Table of Contents
Mission to Washington
House and Senate Days
NWC & PNWA Joint Summit
Thank you to the nearly 75 PNWA members who participated in the 2026 Mission to Washington, D.C. It was a fast-paced and highly productive week focused on advancing priorities important to the Pacific Northwest maritime and trade community.
The week began with PNWA’s Joint Summit in partnership with the National Waterways Conference, bringing together federal agency leaders, industry partners, and congressional committee staff for discussions on transportation, navigation, infrastructure, and waterway policy. Members then spent two full days on Capitol Hill meeting with the Northwest congressional delegation to advocate for regional priorities and strengthen relationships with policymakers and staff.
Most importantly, thank you to our PNWA members for your engagement, preparation, and collaboration. Your participation continues to strengthen PNWA’s voice and impact throughout the region and in Washington, D.C.
Taste the Northwest Reception
PNWA was proud to welcome more than 400 congressional staff and guests to this year’s Taste of the Northwest Reception on Capitol Hill. The event provided an outstanding opportunity to showcase the products, industries, and communities that make the Pacific Northwest unique.
A special thank you to our many food and beverage sponsors whose generous contributions helped make the evening such a success. From fresh seafood and regional agricultural products to Northwest wines, beers, and specialty items, the event highlighted the incredible diversity and quality of products produced throughout our region.
We are grateful to all of our sponsors, members, and volunteers who helped create another memorable and impactful evening in Washington, D.C.
Small Shipyard Grant Opportunity
FY2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program
The Small Shipyard Grant Program provides funding in the form of grants to small shipyards to make capital improvements and for maritime training programs to encourage technical skills and operational productivity relating to shipbuilding, ship repair, and associated industries.
Available Funding
$35,000,000 is currently available for small shipyards to make capital improvements for qualified small shipyard facilities that will be effective in fostering efficiency, competitive operations, and quality ship construction, repair, and reconfiguration. Grant funds may also be used for maritime training programs to foster technical skills and operational productivity. Grants may not be used to construct buildings or other physical facilities or to acquire land. Please see www.Grants.gov – Funding opportunity number DTMASSG26 for the requirements to apply for a Small Shipyard Grant. Grant applications must be received by the Maritime Administration by 12:00:00 p.m. (noon) EDT on May 11, 2026.
FY 2026 PIDP NOFO
The U.S. Maritime Administration Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) is a competitive grant program that supports port and freight infrastructure projects aimed at improving the safety, efficiency, reliability, and capacity of goods movement. The program provides funding for planning and capital projects at both urban and rural ports, including dedicated support for small ports.
For FY2026, approximately $488.6 million in discretionary grant funding is available through PIDP, supported by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and annual appropriations. Applications are due June 26, 2026.
Port Infrastructure Development Program
The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced $774 million in funding through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to support 37 port improvement projects at coastal, Great Lakes, and inland river ports nationwide.
PIDP is a competitive grant program that helps ports and industry partners improve the safety, efficiency, reliability, and capacity of freight movement while supporting supply chain resilience and long-term economic growth in both urban and rural communities.
Everett, Washington
Pier 3 Modernization Project (awarded $11,250,000) The project includes selective demolition, pile installation, and resurfacing and paving to modernize Pier 3.
FY25 US Marine Highway award winners
Umatilla, Oregon
Finley Buttes Limited Partnership was awarded $480,000 through the United States Marine Highway Grant Program to support development of a new marine highway transportation route for containerized municipal solid waste between Puget Sound, Washington, and Umatilla, Oregon. The project will fund early-stage development activities, including market analysis, feasibility and modal studies, alternative site analysis, preliminary engineering, NEPA review, and permitting for the preferred site in preparation for future construction and implementation funding.
Portland, Oregon
Shaver Transportation Company was awarded $3.75 million through the United States Marine Highway Grant Program for the construction of a new 3,600-ton capacity barge serving the Columbia-Snake River M-84 Marine Highway. Engineering and design work for the vessel has already been completed. The project is intended to expand barge capacity along the M-84 corridor, meet growing shipper demand, reduce landside congestion, strengthen freight system resilience, and support the long-term competitiveness of Pacific Northwest agricultural exports.
Bellingham, Washington
BCS Operations LLC was awarded $1.55 million through the United States Marine Highway Grant Program to acquire cargo-handling equipment, including nine drayage chassis, top pick machines, and a shrink-wrapping system. The project builds on prior investments in port infrastructure and logistics efficiency while supporting broader regional efforts to improve maritime freight mobility and supply chain performance.
Vancouver, Washington
Tidewater Barge Line, Inc. was awarded $984,430 through the United States Marine Highway Grant Program to convert four double-hull barges from petroleum service to chemical service. The upgrades will expand the company’s capacity to transport liquid fertilizer, specifically UAN 32 (Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solution), along the Columbia-Snake River System.
