Issue 295�� December 27, 2007

In this issue:

President signs omnibus spending bill into law

President signs omnibus spending bill into law

Yesterday, President Bush signed the omnibus spending bill (H.R.2764) into law.� PNWA previously 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.

President Bush referred to the overall spending levels in the omnibus, which is a massive spending bill encompassing eleven appropriations bills, as �reasonable and responsible�.� However, it is reported that he has also directed OMB to investigate whether the Administration can selectively ignore Congress� directions with regard to earmarked project funding.

For information about all PNWA supported navigation projects in the omnibus, please visit www.pwna.net and click on �2008 Energy & Water Appropriations�.

Contact:� Kristin Meira

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 6^th, 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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