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2026 PNWA Summer Conference
The 2026 PNWA Summer Conference was held June 16–18 in Newport, Oregon, bringing together 132 attendees from across the Pacific Northwest maritime, transportation, and natural resource sectors. The conference featured a robust agenda with presentations from leadership of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including the Northwestern Division and the Portland, Seattle, and Walla Walla Districts. The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) provided an update on recent changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for MARAD-funded projects, while NOAA highlighted the important work of the Marine Operations Center Pacific in Newport and its role in supporting weather forecasting, navigation, and marine operations throughout the region. Attendees also participated in sessions focused on workforce development, education, and industry partnerships. Oregon State University shared findings from its regional port resiliency study, and a panel of environmental attorneys provided insights on recent case law, regulatory developments, and agency rulemaking during the Regulatory Roundup session.
PNWA members, partners, and new members showcased projects, initiatives, and services that are helping strengthen the region’s maritime and transportation network. The Inland Ports and Navigation Group (IPNG) met during the conference to receive updates on ongoing litigation, technical studies, and advocacy efforts. In addition to educational programming, attendees enjoyed valuable networking opportunities throughout the event. Van Ness Feldman hosted a conference happy hour, while the Port of Newport and Summit Strategies sponsored the popular “Night at the Aquarium” reception at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, providing a memorable setting for members and partners to connect.
Lock Tour From a Tug & Barge
PNWA joined partners from Tidewater Barge Lines, Shaver Transportation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a firsthand look at navigation operations along the Columbia River System. The tour began at The Dalles Dam, where participants met with Corps representatives before boarding a Tidewater tug for a four-hour transit upriver to John Day Dam.
During the tour, attendees observed how barges navigate through a navigation lock, which is a massive water elevator that safely raises and lowers vessels between changing river elevations. The trip focused on operational impacts resulting from the Oregon District Court’s Preliminary Injunction (issued in March), which creates significant challenges to safe operations. The Columbia and Snake River System includes eight federal dams and locks that together create a 465-mile inland navigation corridor connecting Pacific Northwest communities, agriculture, and commerce. The visit highlighted the importance of continued investment in reliable navigation infrastructure that supports regional trade, transportation, and economic activity.
University of Idaho & Wheat Marketing Center
CRSOA Spring Picinic
PNWA staff attended the inaugural CRSOA Spring Picnic at McMenamins Edgefield and enjoyed the opportunity to connect with industry partners and colleagues in a relaxed setting. The event provided an excellent opportunity for networking and strengthening relationships across the regional maritime community.
WIMOs Golf Event
Mary Wiley represented PNWA at the WIMOs Golf Outing, enjoying a fun morning on the golf course while connecting with women across the maritime industry. The event provided an opportunity for participants of all skill levels to learn golf etiquette, practice their swing, and receive instruction from experienced women golfers in a welcoming and supportive environment. More experienced golfers also had the opportunity to practice their game, mentor fellow WIMOs members, and network over a light lunch following the outing.
Marine Real Estate Development Manager
The Port of Portland is seeking a Marine Real Estate Development Manager to lead the planning, negotiation, and development of key marine industrial properties that support the region’s working waterfront and economic growth.
This leadership role is ideal for an experienced maritime professional with expertise in real estate development, complex negotiations, public-private partnerships, and infrastructure projects. The position will help shape the future of the Port’s marine real estate portfolio while advancing sustainable development and long-term regional trade opportunities.
Learn more and apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/
Corps Signs Record of Decision for Lower Columbia River Dredged Material Management Plan
After nearly a decade of planning, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has signed the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Lower Columbia River Channel Maintenance Plan Dredged Material Management Plan (DMMP), establishing a long-term framework to support maintenance of the federal navigation channel for at least the next 20 years.
The selected plan includes new dredged material placement, transfer, and habitat enhancement sites throughout the lower Columbia River system. As an early implementation step, the Corps’ dredge Oregon is expected to begin work in the coming days constructing one of the newly approved transfer sites near Lord Island.
