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Maunu Represents U.S. at ASEAN-U.S. Port Engagement in Vietnam
PNWA is proud to congratulate our Executive Director, Neil Maunu, for representing the United States at the 2nd ASEAN-U.S. Port Engagement in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
This high-level gathering brought together maritime leaders from across Southeast Asia and the U.S. to explore strategies for strengthening inland waterways and maritime freight connectivity. Discussions focused on advancing policy, planning, partnership, and innovation key themes that align closely with PNWA’s mission.
Neil’s participation underscored the importance of international collaboration in addressing shared challenges and identifying global solutions for more efficient, sustainable, and resilient maritime networks. From navigation infrastructure to cross-border logistics, the conversations highlighted how inland and coastal systems around the world face common pressures—and how partnerships can drive progress.
“It was insightful to learn that maritime leaders in Southeast Asia navigate many of the same challenges and opportunities we encounter in the U.S.,” said Neil Maunu. “Our shared experiences present a remarkable chance for collaboration, allowing us to exchange best practices and develop solutions together. I also made valuable connections with industry peers along the Mekong River and at major deepwater ports. These systems, while uniquely distinct, share striking similarities with our Columbia Snake River System and coastal ports, offering a broader understanding of global maritime operations.”
We thank the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful dialogue and to elevate the perspective of the Pacific Northwest on the world stage.
Well done, Neil—for championing strong partnerships and promoting the value of inland waterways around the globe.
Gathering in Lewiston, Idaho working with our partners FFA/IWUA
PNWA was honored to participate in a remarkable event hosted by the Idaho Water Users Association and Family Farm Alliance in Lewiston, Idaho. The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders—from farmers and irrigators to tribal representatives, conservation leaders, and transportation advocates—to discuss the future of water, agriculture, and infrastructure in the region.
Our Executive Director, Neil Maunu, joined a panel alongside Clark Mather, Scott Corbitt, the Idaho Conservation League, and the Nez Perce Tribe for a thoughtful discussion on collaboration and shared goals. As Nez Perce Tribal Chairman Shannon Wheeler emphasized, “Speaking the truth” and working together are essential for lasting, meaningful solutions. It was a strong reminder that even when we don’t fully agree, respectful dialogue moves us forward.
From structured sessions to candid conversations on bus rides, jet boat tours, and over dinner, this event reaffirmed the value of building trust through open, honest engagement. We extend a heartfelt thank-you to Paul Arrington and Dan Keppen for organizing such a productive and inspiring gathering—and to all who came ready to listen, learn, and lean into partnership.
At PNWA, we know the future of our region depends on working together—and we’re proud to be part of the conversation.
PNWA Joins Korea Crop Survey Team
On July 23, Megan McKibben joined a portion of a tour organized by the U.S. Wheat Association for a team of Korea Crop Surveyors. Most of the team from Korea consisted of flour millers that purchase soft white wheat from the PNW. Megan joined Amanda Hoey from Oregon Wheat and Luke Muller and Steve Wirsching from US Wheat and others, as the tour stopped in The Dalles to meet with the NW Grain Growers at their terminal and to learn about operations there. After some lunch, the tour continued at Oregon Wheat Growers League Vice President Thad Eakin’s farm to learn what harvesting wheat looks like on the ground. Some even joined Thad for a ride in his combine! The entire day was a great opportunity to highlight the river system and the critical role it plays in the wheat life cycle, from harvest to export to markets like Korea.
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 Passes House
- Section 118 requires development and briefing on an annual plan for Pacific Coast Guard Operations.
- Section 214 requires preparedness plans for Coast Guard properties located in tsunami inundation zones.
- Section 273 requires a report on condition of aids to navigation.
- Section 347 on Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removals will also require consultation with NOAA and state agencies to develop an inventory of derelict vessels within one year of enactment.
DEA Hydrographic Survey Work Underway
On July 21, PNWA member David Evans and Associates (DEA) reported the NOAA high resolution hydrographic survey of the Columbia River is underway and progressing nicely. The weather was favorable at the outset of the survey. The vessels doing the survey work are the Brennan, Broughton, and Seahawk which can be tracked on AIS using marinetraffic.com or vesselfinder.com. In addition, NOAA has a story map site for the project which can be found here. This work will provide valuable information and increase safety for navigation.
Advocacy Visit to DC
During a busy two-day visit in mid-July, Dena Horton and Megan McKibben joined Ryan Hart from the Port of Vancouver USA, Dale Lewis from the Port of Longview, and Justin LeBlanc from Desimone Consulting to advocate for ongoing and emerging issues affecting PNWA projects.
It was a packed two days in Washington, DC. Day one began with meeting Steve Kopecky, Deputy Chief, Northwestern and Pacific Ocean Divisions-Regional Integration Team for the Corps, followed by a discussion with Alexa Williams, minority professional staff for the House Transportation & Infrastructure Water Resources & Environment Subcommittee. The afternoon focused on meetings with House staff from the offices of Representatives Hoyle, Baumgartner, Bentz, Newhouse, Larsen, and Glusenkamp Perez.
