Table of Contents
Call for Nominations
2026–2027 Officers & Executive Committee: PNWA is now accepting nominations for the 2026–2027 Officers and Executive Committee.
We encourage members to nominate colleagues who demonstrate leadership, commitment to the maritime industry, and a passion for advancing PNWA’s mission. Serving on the Executive Committee is an excellent opportunity to help guide the Association’s strategic direction and represent the interests of our membership. Executive Committee members and officers are elected annually by the Board of Trustees.
To submit a nomination or recommend a candidate, please contact Kate Mickelson, Chair of the Nominating Committee. We appreciate your participation in helping shape PNWA’s leadership for the coming year.
USACE Walla Walla District Change of Command
We were honored to attend the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District Change of Command Ceremony, celebrating the outstanding leadership of outgoing Commander LTC Kathryn “Katie” Werback and welcoming incoming Commander LTC Douglas Droesch. The ceremony featured inspiring remarks from Major General Jason Kelly, Commander of the USACE Northwestern Division, recognizing the Walla Walla District’s exceptional accomplishments and unwavering commitment to its vital missions across the Pacific Northwest.
It was a privilege to share this milestone with so many PNWA members, partners, and congressional representatives who recognize the critical role the Walla Walla District plays in supporting navigation, hydropower, flood risk management, environmental stewardship, and regional economic prosperity.
Congratulations and welcome, LTC Douglas Droesch! We look forward to working with you in support of the Columbia-Snake River System and the Pacific Northwest maritime community.
USACE Seattle District Change of Command
PNWA was honored to attend the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District Change of Command Ceremony on July 17, 2026, held at the Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks.
During the ceremony, Col. Eli S. Adams assumed command of the Seattle District, relieving Col. Kathryn “Kate” Sanborn. The event was presided over by Maj. Gen. Mark Quander, USACE Deputy Commanding General for Military and International Operations.
The Seattle District encompasses 99,000 square miles across Washington, Idaho, and Montana and is supported by a dedicated civilian workforce of more than 900 employees. The district plays a critical role in navigation, flood risk management, environmental stewardship, military construction, and water resources infrastructure throughout the Pacific Northwest.
PNWA extends our sincere appreciation to Col. Kate Sanborn for her outstanding leadership and service to the region. We also congratulate Col. Eli S. Adams on assuming command and look forward to continuing our strong partnership in support of the Seattle District’s vital mission and the maritime transportation system that serves the Pacific Northwest.
USACE Portland District Change of Command
PNWA was honored to attend the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Portland District Change of Command ceremony, recognizing the transition of leadership from Col. Larry “Dale” Caswell Jr. to Col. Brendan J. McEvoy as Commander of the Portland District. The event was presided over by BG William “Bill” Hannan, Jr. USACE Northwestern Division Commander.
Established in 1871, the Portland District delivers one of the nation’s most diverse civil works programs, serving communities throughout Oregon and southwestern Washington. The District operates locks, dams, and hydropower facilities on the Columbia River, maintains navigation on the region’s waterways, manages flood risk reduction projects, restores critical ecosystems, and responds to emergencies—all while balancing environmental stewardship and recreation.
As the new District Commander, Col. McEvoy assumes leadership of an organization that plays a vital role in the Pacific Northwest’s economy, environment, and quality of life. PNWA looks forward to working with him and the Portland District as we continue our shared commitment to maintaining a safe, reliable, and efficient navigation system, investing in critical infrastructure, and supporting the region’s maritime economy.
PNWA extends its sincere appreciation to Col. Caswell for his leadership and partnership over the past three years and wishes him continued success in his next assignment. We also congratulate Col. McEvoy and look forward to a strong partnership in advancing the Portland District’s important mission throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Regional Harbor Safety Conference
U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Morning Meeting
The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River hosts Quarterly Maritime Morning Meetings throughout the Portland and Lower Columbia region, bringing together maritime industry partners, port authorities, pilots, terminal operators, and federal, state, and local agencies.
These meetings provide an important forum to discuss navigation safety, waterways management, regulatory updates, emergency preparedness, infrastructure projects, and other issues affecting the region’s maritime transportation system. They also offer valuable opportunities for collaboration and information sharing among the many organizations responsible for maintaining safe and efficient waterways.
