Table of Contents
Columbia Snake River System 2026 Spring Maintenance Closure
On September 5, the Portland District of the Corps of Engineers announced the 2026 Spring maintenance closure dates for the Bonneville, John Day, and The Dalles Locks and Dams. On September 24, the Walla Walla District released the 2026 maintenance closure dates for the McNary, Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite Locks and Dams. PNWA has combined the information into a consolidated schedule below.
2026 Spring Lock Maintenance Closure Schedule
PNWA appreciates the intense maintenance work which will be performed by the Corps during this coordinated closure in order to prevent unplanned closures throughout the year. PNWA also appreciates the communication from the Corps and will continue to share information with our members as we receive it.
To view the Portland District notice to navigation interests, click here.
To view the Walla Walla District notice to navigation interests, click here.
To view the consolidated closure schedule ,click here.
Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks) Lock Closure Schedule
On September 24, the Seattle District of the Corps announced the current lock closure schedule for November 2025 as well as the projected lock maintenance closures for 2026, 2027, and 2028. The Seattle District will complete large lock maintenance in the fall and small lock maintenance in the spring.
PNWA will continue to communicate information as we receive it. For questions or concerns related to the annual maintenance closures, contact Michael Hand, Lock Master at Hiram M. Chittenden Locks via email or call 206-297-9754. To view the Chittenden Locks annual maintenance projected closure announcement, click here.
MARAD Updates
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Hazard Mitigation Grant
Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is pleased to announce a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program DR-4854-OR. Eligible jurisdictions are encouraged to submit pre-applications to the mitigation team at oem.hazardmitigation@oem.
OEM’s dedicated Mitigation Post Disaster team can assist if you are new to Hazard Mitigation Grants or need additional support. Below is a summary of the declared disaster and amounts available under this grant round.
When submitting to oem.hazardmitigation@oem.
Applicant briefings will be held
- September 25, 10:00 am
Teams Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 254 902 045 839 8
Passcode: 5336Fn3G
FY2026 Energy & Water Bill — House Passage & What’s Next
On September 4, the U.S. House passed the FY2026 Energy & Water bill (214–213), including $9.883B for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (notably $6.14B O&M, $2.555B Construction, $396.8M IWTF, $3.473B HMTF). While overall funding exceeds the President’s request, several Northwest construction, study, and maintenance needs remain unfunded or underfunded. The bill now moves to the Senate; a Continuing Resolution may be needed by September 30, 2025 to avoid a shutdown.
Regional notes: $30.05M for Columbia River Fish Mitigation and line-item O&M for key locks/dams and harbors, plus discretionary “pots” for navigation that could help the Northwest. PNWA has updated our Supported Corps Project Matrix and will continue advocating for inclusion in the FY26 Work Plan.
Get the full breakdown, project-by-project details, and links to the bill, report, and committee summary on our website. Click HERE
The Washington State Department of Ecology is revising Shoreline Management Act rules regarding local government management of shorelines of lakes, rivers, and the coast of the state. The agency will be holding a series of open houses to provide information about the draft rules and provide opportunities for questions and answers. The virtual open houses are held from 6:00pm to 7:00pm Pacific and will be held on the following dates:
October 21
November 18
December 16
An information session was held on June 25 to highlight the topics that are proposed for addition or changes in the rules. If you have topic suggestions or questions for the Ecology team to address during the session, contact them in advance of the open house you plan to attend at SMArulemaking@ecy.wa.gov.
To register for the open houses, click here.
To read the summary of the draft rules, click here.
For more information about the Shoreline Management Act rulemaking, click here.
South Jetty Rehabilitation Completed
PNWA Attends National Waterways Conference Annual Meeting
PNWA was pleased to attend the National Waterways Conference (NWC) Annual Meeting this fall, where we gained valuable insights and strengthened connections with partners from across the country. NWC is the nation’s only organization dedicated to advocating for America’s water resources infrastructure, bringing together federal, state, and industry leaders to advance this critical work.
The Annual Meeting is recognized for its thought-provoking programs and distinguished speakers, including past participation from Cabinet officials, Governors, Congressional leaders, and industry experts. This year’s event once again delivered engaging presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities—providing PNWA with fresh perspectives to support our members and the region.
