The Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act of 2025 amends the Coastal Zone Management Act to establish federal support for America's commercial fishing and maritime communities facing threats from climate change, extreme weather, and trade barriers. The bill creates a federal task force to assess critical waterfront needs and requires a report to Congress within 18 months, while establishing two main funding programs: a grant program providing up to 75% federal funding for waterfront preservation projects like dock repairs and property acquisition, and a loan fund program providing up to $50 million annually to coastal states to create revolving loan funds for local waterfront preservation efforts. Both programs prioritize disadvantaged communities with flexible matching requirements and loan forgiveness options, and require projects to maintain public access to coastal waters and preserve commercial fishing uses in perpetuity through binding covenants. The legislation authorizes $50 million annually from 2025 through 2029 and mandates biennial congressional reports on program outcomes.
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