House Appropriations Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Corps FY27 Budget
The House Appropriations Energy and Water Development Subcommittee recently held a hearing with leadership from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation to review the Administration’s FY27 budget request and discuss priorities related to navigation, flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and water infrastructure.
Discussion topics included project delivery efficiency, Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund use, water infrastructure reliability, drought response, permitting timelines, and implementation of Waters of the United States guidance. Members from both parties emphasized the importance of maintaining reliable infrastructure and transparent coordination on federally authorized water resource projects.
Port of Vancouver USA Lecture Series
PNWA was pleased to attend the Port of Vancouver USA Lecture Series featuring presentations from several PNWA members on the importance of maritime transportation, trade, and regional collaboration.
The series included a presentation by Jennifer Riddle of Tidewater Transportation and Terminals highlighting the critical role Tidewater plays in moving cargo throughout the Columbia–Snake River System, as well as a presentation from John Wolfe and Tong Zhu of The Northwest Seaport Alliance discussing the partnership between the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma and its impact on regional trade competitiveness.
Corps Holds Annual Dredging Meeting
On April 28, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Portland District held the Annual Dredging and Resource Agency Coordination (ADRAC) meeting in Salem, Oregon. The Corps presented a Northwestern Division overview, dredging results in 2025 and anticipated 2026 dredging plans for the mouth of the Columbia River, Lower Columbia River and Oregon coast, and a presentation on sediment sampling results. The ADRAC meeting is widely attended by ports, dredge contractors, consultants, industry associations, pilots, and state and federal permitting agencies. In addition to valuable information presented, the Corps provided several networking breaks which were equally valuable.
EFSEC Opens Scoping Comment Period for Cascade Renewable Transmission Project
The Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) has issued a Determination of Significance and opened a public scoping comment period for the proposed Cascade Renewable Transmission (CRT) Project. Comments on the scope of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be accepted through June 1, 2026.
The proposed project includes a 1,100-megawatt high-voltage direct current transmission facility connecting the Bonneville Power Administration Big Eddy Substation near The Dalles, Oregon, to the Portland General Electric Harborton Substation in Portland. The project would primarily be located within the Columbia River, with additional infrastructure in both Oregon and Washington. PNWA previously commented about navigation impacts and safety concerns related to this project, particularly during construction if this project is approved to go forward.
EFSEC will evaluate a range of environmental topics in the EIS process, including wildlife habitat, land use, visual impacts, hazardous materials, socioeconomic impacts, and cultural resources. A virtual public comment meeting is scheduled for May 27, 2026.
Washington Zero-Emission Incentive Program
The Washington Zero-Emission Incentive Program, or WAZIP, is launching on April 29 to help businesses and fleet operators transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles. The Washington State Department of Transportation launched the Washington Zero-Emission Incentive Program (WAZIP) on April 29, making $112 million in state-funded incentives available to help businesses and fleet operators purchase zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and equipment.
The program provides point-of-sale vouchers for eligible trucks, commercial boats, construction and agricultural equipment, freight-handling equipment, and charging infrastructure, with additional support available for small businesses. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis through participating dealerships statewide.
WA Flooding Assistance from FEMA
The State of Washington received a major disaster declaration for the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides from December 5-19, 2025. You can view the latest updates for this disaster on this FEMA website. See if Disaster Assistance is available to you.
Interstate Bridge Replacement Project — USACE Public Notice Open for Comment
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Portland District has issued Public Notice NWP-2020-00460 for a Department of the Army permit related to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project. The comment period is open through May 15, 2026.
The proposed project would replace the existing I-5 Interstate Bridges across the Columbia River between Portland and Vancouver with two new parallel fixed-span bridges designed to improve regional mobility and accommodate future transportation needs, including bicycle, pedestrian, and future light-rail transit access.
Project information and public comment details are available through the Corps’ Regulatory Notices webpage and the Regulatory Request System portal.
Gunderson Tidewater Launch
PNWA staff were proud to attend the launch celebration on the Willamette River recognizing the continued strength of shipbuilding in the Pacific Northwest. Congratulations to PNWA members Tidewater Transportation and Terminals and Gunderson Marine & Iron on the successful dual launch of the Mount Rainier and the Cordova Provider II. The event highlighted the extraordinary craftsmanship and coordination of the skilled tradespeople, engineers, and project managers whose work continues to showcase the strength of the Pacific Northwest maritime industry and the vital role of the region’s shipbuilding sector.
