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FY25 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) NOFO Released
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the FY2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP). $90 million is available for award. The PSGP supports critical investments in maritime security capabilities in and around ports, including cybersecurity, access control, and emergency preparedness.
Applications are due August 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. PT. Projects aligned with National Priority Areas may receive a 20% scoring bonus.
Full details and eligibility are available on Grants.gov. Questions: (800) 368-6498 or fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov.
Federal Transportation Updates & Opportunities
Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) – Application Reminder
A reminder to our Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho maritime community: If you plan to apply for the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), which closes on September 10, please contact me if you have not already done so.
DOT Seeks Stakeholder Input on Transportation Policy
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) invites stakeholders to provide input on federal transportation infrastructure policy to inform the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization process. Feedback should be as specific as possible and may include statutory change recommendations.
Comments may address one or more of the following policy themes:
- Enhancing transportation safety – Including bridges, safety for transportation workers and pedestrians, truck parking, and autonomous vehicles.
- Accelerating project delivery – Reforming NEPA and permitting, enhancing One Federal Decision, and increasing the use of technology.
- Increasing opportunities for economic growth – Investing in capacity and mobility, congestion relief, and encouraging private sector investment.
- Strengthening partnerships – Working with states and stakeholders to improve outcomes, prioritize the federal interest, increase efficiencies, and support research.
View the full notice and instructions here: Federal Register Notice
Amended NOFO: Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau has announced $54.2 million in no-match grants through its Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program (RTA). These first-come, first-served grants support legal, technical, and financial advisors to advance rural and tribal infrastructure projects, with $20 million set aside for Tribes.
- Application portal opens: Monday, September 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET
- Application portal closes: Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET
- Applications and instructions: Available via the RTA Program webpage and grants.gov
- Funds may be awarded before the application period closes
Informational Webinar:
- Date: August 26, 2025
- Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
- Registration: Click here to register
- Accommodation requests: Email RuralandTribalTA@dot.gov by August 19, 2025
U.S. Strategic Sealift Capability
The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has awarded 20 contracts totaling $6.2 billion to manage the Ready Reserve Force (RRF), a fleet of 51 vessels that play a vital role in national security by ensuring rapid deployment of military equipment and support during surge operations (MARAD).
These 10-year agreements, awarded to seven ship management companies, cover comprehensive services—including maintenance, repairs, logistics support, activation, operation, deactivation, crewing, and overall vessel management—to maintain the RRF at high readiness levels.
The RRF fleet includes roll-on/roll-off vessels, auxiliary crane ships, and aviation maintenance vessels. These MARAD-owned but contractor-operated ships are kept in reduced operating status with minimal crews—typically around 10 merchant mariners—and can be fully activated within five days. The RRF provides nearly 100% of the government-owned surge sealift capacity.
This major investment strengthens U.S. sealift readiness and supports the resilience of the nation’s maritime infrastructure.
Adam Telle Confirmed as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works
On August 2, the U.S. Senate confirmed Adam Telle as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASACW) in a 72–22 vote. Nominated in March, Telle will oversee the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ civil works mission, including navigation, flood and storm damage reduction, aquatic ecosystem restoration, hydropower, water supply, regulatory programs, and recreation.
Telle brings more than two decades of public service, with senior roles in the U.S. Senate under Senators Richard Shelby and Thad Cochran, as Chief of Staff to Senator Bill Hagerty, and as head of the Senate team at the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. His experience spans national security, appropriations, and infrastructure policy, with contributions to major initiatives such as the Abraham Accords and the establishment of the U.S. Space Force.
A Northport, Alabama native and magna cum laude graduate of Mississippi State University, Telle has a strong understanding of the communities served by the Corps. PNWA congratulates him on his confirmation and looks forward to working together to advance the nation’s waterways and water resources.
Tim Petty Nominated to Key Position in Commerce Department
On August 1, the Trump Administration nominated Timothy “Tim” Petty, of Indiana, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and the nomination was referred to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. PNWA congratulates Tim on his nomination and looks forward to working with him in this key role!
PNWA has worked closely with Tim in his role as Senior Professional Staff Member on the House
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee. Tim’s experience as a Senior Advisor and Deputy Legislative Director to Senator James Risch of Idaho gives him helpful insight on Pacific Northwest issues and projects.
Tim has a wealth of experience and previously served as a Member of the Water Subcabinet in the EPA’s Office of Water and has held several roles in the U.S. Department of Interior including as the Assistant Secretary of Water and Science, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Water and Science, and as Chair of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force in Fish and Wildlife and Parks. He also served as a Senior Advisor at the Department of Energy as well.
PNWA Attends CRSOA’s 2025 Legislative Luncheon
PNWA recently attended the Columbia River Steamship Operators’ Association’s 2025 Legislative Luncheon, where we enjoyed valuable networking opportunities and were eager to learn the latest in state legislative trends. Lobbyists Mark Landauer (Oregon) and Amber Carter (Washington) provided insightful updates from the 2025 legislative session, highlighting recent developments and their potential impact on the region’s maritime operations and industry priorities. The event offered a timely and informative look at the policy landscape shaping our work in the Pacific Northwest.
PNWA Tours United Grain with WIMOs
PNWA's New Office
Our new office in Vancouver, Washington is now open! PNWA officially relocated in August 1, 2025, and our team is settling into the new space. Please be sure to update your records with our new contact information.
Pacific Northwest Waterways Association
1610 C Street, Suite 205
Vancouver, WA 98663
Updated office phone numbers to follow at a later date. Cellphone phone numbers will remain the same.
