PORTS FOR THE 21st CENTURY At the National Ocean Conference in Monterey, California, President Clinton and Vice President Gore launched a series of major initiatives to explore, protect and restore America's vital ocean resources. One of these efforts is dedicated to "Ports for the 21st Century". To maintain competitiveness and ensure America's ability to safely handle the increase in ocean vessel traffic expected in the 21st century, the Administration launched a ports modernization program financed by a proposed new Harbor Services Fund. The fund will raise $800 million over the next five years to deepen and maintain shipping channels, improve navigational safety, and undertake other port projects. For more information on this initiative contact Matt Stout (202) 482-6090. CALENDAR OF EVENTS September 19 - October 9 Coast Weeks October 13 - 16 APEC Ocean Conference, Honolulu, HI New! October 6 - November 10 Smithsonian Forum, The Ocean: Earth's Last Frontier November 16 - 19, 1998 Ocean Community Conference '98 - Annual Meeting of the Marine Technology Society (MTS), Baltimore, Maryland

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