Table of Contents
Port of Anacortes Centennial
PNWA congratulates the Port of Anacortes on celebrating 100 years of economic development, job creation, and environmental stewardship. As part of its Centennial celebration, the Port commemorated its rich history and working waterfront through a special film highlighting the voices of the community and maritime industry. LEARN MORE: https://www.portofanacortes.com/centennial
PNWA was pleased to participate in the Working Waterfront Boat Tour, which showcased the Port’s maritime infrastructure, waterfront industries, and partners and the Port’s century-long commitment to supporting economic growth, family-wage jobs, and environmental stewardship in the Pacific Northwest.
PNWA and Lower River Ports Head to DC
Last week, PNWA Executive Director Neil Maunu and representatives from the four Lower Columbia River Sponsor Ports (Portland, Kalama, Vancouver, and Longview) and their consultant (HSGR Strategies – Heather Stebbings) spent time in Washington, DC, advocating for navigation on the Lower Columbia River. The four sponsor ports (the non-federal sponsors for the Lower Columbia River Channel Deepening) are critical in ensuring dredge materials are managed in accordance with the Corps’ 20-year Dredge Material Management Plan (DMMP). The latest DMMP is in its final stages, with a Record of Decision (ROD) expected in the next few weeks.
This new DMMP relies on constructing in-water placement sites (Confined Aquatic Structures) to hold the clean dredge material. Right now, the 4 sponsor ports are responsible for a cost share expectedof $97M just for those structures. PNWA has submitted language (through many members in our Congressional Delegation) for WRDA 2026 that will help fund this portion of the DMMP.
Our advocacy focused on educating members of Congress, stakeholders, and key committee staff on the benefits of the Columbia-Snake River system. We focused on states and districts whose constituents rely on our system to move their goods (for example, grains from North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, and soda ash from Wyoming). Our outreach was well received! We will continue outreach as WRDA 2026 takes shape to build support for addressing this cost-share issue.
Maunu attends USACE Planning Associates Seminar in Pittsburgh
Earlier this month, PNWA Executive Director, Neil Maunu was invited to participate in a U.S. Corps of Engineers Planning Associate seminar. Every two years the Corps selects top candidates from within their planning department (sometimes outside of it) to attend a 2-year program aimed to broaden their education and understanding of systems nationwide. PNWA is often a presenter and educator during the Inland Waterways session. It was a quick trip, but very worthwhile. About a dozen or so participants engaged as Neil presented on PNWA and our role and interaction with USACE. Other presenters included Paul Dittman from the Gulf Intercoastal Canal Association and Deb Calhoun from Waterways Council Inc. Attendees rated the Inland Waterways day as their favorite session so far!
PNWA Attends SMARM
PNWA Deputy Director Dena Horton attended the 2025 Sediment Management Annual Review Meeting (SMARM) hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District in Seattle. The meeting brought together regional partners and stakeholders to discuss updates related to dredging management, sediment evaluation, and disposal activities throughout the Puget Sound.
The first two presentations focused heavily on PFAS, MTCA, and hazardous substance remediation. The Washington State Department of Ecology asked for input on regulations and the sentiment from those in the room seemed to indicate a desire to study and more clearly define the natural background and baseline issues before jumping into regulations. The Corps provided a recap of the Dredged Material Management Program (DMMP) for the June 16, 2025 to June 15, 2026 dredge year and discussed finalization of the User Manual. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources discussed tipping fees for open water disposal, and the monitoring framework and triggers. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife gave a presentation regarding trying to control the spread of invasive European Green Crab, noting removal of 3,097,357 green crab from Willapa Bay alone. The DNR and Corps discussed beneficial use of dredge material for ecological purposes.
Going forward, the Corps would like to understand more about where the sediment load is too much and areas where there is not enough. In addition, the Seattle District will need additional funding for the studies and management, work with agencies and stakeholders on integrated objectives including beneficial use, create an inventory of predictable pipeline of projects, and may need to look at building dedicated infrastructure to holding dredged material. PNWA staff flagged for the Corps Seattle District to ensure they have significant conversations with public ports in Puget Sound about this strategy. Normally, operations and maintenance (O&M) dredging is 100% federally funded. However, if the Corps decides to build structures to hold sediment from their O&M dredging, those structures are currently classified as “construction”, not O&M, and therefore present significant cost shares to the public ports as a result of that designation under current Corps policy. The Seattle District noted they are closely following the Portland District’s challenges with the confined aquatic placement structures on the Columbia River and hope to apply lessons learned to their Puget Sound DMMP.
More information and presentations can be found here – https://www.nws.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Dredging/SMARMs/
PNWA Participates in Rep. Newhouse Energy Summit Panel
PNWA was proud to participate in U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse’s Central Washington Energy Summit on May 11 in Moses Lake, Washington. The event brought together energy leaders, state legislators, utilities, agricultural representatives, and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of energy development and infrastructure in Washington State.
The summit featured discussions on the Climate Commitment Act, the future of nuclear energy, the importance of the Columbia River System, and the critical role of the Lower Snake River Dams in supporting the region’s economy, transportation network, and reliable energy supply.
