Issue 294��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� December 21, 2007


In this issue:

Congress passes fourth CR; waits for President to sign omnibus

$400M for Port Security included in FY2008 Omnibus spending bill

Short Sea Shipping provisions included in Energy Bill

PNWA welcomes new member, KPFF Consulting Engineers

PNWA welcomes new member, The McGregor Company

Dave Ripp chosen as new Executive Director of the Port of Camas-Washougal

The Port of Humboldt Bay seeks a Director of Facility Maintenance

Register today for PNWA�s 2008 PNWA Mission to Washington and Regional Meetings

 

 

Congress passes fourth CR; waits for President to sign omnibus


Yesterday, Congress passed a fourth continuing resolution (H.J.Res.72), funding the government through December 31st.Congress has completed work on a consolidated omnibus spending act (H.R.2764) for FY2008, but awaits the President�s signature.Yesterday, the President hinted that OMB may investigate how the Administration could ignore Congress� specific funding directions in �earmarks�, and instead spend the funding on Administration priorities.If this were to happen, we anticipate a fierce battle between Congress and the Administration.

 

On Tuesday, PNWA reported on our supported navigation projects which received increases in the omnibus.We are pleased to note that twelve PNWA-supported projects were increased by a total of $9.8 million.Seven of these projects were increased from zero in the President�s budget.On a policy level, PNWA urged Congress to reject the Administration�s regionalization of operations & maintenance (O&M), and instead continue to fund projects on an individual basis.PNWA also argued against the introduction of another inland waterways user fee, and for construction projects to remain in construction, not O&M.All of these efforts were successful.

 

PNWA will continue to keep you informed as the appropriations process concludes this year.For information about all PNWA supported navigation projects in the omnibus, please visit www.pnwa.net and click on �2008 Energy & Water Appropriations�.

 

Contact:Kristin Meira

 

$400M for Port Security included in FY2008 Omnibus spending bill


FEMA�s Port Security Grant program received $400M in the FY2008 omnibus spending bill.The American Association of Port Authorities has been working with Congress to secure the funding level authorized by the SAFE Port Act, and this omnibus bill represents the first time the full amount has been appropriated.Congress set forth an additional provision in the omnibus that requires the Department of Homeland Security to disperse the funds quickly. PNWA was pleased to join with AAPA in supporting this funding amount, and has adopted the same position in the 2008 PNWA Policies & Projects for FY2009.

The bill also included funds for the Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP), as well as implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program.$2M will be available to test crane-mounted nuclear and radiological material detection technology, and $6.1M will be available to fund the reimbursement of ports involved in TWIC reader pilot programs.

 

PNWA Staff Contact: Kristin Meira

 

Short Sea Shipping provisions included in Energy Bill


The energy bill (H.R. 6) President Bush signed into law on December 19th included provisions supporting energy efficient short sea shipping programs.These provisions would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop designated short sea shipping route extensions to the surface transportation system, as well as create programs and projects that would diminish highway and rail congestion.These programs would specifically focus on developing and expanding vessels, utilizing shippers, transportation infrastructure, and state and local government marine transportation strategies.PNWA will monitor the DOT�s implementation of the programs and keep our members informed.

 

PNWA Staff Contact: Glenn Vanselow

 

PNWA welcomes new member, KPFF Consulting Engineers


PNWA is very pleased to announce KPFF Consulting Engineers as a new member of our association.

 

KPFF was founded in 1960, and provides civil and structural engineering and survey services from 17 offices along the West Coast and in Phoenix, Denver, St. Louis and New York. In 2005, KPFF opened a Eugene branch to better serve the clients in the mid- and southern-Willamette Valley. The Eugene and Portland offices support client needs with a 163-member staff, and draw upon the firm�s more than 960 professionals.

