H.R. 2429 — To direct the Secretary of Transportation to develop and implement a comprehensive Campus Modernization Plan for the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and for other purposes.

This section adds a new section 51329 to chapter 513 of title 46, United States Code, directing the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Maritime Administrator, to develop and begin implementing within 180 days of enactment a comprehensive 10-year Campus Modernization Plan for the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). (The USMMA, one of the federal service academies, trains licensed merchant mariners obligated to serve at least eight years in U.S. commerce or national defense.) The plan must prioritize seven objectives—(1) modern learning facilities with state-of-the-art technologies; (2) facilities to support passing U.S. Coast Guard licensing exams for Third Mate or Third Assistant Engineer Unlimited; (3) facilities for maintaining U.S. Navy physical readiness standards; (4) infrastructure to attract diverse applicants; (5) facilities for industry engagement and continuing education; (6) a safe and secure campus meeting sexual assault prevention and response requirements; and (7) recommendations from the November 2021 National Academy of Public Administration report—and include (1) new construction or significant renovations for Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping laboratories, a Safety of Life at Sea training pool, engineering powerplant laboratories, athletic facilities for male and female students, enhanced waterfront facilities including a new pier, a visitor welcome center and security office, senior staff and faculty housing, and sufficient parking; (2) information technology upgrades to all classrooms and laboratories; and (3) campus-wide retrofits of the electric distribution power grid, sanitary sewer system, storm drainage system, and [text cuts off]. The section also states congressional findings on the USMMA's national security role and facilities deficiencies and expresses the sense of the House that the Department of Transportation should implement the plan rapidly using the "Merchant Marine Academy Full Speed Ahead Plan," pursue comprehensive modernization including design-build contracts, and ensure accountability.