PNWA Executive Director Neil Maunu participated in the panel, “Defending Our Lower Snake River Dams,” alongside Michelle Hennings of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, Scott Simms of the Public Power Council, and Clark Mather of Northwest RiverPartners. Discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining affordable, reliable, and clean hydropower while supporting navigation, agriculture, and regional economic development.
Additional panels explored the growing energy demands tied to emerging industries and artificial intelligence, as well as the continued need for balanced, responsible energy policies to support Washington communities and businesses.
American Cruise Line Launch Party in Lewiston
On May 12, Nicole Kach, Government Relations Specialist, attended the christening of American Cruise Lines’ (ACL) newest vessel, the American Encore, at the Port of Lewiston. The American Encore is ACL’s sixth boat on the Columbia-Snake River system. The christening of the American Encore was a historic moment, as it marked the first cruise ship ever christened in Idaho. Before the christening, guests had the opportunity to explore the vessel’s state rooms and view the numerous amenities for its passengers.
The festivities moved on to the Encore’s top deck, where guests heard rousing speeches from numerous distinguished guests, including ACL CEO Charles Robertson, and Steve McGee, President of Chesapeake Shipbuilding, the company that built American Encore. The crowd also heard from local leaders, including Lewiston’s Mayor Dan Johnson, and Port Commissioner Joe Anderson. All speeches highlighted the beauty of the Columbia-Snake River system, and how all parties looked forward to a future of showcasing the beauty of the region and its river system with more vessels on its waters in the future. The festivities concluded with the vessel’s Godmother, former Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rogers, who officially broke the ceremonial bottle of champagne on the vessel’s railing.
After the christening, Nicole joined members down at Clearwater Marine Terminal to view the site of a joint project between ACL and the Port of Lewiston. The site will eventually host multiple docks, enhanced cargo handling capability for the Port, and a warehouse to allow ACL to work on their growing Columbia-Snake fleet during the winter months.
MCC Farm to Foreign Luncheon
The Maritime Commerce Club recently hosted its “Farm to Foreign” Luncheon, bringing together industry leaders to discuss how grain moves from Pacific Northwest farms to dinner tables around the world. The program provided attendees with a behind-the-scenes look at the global grain supply chain and highlighted the critical role of river transportation, rail, terminals, and export infrastructure in supporting agricultural trade.
Featured speakers included representatives from Lewis-Clark Terminal, Inc., Pomeroy Grain Growers, Shaver Transportation, Tidewater, BNSF Railway, United Grain Corp., and CRSOA.
WPPA Spring Meeting
PNWA was pleased to attend the Washington Public Ports Association Spring Meeting at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington. The event brought together port leaders and industry partners from across the region for several days of committee meetings, keynote presentations, and policy discussions focused on trade, transportation, economic development, energy, manufacturing, communications, and legislative priorities. Attendees also participated in networking events and received updates on issues impacting ports and maritime communities throughout the Pacific Northwest.
WIMOs Thorns Game
PNWA was happy to attend the Women In Maritime Operations Association (WIMOs) event Portland Thorns match against Bay FC, sponsored by United Grain Corp. WIMOs, founded to support and connect women working in maritime operations, has grown into a national organization focused on education, mentorship, leadership, and industry engagement for women across the maritime sector. The event was a great opportunity to socialize and connect with other Pacific Northwest women in maritime while enjoying an exciting evening of soccer.
OSU Seeks Port Coastal Hazard Resilience Info
In advance of PNWA’s Summer Conference in Newport, Oregon in June, Oregon State University is studying coastal-hazard resilience and seeking information from Pacific ports. To that end, please consider responding by June 11th to the short survey information provided below:
Dear port stakeholder,
I’m a researcher at Oregon State University studying coastal-hazard resilience at Pacific ports, and I’m reaching out to port leaders across the Pacific Rim for direct input. Your port’s perspective is exactly the kind of voice this work depends on.
The survey takes about 12 minutes and asks about the hazards your port is most concerned with (flooding, storms, sea-level rise, seismic), the planning and infrastructure investments you’ve made, and where you see the biggest gaps. Results will inform open-access guidance for ports across the Pacific.
To take the survey, click here. Or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:
Open through: June 11, 2026
Responses are confidential. We report only aggregated findings, never individual ports. If a colleague at your port would be a better fit, please feel free to forward this along.
Happy to answer any questions before you take it. Thank you for considering it.
Erick R. Velasco-Reyes, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar | Oregon State University | College of Engineering | School of Civil and Construction Engineering
Email: velascer@oregonstate.edu
Request for Proposals for Section 7001 to the Corps of Engineers for 2027
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced the Section 7001 Report to Congress for 2027 is open from May 4 – September 1, 2026 for proposals. The Report to Congress is for future Water Resources Development projects. This process was initially developed as a mechanism for non-federal sponsors to propose projects during the time when “earmarks” were not allowed. However, the process continues to exist even though “congressionally directed spending” in the Senate and “community project funding” in the House were established.