 

Typical projects for KPFF include master planning, site development, infrastructure design, roadway/bridge design, permitting, parks and recreational facilities design, and waterfront development. The firm is known for strong collaborative work, facilitating the goals of clients, owners, and the design team.Currently, KPFF is working with the Port of Newport on the reconstruction of their terminal dock.

 

For more information on KPFF, please visit their website at www.kpff.com.Their designated PNWA contact, Bill Ness, can be reached at 541-684-4902 or by email at bill.ness@kpffcivilpdx.com.

 

PNWA Staff Contact: Heather Kenneson

 

PNWA welcomes new member, The McGregor Company


PNWA is excited and proud to announce that The McGregor Company is one of our newest members.

 

The McGregor Company is a family agricultural business with deep roots in the Inland Northwest, and is currently run by Alex McGregor. The company began when Alex McGregor�s grandfather and three great uncles started an operation as open range sheepman, and the ranch continues today as a wheat and livestock operation.The McGregor Company just celebrated their 125th year in agriculture in Washington this past summer, and has been recognized by Washington�s Secretary of State Sam Reed as a �centennial corporation�.

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The McGregor Company�s fertilizer business began as an outgrowth of the ranch general store almost sixty years ago when they developed the first soil testing laboratory in the region. Today, the company has 325 full time employees and offices in 43 farm communities in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. Agronomic research remains an important part of the McGregor Company, and they work hard to help farm family customers be as well equipped as possible for changing times.

 

The McGregor Company is very dependent upon the transportation system in the Northwest, including the Columbia-Snake river system.Like the 2500 farm families they serve, their crops are shipped downriver to Portland and by ocean-going ships to the Pacific Rim. Bringing fertilizers to the inland prairies to replenish the soils that produce extraordinary crops and shipping these products is a very complex process.Long term support from the dedicated people and the outstanding farmers of the Inland Northwest has been crucial to aiding the success of The McGregor Company.���

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For more information on The McGregor Company, please visit their website at www.mcgregor.com.Alex McGregor, their President and PNWA contact, can be reached at alex@mcgregor.com.���

 

PNWA Staff Contact: Heather Kenneson

 

Dave Ripp chosen as new Executive Director of the Port of Camas-Washougal


PNWA would like to congratulate Dave Ripp on his new position as executive director at the Port of Camas-Washougal.Dave has worked with PNWA as the executive director of the Port of Woodland for the past 12 years and will begin his new post on January 7th.In this new position, he will oversee the Port�s 400 acre industrial park, 350-slip marina, and Grove Field general aviation airport.PNWA looks forward to continuing to work with both ports. We wish Dave success in his new role and look forward to working with the new management at the Port of Woodland.

 

PNWA Staff Contact: Heather Kenneson

 

The Port of Humboldt Bay seeks a Director of Facility Maintenance


Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Facility Maintenance oversees the Harbor District�s maintenance staff, Harbor District vehicles and vessels and maintenance of all Harbor District facilities including Woodley Island Marina; Fields Landing Boat Yard; Redwood Dock Marine Terminal; Gerald Hansen Wildlife Area; King Salmon Beach; Shelter Cove Boat Launching Facility, Park Street Mitigation Area and all other projects and properties under Harbor District management. The Director of Facility Maintenance is a full-time, permanent, unclassified, at-will management position.

 

To apply for this position, applicants may pick up an application form at the District office located at 601 Startare Drive, Woodley Island, Eureka, CA 95501 between the hours of 8:00 AM � 4:00 PM Monday-Friday, or print out an application from the District�s website www.portofhumboldtbay.org.Completed applications and resumes must be received by the District by 4:00 PM January 11, 2008.

 

For questions about this position, please contact Patti Tyson at (707) 443-0801 or ptyson@portofhumboldtbay.org.For additional information, visit http://www.portofhumboldtbay.org.

