Table of Contents
AAPA Legislative Summit
PNWA’s Executive Director, Neil Maunu, attended AAPA’s Legislative Summit. It was a great event to connect with port members from across the nation – especially those PNWA members in attendance! Neil and PNWA members heard from several members of congress, including Rep Glusenkamp Perez and Rep Hoyle. The FMC Chair as well as MARAD Administrator also spoke about shipbuilding, the economy, and enabling Ports to be successful! House T&I committee staff directors “The Ryans” (Rayn Hambleton and Ryan Seiger) hosted a productive roundtable, and Neil and PNWA members were able to advocate for AAPA’s policies and priorities for WRDA and beyond. What a great event!
PNWA members who attended included; Port of Vancouver, NW Seaport Alliance, Port of Port Angeles, Port of Everett, Port of Edmonds, Port of Portland, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock, The Port of Longview, The Port of Gray’s Harbor
PNWA on the Road
PNWA staff have been actively engaging with partners and stakeholders across the region. Executive Director Neil Maunu recently provided updates to key stakeholders, including the Board of the Soy Transportation Coalition and representatives from Idaho Wheat Commission, sharing a PNWA update on regional navigation priorities and key federal policy issues affecting the Columbia–Snake River System.
Additional outreach included presentations to industry partners. Dena Horton presented to Montana grain growers for the Wheat Marketing Center and briefed members of the Columbia River Towboat Association, providing updates on PNWA priorities including Lower Snake River Dam litigation, the John Day Dam model demolition, and a potential WRDA provision addressing liability concerns for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers related to dredging contaminated sediment.
JE McAmis/Orion Celebrate South Jetty Success & Merger
On February 17, PNWA staff attended the Columbia River Steamship Operators’ Association (CRSOA) Industry Luncheon. The featured presenters were Aaron Anderson and Ryan Gammons of JE McAmis (now Orion) who provided an insider’s look at the construction of the South Jetty at the Mouth of the Columbia River. The $171 million project will be the subject of a documentary titled “Taming the Mouth” soon as well.
The bids opened for the South Jetty Rehabilitation project in 2018 and there were only two bidders. The project was awarded to JE McAmis (now Orion) in 2019. In total, the project utilized 430,000 tons of rock each weighing between 3 and 44 tons each. Seven rock quarries were used with the bulk of the rock coming by barge and 4,300 trucks for the remainder. In the end, 42,806 quarry rocks were placed with rocks weighing between 25 and 44 tons each placed at the furthest point of the jetty to ensure stability of the jetty head. The project was completed in October 2025 and noted an excellent safety record for the project. Although maintenance will be needed, the jetty should not need major rehabilitation for another 25 to 50 years.
During the CRSOA luncheon, it was announced that on February 4, Orion completed the acquisition for JE McAmis and formally merged the two companies.
Comment Period Open for NXT Renewable Fuels Draft EIS
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has opened the public comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the NXT Renewable Fuels project at Port Westward. After nearly six years of review, this represents one of the final opportunities for public input before the Corps considers final permit approval.
Stakeholders are encouraged to participate by submitting comments or providing testimony during the virtual hearings.
Submit Comments
Email comments to nexteis@usace.army.mil
with the subject line: “NWP-2020-00383: NXT Renewable Fuels.”
For assistance coordinating a comment, contact Michael Hinrichs at michael@nxtclean.com
Virtual Public Hearings
April 1 | 1:00–3:00 PM
April 2 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Pre-register to speak by emailing nexteis@usace.army.mil
with your name, phone number, and preferred hearing date.
PNWA Encourages Oregon Members to Participate in Governor’s Prosperity Council Survey
The Governor’s Prosperity Council is seeking input from businesses and organizations across the state to help inform recommendations that will be delivered to the Governor by June 30. PNWA encourages our Oregon members to take a few minutes to participate in the Council’s online survey and share perspectives on the state’s economic future. Responses are requested by March 20, and feedback submitted through the survey may be subject to public records disclosure.
The Council is focused on three key areas that directly impact many of our members and the broader maritime and trade economy:
— Business Climate: Opportunities to streamline regulations and consider tax policy changes that support long-term economic growth.
— Workforce: Modernizing workforce development and training programs to better support employers and emerging industries.
— Tools for Growth: Evaluating economic development tools—from incentives to land use policies—that help businesses grow and invest in Oregon.
Member input is important to ensure that infrastructure, trade, maritime, and transportation priorities are represented in the conversation about Oregon’s economic future.
Washington Freight System Plan – Input Requested
The Washington State Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB), in partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), is updating the 2026 Washington State Freight System Plan, which will help guide future freight policy and investment decisions across the state.
WSDOT is seeking input from freight stakeholders, including ports, shippers, carriers, and supply chain partners. PNWA encourages members involved in freight and supply chain movement to share their perspectives through a brief survey.