Among the themes highlighted were concerns with the President’s proposed FY26 budget and lack of operation and maintenance dollars for our small ports and the Columbia and Snake River System. It was also important to lay the groundwork for requests in WRDA 2026 once the portal opens. PNWA’s asks will include authorizing language to move from study phase into the PED/construction phase for the turning basins at the Port of Kalama and Port of Longview, clarifying language for the location of the Snake River navigation channel, and refining language to allow for the extension of payments to Canada for interim flood management while the treaty remains unratified. This was also an opportunity to thank staff for the authorizing language in WRDA 2024 to ensure the Secretary has the authority to waive the cost share for confined aquatic structures in the Lower Columbia River and also to ensure the Port of Portland could be reimbursed for the replacement of the Dredge Oregon. We also emphasized the need to continue tracking the contracting language as it moves through the layers of the Corps, to verify reimbursement actually happens.
Of course, the regulatory challenges came up and PNWA’s continued concern with the burdensome rulemaking by NOAA Fisheries adopting a new environmental baseline interpretation and increased mitigation requirements that makes affordable maintenance of existing infrastructure virtually impossible.
Day two was filled with visits to the Senate side, meeting staff from Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley’s offices, as well as Libby Callaway, majority professional staff for the Committee on Environment & Public Works. The team was also able to meet at the Pentagon with Stacy Brown, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Management and Budget). A real emphasis from that meeting was the importance of urging Congressional members to fight for funding in the FY26 appropriations process and an agreement with the frustrations shared regarding regulatory barriers.
It’s hard to convey all the points made during the two-day blitz, but a huge thank you to Ryan Hart, Dale Lewis, and Justin LeBlanc for taking the time to advocate for these issues with PNWA!
Merkley and Hoyle Introduce Columbia River Clean-Up Act
Senator Jeff Merkley and Representative Val Hoyle have introduced the Columbia River Clean-Up Act to reauthorize the Columbia River Basin Restoration Program through 2030. Originally established by Sen. Merkley in 2016, the program directs federal support toward voluntary efforts that reduce toxic pollution throughout the Columbia River Basin. The Basin—spanning parts of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana—is home to over 8 million people and more than 15 Tribal Nations, making this program essential for protecting environmental and public health.
Since its creation, the Columbia River Basin Restoration Program has supported community-led clean-up efforts, empowered Tribal initiatives, and improved scientific understanding of the river’s challenges. The reauthorization bill is supported by a broad coalition of Tribal, environmental, and regional organizations—including PNWA—and aims to ensure continued progress in safeguarding one of the Pacific Northwest’s most vital waterways.
PNWA Endorsement:
“The Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) was proud to support the original legislation that created this voluntary program to aid in the clean up and prevention of toxins that are harmful to the Columbia River ecosystem, listed species, and people. PNWA supports the reauthorization of the program under the Columbia River Clean Up Act to continue the valuable collaborative work being done by local communities, organizations, and Tribes to improve water quality and the environment on the Columbia River.”
PNWA testifies at Portland METRO
PNWA remains actively engaged in the IBR Program, with Deputy Director Dena Horton serving on the Community Advisory Group. On July 24, 2025, PNWA testified before the Portland Metro Council in support of including three I-5 bridge projects in the MTIP.
PNWA’s testimony, which supported a $2 billion MTIP amendment for initial bridge construction, engineering, and right-of-way acquisition, stressed the vital importance of a new bridge that accommodates current and future navigation and shipping needs. The organization highlighted that over $25 billion in waterborne trade (or 51 million metric tons of waterborne commerce) passes under the I-5 Bridge annually. Representing river users and multimodal freight movers, PNWA emphasized that the new bridge must facilitate the safe and efficient movement of freight by semi-truck, rail, and water, benefiting the regional economy and serving all communities and stakeholders who cross over or under it. PNWA’s ongoing involvement in the IBR process underscores its dedication to preserving and improving critical freight infrastructure.
To read PNWA testimony, Click Here
Congratulations, Gunderson MST Launch
PNWA proudly congratulates Gunderson Marine & Iron (GM&I) on the successful July 12 launch of the U.S. Navy’s Mobile Ship Target (MST). Designed and built in Portland, the MST will play a key role in enhancing the Navy’s training and missile testing capabilities. This milestone reflects GM&I’s continued leadership in American shipbuilding and its long-standing partnership with the U.S. Navy. The launch event showcased the skill, precision, and dedication of the GM&I team—and reaffirmed Portland’s place on the map as a center of maritime innovation.
Beyond this achievement, PNWA also commends GM&I’s investment in workforce development through its paid training program. By providing young people with opportunities to earn while they learn, GM&I is building a pipeline of highly skilled workers and offering a practical alternative to traditional higher education. This commitment to hands-on learning, economic opportunity, and long-term careers strengthens the regional maritime industry and ensures a bright future for Pacific Northwest shipbuilding.
PNWA 2025 Annual Convention - Registration is Open!
As our most popular event of the year, the PNWA Annual Convention offers a prime opportunity to connect with key regional and federal partners, along with over 200 PNWA colleagues from the Northwest. This is the ideal time to touch base as the calendar year winds down and we kick-off preparations for the coming year’s vital advocacy efforts.
You’ll have the chance to interact with and learn from experts in our region’s working waterways, transportation corridors, economic development industries, and regulatory community. Beyond networking with your colleagues, our goal is to provide you with the most timely and relevant information. Learn more here.