MCC State of the Ports
On April 30, PNWA staff attended the Maritime Commerce Club (MCC) Annual State of the Ports Report. The following speakers provided brief updates on lines of business, current project successes, future plans, grants received, and challenges faced locally and as a result of state and federal policies. Highlights included:
Ken Anderton, CEO, Port of Longview – 2025 was a better year than expected and the port will be concentrating on their 2026 capital improvement projects in addition to landbanking opportunities at Barlow Point.
Kimberly Branam, Chief of Trade and Economic Development Officer, Port of Portland – The 20 year Dredge Material Management Plan (DMMP) will be published in the Federal Register on May 1st. The Port is still working on replacing the Dredge Oregon and contributing to solving affordable housing with the Mass Timber construction project at T2.
Sean Clark, Executive Director, Port of Columbia County – The NEXT Renewables project, when complete, will be a big driver in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry. The port is working through cleaning up legacy toxins and creation recreation opportunities for the five communities the port serves.
Kayla Dunlap, Director Government & Public Affairs, Port of Grays Harbor – The AGP expansion at the Port of Grays Harbor will essentially double the tonnage AGP ships through the port. AGP Terminal 4 grand opening will be in July.
Matt Friesen, Director of External Affairs, Port of Coos Bay – Recently received $11.25M MARAD Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to fund the Coos Bay Railroad triplicate track and run-around section to support improved rail operations.
Chris Herman, Executive Director, Port of Woodland – The Port is focusing on industrial park and building development, expansion of dark fiber, and the development of the Austin Point property. Granite Construction will be developing an asphalt plant at Martin Bar.
Alex Strogen, Chief Commercial Officer, Port of Vancouver USA – Subaru signed a lease to 2040 for the port’s facilities and a commissioning of the new soda ash facility will likely take place in October. The port is seeing wind turbine blade lengths growing from 49 meters to 80-90 meters long and also seeing a growth in peaker plant energy production. Labor, taxation, and the regulatory climate are causing Washington to lag behind in manufacturing.
Eric Yakovich, Director of Economic Development, Port of Kalama – The port received a $26M grant to expand the rail to serve the Temco grain terminal. The port is focusing on developing industrial buildings and waterfront property. Kalama provides a lot of community recreation facilities while not charging taxes for the port district.
IPNG at PNWGFA
Inland Ports and Navigation Group Co-Chair Leslie Druffel presented at the 45th Annual Country Elevator Council Meeting hosted by the Pacific Northwest Grain and Feed Association in Spokane, Washington, this April. Her presentation, “Court’s Ruling: Impacts to River Reliability, Power Production and Grain Trade,” focused on the potential regional impacts of recent court decisions affecting operations on the Columbia–Snake River System, including implications for navigation reliability, energy production, and the movement of agricultural commodities.
The annual conference brought together grain industry leaders and stakeholders from across the Pacific Northwest to discuss issues affecting agriculture, transportation, and trade. PNWGFA is a non-profit organization dedicated to organizing, promoting, and serving the mutual interests of firms involved in the processing, handling, and merchandising of grain, feed, and other agricultural commodities throughout Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
New Member - Integral
PNWA is pleased to welcome Integral Consulting as a new member. Integral is a multidisciplinary environmental, engineering, scientific, and regulatory consulting firm with 33 offices across North America, including regional offices in Olympia, Seattle, and Portland, as well as locations in Anchorage and Haleiwa.
Their team of scientists, engineers, and regulatory specialists helps clients navigate complex environmental and infrastructure challenges through collaborative, practical solutions that balance scientific rigor with real-world feasibility.
New Member - Nutrien
PNWA is pleased to welcome Nutrien as a new member. Nutrien is a leading global provider of crop inputs and agricultural services, operating an extensive network of production, distribution, and ag retail facilities that support farmers around the world.
As the world’s largest potash producer, Nutrien plays a critical role in the agricultural supply chain, helping deliver the fertilizer products needed to support global food production. The company continues to invest in infrastructure and export capabilities, including plans for a proposed fertilizer export facility in Longview, Washington, to support growing worldwide demand for potash and agricultural commodities.
Learn more
2026 PNWA Summer Conference
PNWA MEMBERS are welcome to join us in June 2026 for the PNWA Summer Conference in the beautiful coastal town of Newport, Oregon. Nestled along the central Oregon coast, Newport offers stunning ocean views, a vibrant working waterfront, and a welcoming community that reflects the heart of the maritime industry.
This mid-year gathering is one of PNWA’s most anticipated events — a chance to connect with colleagues from across the region, hear from leading experts on timely maritime issues, and take part in conversations that shape our shared future. Beyond the conference sessions, attendees will enjoy a special experience highlighting the unique character of the Oregon Coast, from its bustling port facilities to its charming coastal attractions. This year’s program will feature presentations and discussions with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maritime Administration, NOAA, and Hatfield Marine Science Center, along with a marina-focused panel and an evening networking event at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.