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Welcome Megan McKibben
Megan McKibben joined the PNWA team in April 2025 as Government Relations Manager. She brings over a decade of public service experience at the local, state, and federal levels. Most recently, Megan served in Washington County, Oregon, supporting both the County Administrator and Board of Commissioners with policy research, strategic planning, and intergovernmental relations.
Prior to her county service, Megan worked as a Senior Field Representative for Congressman Kurt Schrader, where she led community outreach, managed constituent services, and built strong relationships with regional stakeholders. Her background also includes service in the Office of Governor John Kitzhaber and campaign experience in Oregon’s 1st Congressional District.
Megan holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Oregon State University, where she graduated summa cum laude. She also studied abroad at the Catholic University of the West in Angers, France. Megan lives in Portland with her two cats and enjoys hiking throughout the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Please reach out & welcome Megan!!
PNWA Leadership Tours Puget Sound Region
PNWA President Paula Miranda, Executive Director Neil Maunu, and Deputy Director Dena Horton recently completed a multi-day tour of the Puget Sound region, meeting with members to hear firsthand about local priorities, challenges, and opportunities. The trip offered a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships and reaffirm PNWA’s commitment to supporting the region’s ports and working waterfronts.
The team began their journey with visits to the Ports of Chehalis and Olympia, as well as meetings with Congressional staff, the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA), and Cascadia Law Group. On the second day, they met with the Ports of Tacoma, Seattle, and Edmonds and enjoyed dinner with several leaders from the Port of Everett. Day three included site visits to the Ports of Everett, Skagit, and Anacortes, concluding with a scenic dinner at Cap Sante Marina. On the final day, the team enjoyed a ferry ride from Coupeville to Port Townsend and met with leadership at the Port of Port Townsend and the Port of Port Angeles. These discussions underscored the infrastructure needs of smaller ports and the importance of sustained federal investment in coastal projects.
Throughout the trip, recurring themes emerged—highlighting the importance of investing in maritime infrastructure, strengthening regional partnerships, and maintaining the federal support that keeps our working waterfronts competitive. The tour also created opportunities to connect informally with members, building trust and collaboration that will continue to support shared goals.
ESA Proposed Rulemaking: Rescinding the Definition of Harm
On April 17, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Essentially, the agencies believe their definition of “harm” that currently includes habitat modification is not in line with the statutory use of the term “take” of a species under the ESA. According to the agencies, in response to Executive Orders regarding regulations and following court decisions, this regulatory definition change of harm is rescinded and the agencies would simply use the statutory definition of take under the ESA.
Comments must be received by the agencies before 11:59 p.m. (Eastern time) on Monday, May 19, 2025. If you wish to provide comments, through the eRulemaking portal and enter FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0034 into the Docket Number box. Hard copies of comments can also be provided by U.S. mail to:
Public Comments Processing
Attn: FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0034
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
MS: PRB/3W
5275 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041-3803
PNWA is evaluating the proposed rulemaking to determine whether to submit comments. If you have thoughts to share on this matter, please contact Dena Horton at dena.horton@pnwa.net or at 360-904-0053.
MARAD Small Shipyard Grant Notice
MARAD released the Small Shipyard Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity which has $8.75millon available.
Applications due: May 15, 2025
Eligible Applicants: Small shipyards in a single location with less than 1,200 production employees. The shipyard must work on vessels 40 ft (or larger) for commercial or government use, or construct, repair, or reconfigure vessels 100 ft in length or greater for non-commercial vessels.
Eligible Projects: Capital Improvement Projects that increase efficiency, competitive operations, and quality in ship construction, repair, or reconfiguration.
Maritime Training Programs: These focus on developing employee skills and enhancing productivity in shipbuilding, ship repair, and related industries. While only eligible applicants can receive grants, training programs may involve external vendors. However, maritime training centers funded under section 51706 of Title 46 in FY 2024 are not eligible for additional grants for training.
Maritime Executive Order
On April 9, President Trump announced an Executive Order “to revitalize and rebuild domestic maritime industries and workforce to promote national security and economic prosperity.” The Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance Executive Order will:
- Require the creation of a Maritime Action Plan (MAP)
- Address procurement issues
- Direct the Secretary of Defense to look at options for expanding the Maritime Industrial Base
- Close the land border loophole and requires collection of Harbor Maintenance Tax on products coming into the U.S. via Canada and Mexico
- Establish a Maritime Security Trust Fund to fund programs and private shipbuilding in the U.S.
- Incentivize waterfront investment by creating Maritime Prosperity Zones
- Increase U.S. flagged commercial vessel fleet trading internationally and domestically
- Creates the Office of Maritime and Industrial Capacity at the National Security Council
- Several provisions are aimed at reducing Chinese influence in shipbuilding and the maritime industry
- Expand training and education opportunities in the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
- Ensure a strong reserve fleet to call upon if needed to support military operations
The full Executive Order will be published in the Federal Register soon. To read the text, click here.