At the recent meeting, attendees received an overview clarifying the respective jurisdictions of OSHA and the U.S. Coast Guard in maritime workplaces. The presentation examined OSHA’s geographic authority, explained key maritime definitions—including the distinction between inspected and uninspected vessels—and outlined the specific circumstances under which either OSHA or the Coast Guard has regulatory and enforcement responsibility.
PNWA values participating in these meetings and appreciates the U.S. Coast Guard’s leadership in fostering strong communication and coordination across the maritime community.
Call for Nominations: Honor Awards
Deadline August 28: PNWA is now accepting nominations for the 2026 PNWA Awards, recognizing individuals whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Pacific Northwest maritime community.
We invite nominations for:
Walter H. Evans Memorial Award – Honors an individual whose outstanding contributions, leadership, mentorship, and service have strengthened the Pacific Northwest port and maritime industry.
Distinguished Service Award – Recognizes exceptional leadership, active involvement with PNWA, and lasting contributions to the Association and the region.
Golden Anchor Award – Celebrates PNWA members retiring this year or next, recognizing their years of dedicated service, active participation, and enduring impact on the maritime industry.
Award recipients will be recognized during the Honors Reception at the 2026 PNWA Annual Convention on Tuesday, October 13, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Hilton Vancouver Washington.
For questions or nominations: Mary.Wiley@pnwa.net
2026 PNWA Annual Convention
As our most popular event of the year, the PNWA Annual Convention offers a prime opportunity to connect with key regional and federal partners, along with nearly 200 PNWA colleagues from the Northwest. This is the ideal time to touch base as the calendar year winds down and we kick-off preparations for the coming year’s vital advocacy efforts.
You’ll have the chance to interact with and learn from experts in our region’s working waterways, transportation corridors, economic development industries, and regulatory community. Beyond networking with your colleagues, our goal is to provide you with the most timely and relevant information.
July Advocacy trip to DC
In July, Neil Maunu and Nicole Kach headed to Washington D.C. for two-days of relationship building, information and knowledge-sharing, and advocacy. Neil and Nicole were joined by PNWA members Ryan Hart from Port of Vancouver USA, Gail Greenman and Richard Vincent from the Port of Portland, and Justin LeBlanc from Desimone Consulting. The two-day trip was packed with meetings with congressional staff from the Pacific Northwest and Midwest delegation, Sonya Baskerville from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), staff from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Lee Forsgren, Mr. Kevin Skillin from the Office of Canadian Affairs with the U.S. State Department, staff from the Congressional Research Service, and Steve Kopecky, Deputy Chief of the Northwestern and Pacific Ocean Divisions-Command Integration Element with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The group also was able to meet with Julie Ufner from the National Waterways Conference (NWC), and John Bressler from American Public Ports Association (AAPA).
Key discussion points included upcoming projects with the Ports of Portland and Vancouver USA, continued advocacy for extending the Columbia River Treaty Flood Risk Management Agreement, continued support of Ports of Longview and Kalama turning basin projects, and lastly, for the confined aquatic structures in the Lower Columbia River to be considered as operations and maintenance for it be 100% federally funded, instead of its current label as construction with a non-federal sponsor cost-share. The group was able to thank the Congressional staff for all their hard work towards WRDA 2026, and to stress their continued support and engagement throughout the remainder of the WRDA process.
The group also emphasized the need for dredging and the confined aquatic structures for maintaining the Columbia River System not just for the Pacific Northwest, but also the nation’s heartland. Corn, soybeans, and soda ash are some of the top commodities that are shipped along the river system in an efficient and cost-effective manner before heading overseas. The group emphasized its importance to the nation’s economy to congressional staff. The group also learned that negotiations regarding the Columbia River Treaty have not yet started but are hoping to continue soon. While it’s impossible to convey all that was discussed during their trip, it’s evident that the group learned quite a bit from their engaging meetings with Congressional, federal, and local partners.
We appreciate Ryan Hart, Gail Greenman, Richard Vincent, and Justin LeBlanc for taking the time to advocate for these important issues alongside PNWA!