The 7001 Report is developed annually by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. The list of proposals are reviewed against screening criteria and the eligible projects are compiled into a report to Congress for non-Federal interests to identify new feasibility study authorities, propose modifications to authorized USACE projects, and suggest updates to environmental infrastructure program authorities for Congressional authorization. However, the Report to Congress is a requirement and it does not constitute endorsement of the proposals by the Corps. Additional information will be provided during virtual information sessions.
Two virtual public information sessions will be held this summer. See the flyer for login information. No registration required.
WA Department of Agriculture Invasive Species Alert
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is asking the public to remain vigilant after a live yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) was intercepted aboard a vessel at the Port of Vancouver on April 30. The invasive species poses a serious threat to honey bees and pollinators and has caused significant hive and honey production losses in Europe.
The hornet was identified by a WSDA grain inspector during a routine ship inspection. Follow-up inspections by WSDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection found no additional evidence of hornets, though precautionary traps have been placed in the area.
WSDA is encouraging residents in Vancouver and surrounding communities to report suspected sightings. The yellow-legged hornet is smaller than the northern giant hornet and is recognizable by its yellow lower legs and yellow-orange abdominal markings. Unlike northern giant hornets, these hornets typically build large paper-covered nests in trees or outdoor structures.
If spotted, the public is encouraged to photograph the insect, safely collect and freeze the specimen if possible, and report it to WSDA.
More information and reporting resources are available at WSDA Hornet Information & Reporting Page or by email at hornets@agr.wa.gov
Notice for General Membership/Trustee Meeting
Thursday, June 18, Summer Conference – PNWA Members are encouraged to attend the Association’s two annual Board of Trustees meetings, typically held during the Mid-Year Meeting and Annual Meeting. These meetings provide members with the opportunity to stay informed, participate in discussions, and engage directly in the governance of the Association. During the Trustee Meetings, the Executive Committee presents recommendations on Association priorities, programs, policies, and financial matters, including the proposed annual budget. Trustees, representing PNWA member organizations, review and vote on these recommendations to help guide the direction and operations of the Association.
This process ensures that PNWA remains member-driven, collaborative, and focused on advancing the priorities of ports, waterways, and related industries throughout the Pacific Northwest.
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.
Thank you to the Port of Newport for their event sponsorship. Beyond the conference sessions, attendees will enjoy a special Oregon Coast experience, including an evening at the Oregon Coast Aquarium featuring exhibit access, dinner, no-host bar, and a presentation by the Aquarium highlighting its mission, exhibits, and role in coastal conservation and education.
IPNG All Hands Meeting
Inland Ports and Navigation Group (IPNG) recently hosted a virtual all-hands member update to provide an overview of ongoing litigation, policy developments, communications efforts, and next steps related to the Columbia-Snake River System operations case.
As part of those efforts, IPNG formally filed its opening brief with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on May 8, 2026, appealing the preliminary injunction issued earlier this year regarding federal dam operations. IPNG’s legal filings align with the United States Department of Justice and have been consolidated with appeals filed by other intervenor-defendants, including the Public Power Council, Northwest Requirements Utilities, and the States of Idaho and Montana.
Earlier, on April 13, 2026, IPNG also filed a motion seeking a stay of the preliminary injunction pending appeal, citing concerns related to navigation safety, regional commerce, public safety, and the importance of maintaining science-based federal agency operations under the Endangered Species Act. Oral arguments before the Ninth Circuit are anticipated later this year, subject to the Court’s schedule.
Eugenio Piñerio Soler NOAA Meeting at Vancouver
PNWA was pleased to meet with Eugenio Piñeiro Soler and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries team during their recent visit to the Pacific Northwest. The discussion provided a valuable opportunity to engage on regional maritime priorities, environmental stewardship, permitting improvements, and collaboration between ports, waterways stakeholders, and federal agencies.
As Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, Piñeiro Soler oversees NOAA Fisheries and brings decades of experience in fisheries management, commercial fishing, maritime operations, and ocean conservation policy. PNWA appreciated the thoughtful dialogue and looks forward to continued collaboration on issues important to the region’s waterways, ports, and maritime economy.
AAPA new CEO, Sang Yi
Congratulations to Sang Yi on his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), effective May 4. PNWA and the National Waterways Conference were honored to welcome Sang Yi, then serving as Deputy Administrator of the Maritime Administration (MARAD), as a featured speaker at the NWC & PNWA Joint Summit during the Mission to Washington, D.C. this past April. His presentation and engagement with members reflected his deep knowledge of maritime policy, infrastructure, and transportation. PNWA looks forward to continued partnership and collaboration with Sang Yi and AAPA in advocating for the nation’s ports, waterways, and maritime priorities.
Port of Bellingham new Executive Director
Congratulations to Tiffany DeSimone on her appointment as Executive Director of the Port of Bellingham. PNWA looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with the Port of Bellingham and working together on future maritime, infrastructure, and regional advocacy efforts. Read more at My Bellingham Now article
The Port of Bellingham Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Tiffany DeSimone as the Port’s new Executive Director following a four-month recruitment process that reviewed 99 candidates. DeSimone, who has served as interim director since last summer and has more than a decade of experience with the Port overseeing terminal and harbor operations, is believed to be the first woman to hold the position.