The DMMP provides the foundation for continued maintenance of the 43-foot federal navigation channel that supports regional trade, jobs, and economic activity throughout the Pacific Northwest.
USDOT Discretionary Grant Opportunities Now Open
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) currently has several major discretionary grant opportunities available for transportation infrastructure projects. Eligible entities—including ports, public agencies, local and state governments, and other transportation partners—are encouraged to review these funding opportunities and consider submitting applications. Consulting firms and project partners are also encouraged to share these opportunities with eligible clients advancing maritime, freight, and multimodal infrastructure.
Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highways Projects (INFRA) – FY 2026
The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced approximately $626.7 million in funding through the FY 2026 INFRA Grant Program to support nationally and regionally significant surface transportation infrastructure projects.
Key Details
Total Funding Available: Approximately $626.7 million
- Track 1: $426.7 million for nationally and regionally significant transportation projects
- Application Deadline: July 1, 2026
- Track 2: $200 million for commercial motor vehicle parking projects
- Application Deadline: July 15, 2026
The program includes eligible freight projects within ports, marine terminals, rail facilities, and intermodal facilities that improve freight movement and connections to the National Highway Freight Network. Marine highway corridor projects that reduce roadway congestion and emissions are also eligible.
Resources
Public Works Board Opens FY 2027 Infrastructure Funding Cycle
- $202 million for construction projects
- $20 million for pre-construction and planning projects
- $7.5 million for emergency projects
Eligible applicants include cities, counties, special purpose districts, and quasi-municipal organizations.
Key Deadline: Construction applications are due July 31, 2026. Pre-construction and emergency funding applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
Learn more and apply:
- Traditional Financing Program: https://www.pwb.wa.gov
- Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): https://www.pwb.wa.gov/funding-opportunities
- Application Portal (ZoomGrants): https://www.zoomgrants.com
Connect Oregon Federal Grant Match Option Reopens
As of June 12, 2026, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has reopened applications for the Federal Grant Match option under the Connect Oregon program.
The Federal Grant Match option accepts applications on a rolling basis and provides Connect Oregon funding to help eligible applicants meet the local matching requirements for federal transportation grants.
Following a temporary pause in March 2026 due to funding uncertainty, ODOT has resumed accepting applications after previously reserved funds became available. As of June 1, 2026, approximately $5 million remains available for the Federal Grant Match option through 2027.
The Federal Grant Match option is separate from the Connect Oregon Competitive Grant Program, which closed its most recent funding cycle in March 2026. Approximately $30 million remains available for the competitive grant program through a one-time funding redirection.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to review program requirements and submit applications as funding is available. ODOT staff are available to confirm project eligibility and answer questions before applications are submitted.
For additional information, application materials, and program resources, visit the Connect Oregon webpage or contact John Boren, Connect Oregon Program Lead. Media inquiries may be directed to Matt Noble at 503-779-9868.
BOEM Seeks West Coast Offshore Oil and Gas Info from Ports
On June 4, a notice was published in the Federal Register by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) seeking “information about the use of U.S. West Coast port infrastructure and how offshore energy activities, including decommissioning of oil and gas platforms, may affect port-based industries, especially those related to commercial and recreational fishing”. A previous notice had been published on August 11, 2025 but no public comments were received.
BOEM will need the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval on a list of stakeholder questions to gather information in an effort to “avoid, minimize, or offset potential conflicts and enhance beneficial opportunities among port-based industries. The insights gained from this feedback are critical for BOEM’s planning, environmental reviews, Coastal Zone Management Act determinations, local harbor planning, and inter-industry negotiations”.
The new information collection request (ICR) comments are due to OMB by July 6, 2026 and can be submitted to the OMB desk officer at the Department of Interior using the following link: https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.
Comments can also be submitted via email to anna.atkinson@boem.gov and including “OMB Control Number 1010-NEW” in the subject line. Anna Atkinson is the primary contact who can also be reached by telephone at 703-787-1025.
To view the BOEM Federal Register Notice, click here.
New Member