Maunu featured "You Know it's Maritime" Podcast
Willamette Falls Lock Authority Video
Our friends at the Willamette Falls Locks Authority have just released a fantastic new video that captures the heart of the Locks project — from its rich history to the incredible milestones achieved over the past 20 years. This is more than a look back — it’s a tribute to the people, partnerships, and persistence that are bringing new life to this vital piece of Oregon’s maritime infrastructure. Watch the full video here: YouTube
ReCap: State of the Ports
The Annual State of the Ports event held, April 22, 2025, hosted by the Maritime Commerce Club gathered port leaders and stakeholders from across the region for a dynamic exchange of updates, insights, and future plans. The event featured presentations from the Ports of Columbia County, Everett, Kalama, Longview, Portland, Vancouver USA and Woodland.
Attendees heard about each port’s recent accomplishments and strategic initiatives—ranging from infrastructure improvements to sustainability efforts. A common theme throughout the morning was the vital role ports play in fostering regional collaboration, economic growth, and environmental stewardship. Thank you to all who presented; your continued leadership helps ensure a strong and resilient maritime economy for the Pacific Northwest.
Maunu Presents at
NWMTA & WPUDA
Neil Maunu presented a recap of recent PNWA activities and achievements during the Northwest Marine Terminal Association (NWMTA) Spring Meeting held in Tacoma, WA.
The NWMTA, an association representing deepwater ports and marine terminal operators across Oregon and Washington, serves as a vital forum for collaboration on trade policy and economic development initiatives. PNWA’s engagement with this longstanding regional partner reflects the shared commitment to advancing maritime commerce and protecting the infrastructure that supports it.
Also, Neil Maunu was a featured presenter at the Washington Public Utility Districts Association (WPUDA) Annual Meeting, held at the ilani Resort in Ridgefield, WA. WPUDA represents 27 public utility districts. The association plays a key role in ensuring that public power utilities across Washington are represented in policy discussions that affect energy, water, and infrastructure systems.
In his remarks, Maunu provided an overview of PNWA’s advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. He highlighted recent policy developments and shared updates on federal infrastructure funding opportunities that support navigation, port modernization, and regional trade. His presentation also underscored PNWA’s commitment to energy reliability, sustainable transportation solutions, and economic growth throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Wheat Marketing Center Tour with WIMOS
- Technical training for customers on improving end product quality
- Workshops for growers on the importance of wheat quality
- Innovative research and product development
- Comprehensive crop quality testing services
Lewis & Clark Bridge Tour Highlighting Navigation Concerns
Following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, MD and a subsequent report highlighting other bridges in the United States that have similar structural concerns if struck by a vessel, the Columbia River Bar Pilots, Columbia River Pilots, and Columbia River Steamship Operators’ Association began discussing navigation concerns related to the Lewis and Clark Bridge and the Astoria-Megler Bridge. On April 18, Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-3) toured the Lewis and Clark Bridge in Longview, WA by boat to get a better understanding of navigation and transportation concerns. Various options to reduce risk and speed up emergency communications were discussed by representatives of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Other safety measures including realigning the Columbia River Channel under the highest point of the bridge and adding an air gap sensor were discussed. PNWA staff joined the tour along with representatives of WSDOT, Columbia River Pilots, Columbia River Steamship Operators’ Association, Cowlitz County, Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments, and the Port of Longview.
M-84 Workshop
Register today to engage in the upcoming M-84 workshop, where speakers from around the region will delve into the opportunities around the M-84 Corridor. Topics of discussion will encompass commerce, transportation, recreation, supply chain, federal partnerships and the future of the waterway. Space is limited, so make your reservation today!
M-84 Workshop
June 24, 2025
Mountain Timber Market, Kalama, WA
Registration: 8 – 8:30 a.m.
Workshop: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For more information, please contact Summers Miya at smiya@portofbenton.com or 509-375-3060.
Washington State Brownfield Conference
PNWA members are invited to attend the 2025 Washington State Brownfields Conference, taking place May 20–21 in Yakima, WA. Presented by the Northwest Environmental Business Council and the Washington Department of Ecology, this two-day event offers valuable learning and networking opportunities for those involved in redeveloping contaminated properties.
The conference will cover the full brownfield redevelopment process—from cleanup to reuse—and provide tools to identify and manage key project resources. Sessions will feature timely topics led by top environmental consulting firms from across the region.
Learn more here: https://washingtonbrownfields.com/
Letter to the U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Greer.
Eighteen U.S. Representatives signed a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Greer, recognizing the importance of addressing China’s dominance in maritime shipbuilding. However, the letter raises concerns about proposals—such as imposing additional fees on Chinese-built vessels—that could disproportionately harm U.S. agricultural exports.
Job Opportunities
Business Development Coordinator
Join Ballard Marine Construction as the Business Development Coordinator will provide administrative support for the business development team and will assist with qualifying and generating leads. This role involves conducting market research, coordinating business development activities, managing the Ballard trade show program, assisting with the TCG business development program, and collaborating with internal teams to ensure successful task and project execution.
Current Openings
The Port of Bellingham is an excellent local employer offering a quality work environment, a comprehensive benefits package, and an atmosphere that encourages professional growth and a team spirit. A number of seasonal positions as well as Marine Life Center positions are open.