PNWA Tour of Dredge Oregon
Government Relations Manager, Megan McKibben, had the opportunity to participate in a tour of the Dredge Oregon led by the Port of Portland. It was a packed morning in Westport, Oregon, beginning with a ride to the Dredge and tour of the engine, chart and lever room followed by a ride to the inland disposal site. On the way, passing 2 miles worth of pipe. At the disposal site the operators of the dozers demonstrated how they manipulate the pipe to discharge the dredge material strategically with switches to avoid turning off the Dredge completely and having to wait a full hour before restarting operations. The operators are so skilled they can pull pipes together without even stepping foot outside their dozer. Much appreciation to the Port of Portland for taking the time to educate folks involved in the river system on this important role the Port plays.
PNWA Attends Merchants Exchange Annual Open House
PNWA was glad to attend the Merchants Exchange Annual Open House & Bocce Tournament. We enjoyed meeting new people, reconnecting with old friends, great conversations, and delicious food. While we didn’t play bocce ourselves, we had fun cheering on the competition from the sidelines. And after winning big in last year’s raffle, we sat this one out—but it was exciting to see so many attendees take part in supporting a great cause.
PNWA Joins MCC for the Harbor Splash
PNWA was pleased to join members and friends of the Maritime Commerce Club for their annual Harbor Splash aboard the Willamette Star. Under clear skies, guests enjoyed a stunning sunset cruise with plenty of food, drinks, raffle prizes, and great conversation. We enjoyed the networking and look forward to next year’s gathering!
ILWU Washington District Council meeting
PNWA Executive Director, Neil Maunu, attended the ILWU (International Longshore and Warehouse Union) Washington District Council meeting on September 3rd at Local 4 in Vancouver, WA. The WA District ILWU, longstanding members of PNWA, invited Neil to provide their leadership an overview of PNWA and give a status update on PNWA’s efforts here and back in D.C. The 20 or so ILWU leaders were engaged, asking many questions and providing some great feedback. We covered a wide variety of topics including WRDA, Columbia River Treaty, Lower Snake River Dams, USTR Section 301, Trade Policy, Dredging, and more! It’s always great when PNWA can update members, and have productive two-way dialogue. Thanks for the great conversation!
Out of Focus Conference by Oregonians for Food and Shelter
Recently, Executive Director Neil Maunu and Government Relations Manager Megan McKibben attended the Out of Focus conference, an annual event hosted this year by Oregonians for Food and Shelter (OFS). OFS is a nonprofit that advocates for modern agricultural tools like pesticides, fertilizers, and biotechnology. The conference brought together agri-business representatives from several states, including Mississippi, Oklahoma, Florida, Minnesota, and Colorado. Neil and Megan joined participants on a tour of Bonneville Dam to highlight how vital river navigation is to the agriculture industry. At the end of the tour, Neil addressed the group on the crucial role the inland river system plays as a gateway for moving products like fertilizers and grain to the rest of the world, and how reliable marine highway 84 is for the region and the entire country. PNWA is appreciative to Katie Murray, executive director of OFS, for inviting navigation to the table.
Port of Edmonds names Brandon Baker as Executive Director
PNWA congratulates our member, the Port of Edmonds, on the appointment of Brandon Baker as Executive Director. Since joining the Port in 2020, Baker has held key leadership roles including Marina Manager, Director of Marina Operations, and Deputy Executive Director. He has also served as Acting Executive Director since May.
With over two decades of marina management and marketing experience, as well as multiple industry certifications from the Association of Marina Industries, Baker brings both expertise and proven leadership. The Port Commission commended his dedicated service and expressed confidence in his ability to lead upcoming initiatives such as infrastructure renewal, long-range planning, and environmental stewardship.
PNWA looks forward to working with Brandon in his new role and congratulates the Port of Edmonds on this important leadership transition. Read the full Press Release HERE.
Career Opportunities
Closing Date: Sept 26, 20225
As the Executive you will serve as principal interface between the Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots and State licensed pilots, and among industry stakeholders including the shipping industry, environmental community, state and federal government regulatory agencies, contractors, and the public.
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.
The Chief Executive Officer provides direction and management promoting the mission, vision, values and strategic goals of the Port of Longview.