Learn more about the Freight System Plan:
https://engage.wsdot.wa.gov/freight-system-plan
Take the survey:
https://engage.wsdot.wa.gov/freight-system-plan/surveys/26fsp-survey
Member feedback will help ensure the plan reflects real-world freight needs, challenges, and opportunities across Washington’s multimodal freight system.
Mission to Washington April 20-23, 2026
The 2026 Pacific Northwest Waterways Association Mission to Washington will bring members to Washington, D.C. for direct engagement with lawmakers, including two full days on Capitol Hill meeting with the Northwest Congressional delegation to advance regional priorities.
This year’s Mission features a new partnership with the National Waterways Conference, offering a full day of high-level speakers and national industry perspectives, plus the signature Taste the Northwest Reception celebrating Pacific Northwest foods and agricultural products with members of Congress and their staff.
Registration is now open, and we encourage members to register and attend. Space is limited, and the hotel traditionally books up early and sells out. We look forward to seeing you in Washington, D.C., and encourage you to register early to secure your spot and avoid missing this opportunity.
PNWA Regional Meetings
Thank you to our members who participated in PNWA’s recent Regional Membership Meetings. We appreciate your time, engagement, and the thoughtful discussions that help strengthen our shared work across the Pacific Northwest. We hope the information shared was valuable to your organizations and the communities you serve.
We are especially grateful to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for their partnership and for providing detailed updates from the Walla Walla District, Seattle District, and Portland District. Presentations highlighted current projects, upcoming priorities, and region-specific issues, offering valuable insight into Corps activities and continued collaboration supporting our waterways and infrastructure.
MCC Old Salt Honors Ceremony
PNWA was pleased to attend the annual Winter Event hosted by the Maritime Commerce Club on February 26 at the Chart House. The evening celebrated the club’s 67th Annual Old Salt Award, honoring John Akre of the Port of Portland.
The Old Salt Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the maritime industry along the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. In addition to his many contributions to the river system, Akre was recognized for his mentorship and support of colleagues throughout the maritime community.
It was a wonderful evening celebrating the maritime industry and reconnecting with many friends and partners from across the region.
Merchants Exchange Annual Luncheon
PNWA attended the Annual Meeting and Luncheon hosted by the Merchants Exchange of Portland at Castaway Portland on February 25.
The event featured a Year-in-Review highlighting the Exchange’s accomplishments and a look ahead at upcoming priorities. It was also a great opportunity to connect with maritime partners and meet with several associations managed by the Exchange.
PNWA was impressed by the Exchange’s continued success and the strong role it plays in supporting maritime operations and collaboration throughout the region.
Randy Sweet, Port of Kalama Retirement
PNWA recently attended the retirement celebration for Randy Sweet at the Port of Kalama administrative offices in Kalama. The well-attended event reflected strong community support as colleagues and partners gathered to recognize Randy’s 20 years of service as a Port Commissioner.
During his tenure, Randy helped guide major port development and economic growth initiatives and played an important role in strengthening the port’s position as a key Pacific Northwest export hub. His leadership was recognized across the industry, including the Outstanding Service to the Industry Award from the Washington Public Ports Association in 2025 and PNWA’s Golden Anchor Award later that year.
PNWA congratulates Randy on his retirement and thanks him for his many years of dedicated service to the region’s maritime community.
Waterways Council, Inc (WCI) Five on the Five
Check out Neil Maunu’s recent interview with Waterways Council, Inc., where he joins Tracy Zea for the first “Five on the Five” of 2026.
Neil discusses PNWA’s priorities for the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the upcoming WRDA 2026 cycle and the importance of collaboration across the nation’s inland waterways system.
We Work the Waterways
We Work the Waterways is a national nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the maritime workforce pipeline by helping students, educators, and communities better understand the wide range of careers available across the maritime industry. Through hands-on learning, career exploration tools, and direct engagement with industry professionals, the program helps make maritime careers more visible, accessible, and easier to pursue.
This March, We Work the Waterways will host Industry Interaction Days in Baton Rouge on March 11–12, bringing students together with maritime professionals for hands-on career exploration activities. Students will experience practical skills such as line handling and radio communications while learning about the many career pathways that support the maritime sector. On March 12, members of the Louisiana Legislature and other policymakers will also attend, providing an opportunity for decision-makers to see firsthand how workforce development programs connect students with real industry opportunities.
Programs like this are gaining national recognition as states increasingly focus on maritime workforce development. We Work the Waterways has already been referenced in maritime action plans in states such as Ohio and Michigan, highlighting the growing awareness of the need to build the next generation of maritime professionals.
Interest is also growing in the Pacific Northwest, with opportunities to participate in regional events later this spring and summer. With support from industry partners, the program hopes to expand its presence in the region and help strengthen awareness of maritime careers—an important step in supporting the workforce needs of the Northwest’s ports, waterways, and maritime industries.