Ship Can’t Bring Rock Salt To NJ Because It Doesn’t Have American Flag
Rock salt is badly needed in New Jersey because of the storms they’ve had, but a ship transporting it can’t make the trip because of a 1920 law requiring it to fly an American flag.
The 1920 federal Maritime Act, requires the shipment to arrive on a vessel flying a U.S. flag, and so far the federal government has not issued a waiver.
The news is damaging to many New Jersey municipalities who have exhausted their rock salt supply due to several other storms that have hit so far this winter. The lack of salt has meant especially hazardous conditions to drive on the roadways. The area is expected to receive a light snowfall Tuesday morning.
New Jersey Department of Transportation Spokesman Joe Dee said Monday the department has applied for a waiver from the federal government but it appears “unlikely” it will be granted, the Washington Free Beacon reported.
“We were pursuing a waiver, but we’ve been advised we wouldn’t get one,” Dee said. “It seems unlikely we will get it.