Port of Lewiston Confluence Riverfront Ribbon Cutting
On Tuesday, August 12, the Port of Lewiston marked a major milestone in its Confluence Riverfront Project with the ribbon cutting for Idaho’s new Cruise Dock. Despite the summer heat, more than 125 guests gathered to celebrate this investment in river navigation and cruising. Speakers included Port General Manager Scott Corbitt, American Cruise Lines (ACL) CEO Charlie Robertson, ACL Director of Government Affairs Kristin Meira, Port Commissioner Joe Anderson, Lewiston Mayor Dan Johnson, and PNWA Executive Director Neil Maunu.
The event featured ceremonial toasts, gift exchanges, cultural and tribal blessings, music, and lighthearted moments. The new facility—located at the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake Rivers—includes a reception area, parking, gangway, and a platform built on repurposed caissons from 1974. This phase is just the beginning, with plans for an amphitheater, park, and other enhancements.
PNWA’s presence was strong, with many members, partners, and river stakeholders in attendance. Passengers from American Cruise Lines also joined the celebration, thanking PNWA and the Port for their efforts to maintain river navigation. Staff representing Senator Crapo, Senator Risch, and Congressman Fulcher were present, and the Port, ACL, and PNWA expressed appreciation for Congress’ ongoing support of the Columbia-Snake River System.
Southern Coast Tour with President Paula Miranda
Last month, PNWA president, Paula Miranda, joined PNWA Government Relations Manager, Megan McKibben, for a tour of southern Oregon ports. It was a packed two days, beginning in Newport touring the president’s own port, before driving a short distance inland to the Port of Toledo. There, Debbie Scacco, port manager, provided a full tour of the port’s properties and an update on her most pressing projects. She also shared a handful of Wooden Boat Show posters for Megan and Paula to distribute on their tour. To help promote here as well, the Port of Toledo’s 20th Annual Wooden Boat Show is happening August 16-17 at the Waterfront Park in Toledo!
After leaving Debbie, the pair met with Dave Hungtington at Port of Siuslaw, followed by a meeting with Scott Kent at the Port of Umpqua. The following day began with a stop at Gold Beach, and a thorough tour of the port of Gold Beach with Walter Scherbarth and his team, before departing for a visit with Jeff Griffin at the Port of Bandon and a look at their new dock featuring fiberglass reinforced plastic grated decking. Common themes of discussion centered around dredging and maintenance needs but also the burden of derelict vessels left behind by owners and the costs shouldered by ports to remove.
It was a great opportunity for our president and new government affairs manager to visit some of our coastal partners in the most southern parts of the PNWA region.
Congresswoman's Regional Ports Discussion
PNWA had the opportunity to engage with Representative Bonamici while she was in town earlier this week. Dena Horton sat in with port directors at the Port of Portland’s T-6 terminal to discuss issues that are top of mind. The Congresswoman started off the meeting discussing some of the uncertainty in DC right now and what will happen when she returns regarding appropriations. She also mentioned her work on the Ocean Caucus as co-chair with Congressman Buddy Carter from Georgia, and how it was an opportunity to work in a bipartisan fashion on issues affecting our maritime industry. Dena did a great job relaying some of the issues PNWA is focused on right now, including ensuring our region receives more than bare minimum funding, continuing flood risk management payments to Canada while the Columbia River Treaty works toward ratification, and communicating what our asks will be in the upcoming WRDA 2026 bill. It was a great opportunity to have a seat at the table and advocate on behalf of PNWA.
Port of Grays Harbor T4 Expansion Show & Tell
The Port of Grays Harbor and partners held a “Show & Tell” tour of the construction underway on the Terminal 4 Expansion project. The project leverages $60 million in public investment with $175 million in private investments. PNWA staff and many participants throughout the community, including representatives from Congressional offices, enjoyed the bus tour of the active construction sites. The Port is improving dock, rail, cargo yard, and stormwater facilities. Following the networking reception at the City of Hoquiam’s dock, the tour attendees participated in a tug tour of the projects offered by Brusco Tug & Barge. The completed project will double export cargo capacity on the navigation channel. The events were well attended and it was clear the entire community is excited for the 220 construction jobs and future job growth for 80+ long term jobs the project will bring to the region.
Maunu and Horton Quoted in The Columbian
We’re proud to spotlight our recent feature in The Columbian titled “Southwest WA ports and shipping advocates dodge politics to bring home federal dollars,” which highlights the impactful trip PNWA and our Columbia River port partners took to Washington, D.C.
The article emphasizes how our delegation successfully moved beyond partisan dynamics to advocate effectively for the Columbia River shipping system, helping to advance vital federal funding that supports regional infrastructure resiliency—and the hundreds of millions of dollars at stake.
This recognition by The Columbian reinforces the importance of unity and strategic engagement in Washington, D.C., to support economic vitality across the Pacific Northwest.
Read the article here.
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.
Industrial Park Manager
AgReserves, Inc. is seeking an Industrial Park Manager to be responsible for leading the planning, development, and operations of land, infrastructure, and building assets pursuant to the company’s Industrial Park strategy.
Chief Executive Officier
The Chief Executive Officer provides direction and management promoting the mission, vision, values and strategic goals of the Port of Longview.
Several Positions
Container Logistics Manager, Portland -- Global Forwarding Agent, Ocean Export, Portland -- Manager, Ag Export Forwarding, Portland -- And many more opportunities