impact on the community of such establishment or change in fare or service. Directs the Secretary, upon a determination that a fare or service has been established or changed without such public hearing, to suspend any further grant or loan payments and to disapprove any further grant or loan applications until the applicant has complied with the procedural requirements specified in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Cargo Security Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to establish a program of coordinated Federal regulation designed to assure maximum security and safety of property moving in interstate and foreign commerce. Title I: Cargo Security for Property Being Transported in Interstate and Foreign Commerce - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish such regulations as necessary to assure the security and safety of property under the control of any carrier while being transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Sets forth a maximum civil penalty of $10,000 for violations of this title. Directs that any order of the Secretary assessing a civil penalty shall be subject to review by the United States Courts of Appeals in the circuit in which the violation occurred. Stipulates that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction to restrain violations of, or to enforce regulations established under this Act. Requires the Secretary to annually submit to Congress reports relating to the administration of this Act and recommendations for legislation as the Secretary deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. Title II: Customs Port Security - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue by regulation such security and safety measures as may be necessary to protect and safeguard cargo at specified terminals. Establishes a maximum civil penalty of $10,000 for violations of this title. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress recommending legislation the Secretary deems necessary to carry out this title. Reduces the criminal penalty for affixing or defacing a customs seal and for maliciously entering a bonded warehouse from a fine of no more than $5,000 and/or imprisonment for no more than two years to a fine of no more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment for no more than one year. Title III: Office of Cargo Security - Establishes within the Department of Transportation the Office of Cargo Security. Transfers to the Director of the Office the powers and duties of the Office of Transportation Security. Specifies other responsibilities delegated to the Director. Title IV: Interagency Council on Cargo Security - Establishes an Interagency Council on Cargo Security which shall identify and coordinate Federal department and agency actions relating to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to study remedial stabilization measures for the bank of the Illinois River near Hardin, Illinois.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Reaffirms the percentage of local cash contribution required for construction of navigation facilities at the Barber's Point deep-draft harbor, Hawaii. Declares that material dredged during such construction shall become the property of Hawaii for disposal.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to establish a minimum annual apportionment to States for airport development projects under such Act for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Amends the Intercoastal Shipping Act, 1933, to require water carriers to file general increases or decreases in rates with the Federal Maritime Commission 60 days before the effective date of such rate change. Defines general increase or decrease in rates as increases or decreases of 50 percent or more of the rate, fare, or charge items in the tariffs per trade of common carriers by water in intercoastal commerce which will result in increases or decreases in the gross revenues of such carrier of three percent or more. Prohibits the Commission from ordering hearings on the lawfulness of rate changes or practices on its own initiative unless it publishes the reasons for such a hearing in the Federal Register or upon protest unless the protestant has established that the proposed rate or practice may cause substantial injury to the protestant and that it is likely that the protestant will win on the merits. Requires the Commission to prescribe guidelines for the determination of what constitutes a just and reasonable rate of return for common carriers by water. Requires the Commission to complete such a hearing within 60 days and to issue a final decision within 180 days. Allows the Commission to extend such time period for an additional 60 days if three or more Commissioners agree to such an extension. Stipulates that if a final decision is not reached within this 180 day period or by the end of an extension period the proposed rate change or practice shall be deemed just and reasonable. Prohibits the Commission from suspending: (1) any tariff schedule or service which extends to any additional port at the rates of the carrier involved for similar service in effect at the nearest port of call to such port; or (2) the operation of that portion of any changed rate representing an increase or decrease of seven percent or less and filed as part of a general increase or decrease in rates. Stipulates that if the Commission finds that, with respect to a general increase in rates, any unsuspended portion of the increase in the carrier's operating revenues resulting from such increase is not just and reasonable, the Commission shall order the carrier involved to refund such increased costs plus interest to persons charged on the basis of such general increase.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to make Federal ship mortgage insurance available for obligations for fishing vessels which do not exceed 87 1/2 percent of the actual or depreciated cost of such vessels.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make financial assistance available to States to rehabilitate unsafe highway bridges. Establishes the Federal share of a bridge replacement or rehabilitation project. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund for bridge replacement and rehabilitation projects.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to direct the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Con Rail) to make premium payments in order to maintain insurance policies providing medical or life insurance benefits to employees and retirees under such Act. Entitles the corporation to a loan under such Act to make such payments. Deems such costs to be expenses of the administration of the respective estates of the railroads in reorganization.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Amends the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations not to exceed $2,500,000 for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980, respectively for administration of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Establishes an emergency, federally funded bridge replacement program for bridges located on rural non-Federal aid system public roads. Authorizes appropriations for such program through fiscal year 1980. Specifies the method by which the Secretary of Transportation shall apportion funds to the States for such program. Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress regarding projects approved under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Essential Maritime Transportation Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, upon request by the chief executive officer of a noncontiguous State or territory which has been affected by an interruption in essential maritime transportation, to take appropriate action to provide such transportation. Authorizes the Secretary, in the case of any interruption of five days or more, to: (1) activate and direct vessels of the national defense reserve fleet to provide such transportation; (2) request any officer, department, or instrumentality of the Federal Government to make available, on a nonreimbursable basis, personnel, services, or facilities for use in providing such transportation; or (3) to commence a civil action in the appropriate Federal court for an order to terminate such interruption. Authorizes Federal courts to grant such an order if such order is necessary to assure the provision of essential maritime transportation and no practicable alternative to such an order is available.