 

PNWA Staff Contact: Heather Kenneson

 

Register today for PNWA�s 2008 Mission to Washington and Regional Meetings


2008 PNWA Mission to Washington, DC
March 2 - 6, 2008
Washington Court Hotel
525 New Jersey Ave. NW
Washington, D.C.
  20001
Reservations: 800-321-3010
www.washingtoncourthotel.com
PNWA room rate: $270 single/$290 double
Early registration fee: $870
Please note that this year�s meeting ends *one* day earlier than past years, and concludes at 2:00pm on Thursday, March 6th, 2008

It�s the time of year again to make your plans to join PNWA on our annual Mission to Washington, DC, held in the heart of Capitol Hill at the Washington Court Hotel.This is the PNWA event that gives members a unique opportunity to speak candidly with Members of Congress and their staff, the nation's top decision-makers from the Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies, and leaders from the industries that greatly affect the Pacific Northwest.

The PNWA Mission to Washington also gives our members the chance to meet one-on-one with every member of the House and Senate from Washington, Oregon and Idaho.  PNWA is the ONLY organization that is able to deliver these convenient, coordinated meetings with every member of Congress from the Northwest!  This is a truly unique lobbying opportunity not to be missed and the more PNWA members in attendance, the larger the impact that we make on our Congressional delegation.

Featured Speakers for the 2008 Mission to Washington, DC include:

Lt. Gen. Robert L. Van Antwerp, Commander and Chief of Engineers, USACE
Jim Kruse, Center for Ports & Waterways, Texas A&M presenting MARAD�s Modal Efficiencies Study
Jim Walker, Chief of Navigation, USACE presenting an asset management approach to Corps O&M budgeting
Mark Sudol, Chief of Regulatory, USACE participating in a Corps roundtable discussion of permitting
Kurt Nagle, Executive Director, American Association of Port Authorities
John Horsley, Executive Director, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
Pete Luisa, Program Development, USACE
Many more speakers will be confirmed in the coming weeks!

PNWA has perfected the Mission to Washington over many decades, and no other group provides such a comprehensive, targeted DC experience. This is a rare opportunity, and registration and space are limited, so don't miss out!Click HERE to register today or log on to www.pnwa.net for more information about the 2008 Mission to Washington.

Taste the Northwest Capitol Hill Reception

PNWA will again be hosting our signature Taste the Northwest Capitol Hill Reception.With your help, we are able to give a great �thank you� to our DC friends by providing a taste of the great flavors from our region.This is an amazing opportunity for PNWA members to get to know the people in Washington whose decisions impact our region.If you would like to support Taste the Northwest through a monetary, food or beverage donation, please contact Heather Kenneson at 503-234-8553 or by email.

Twilight Monument Tour!

Washington DC's spectacular monuments at night are not to be missed on this 3 1/2 hour fully narrated tour. With stops at the White House, FDR Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Memorials you will definitely want to bring your camera. Washington, DC is most beautiful after the sun sets. There is no additional cost for this tour - it is complimentary for each PNWA registrant and their guest! A limited number of seats are available, so be sure to sign up when you register for the meeting.

2008 Regional Meetings � Online registration is open!

 

In preparation for our 2008 Mission to Washington, register online now for one of our Regional Meetings!They are free to all members and are a great way to update the PNWA staff on your latest projects and issues.You do NOT need to register for the Mission to Washington to attend the Regional Meetings. Pick the meeting and date for your region and register today!

 

Puget Sound Regional Meeting
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
11:30am-2:00pm
Stoel Rives LLP, Conference Room
600 University Street, Suite 3600
Seattle, WA 98101

 

Tri-Cities Regional Meeting
Thursday, February 14, 2008
11:30am-2:00pm
Port of Benton, Conference Room
3100 George Washington Way
Richland , WA   99354

 

Portland/Vancouver Regional Meeting
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
12:00pm-3:00pm
Port of Portland, Commission Room
121 NW Everett Street
Portland , OR 97209-4049

 

PNWA Staff Contact: Heather Kenneson

 


Pacific Northwest Waterways Association                                          www.pnwa.net

 

 

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