East Side Trip
At the end of June, Neil Maunu, Dena Horton, and Nicole Kach headed out to Eastern Washington to meet with PNWA members. On their trip, PNWA staff met with: Far West AgriBusiness Association, Franklin PUD, Port of Benton, Benton PUD, Port of Moses Lake, Washington State Potato Commission, and the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District. At the meetings, Neil, Dena, and Nicole provided updates about current and upcoming PNWA activities, along with updates with IPNG litigation. The PNWA staff also enjoyed listening to various member updates.
In addition, the PNWA team also met with prospective representative candidates running for Washington’s 4th Congressional District to provide information about the role PNWA plays in the region. The seat has been held by Representative Dan Newhouse (WA-4-R) who announced late last year that he was not going to seek re-election.
PNWA Seeks Member Feedback on I-5 Bridge Construction Impacts
- Replacing the existing Interstate Bridge with a new, more earthquake-ready bridge providing a shared-use path and space for future construction of light rail.
- Connecting the replacement bridge to I-5 in Oregon and Washington.
- Connecting Hayden Island and SR 14 to I-5.
- Advancing transit system design in alignment with federal transit grant requirements.
- Building toll infrastructure to begin collection in 2028.
- Removing the existing Interstate Bridge.
PNWA Seeks Member Input on Corps Cost-Share Program
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District issued a draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Programmatic Environmental Assessment (EA) for the creation of a federal cost-share framework for supporting rapid response, prevention activities, and management of aquatic invasive species (AIS) like quagga, zebra, and golden mussels for the Columbia River Basin. The Corps is using best management practices and the example of rapid response to a
quagga mussel infestation in the Mid-Snake River in Idaho to inform the process too.
Comments on the FONSI and EA are due August 3, 2026. The Corps evaluated a No Action Alternative and Cost-Share Framework Alternative in the EA. State, tribal, and local governments with jurisdictional authority over surface water resources would be eligible for reimbursement of some of the cost but the term “non-Federal entity” (NFE) is somewhat vague. Subject to Congressional appropriations, NFEs could be eligible for
some financial reimbursement for:
- Training and supplies
- Incident preparation and planning
- Site access and preparation
- Containment and isolation
- Fish and wildlife salvage
- Treatment activities
- Post-treatment monitoring
- Restoration and demobilization
Please share your thoughts or concerns regarding the Federal Cost-Share Support for Invasive Mussels FONSI and EA with Dena Horton to be incorporated into PNWA’s comment letter.
FY 2026 Port Security Grant Program Open
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FEMA, and the U.S. Coast Guard have released the FY 2026 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Highlights:
- $95 million available nationwide
- Application deadline: July 24, 2026
- Eligible applicants include port authorities, facility operators, and eligible state, local, and territorial government agencies.
- FY 2026 includes several program updates, including revised cost-share requirements, a cash-match requirement for applicable projects, and new funding priorities for cybersecurity, soft targets, and other national security initiatives.
Learn More: FY 2026 Port Security Grant Opportunity (Grants.gov)
PNWA Funding Update: At this time, there are no updates on the FY 2026 BUILD Grant selections or the release of the U.S. Marine Highway Program Notice of Funding Opportunity. PNWA will share updates as they become available.
Regulatory Update
The Office of Management & Budget (OMB) released its latest 2026 Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. The Unified Agenda includes the following regulatory actions relevant to PNWA members:
Final Rule Stage:
Fish & Wildlife Service Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act –
Final action expected July 2026
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202510&RIN=1018-BI38
EPA Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States” – Final action expected July 2026
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202510&RIN=2040-AG44
Corps of Engineers Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States” – Final action expected July 2026
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202510&RIN=0710-AB59
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Interagency Cooperation – Final action expected in October 2026.
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202510&RIN=1018-BI75
Regulations for Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat – Final action expected in October 2026.
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202510&RIN=1018-BI73
Regulations Pertaining to Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants – Final action expected in October 2026.
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202510&RIN=1018-BI74
Regulations for Designating Critical Habitat – Final action expected in October 2026.
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202510&RIN=1018-BI76
Proposed Rule Stage:
Fish & Wildlife Service Wildlife and Fisheries Compensatory Mitigation Mechanisms –
Notice of Proposed Rule Making July 2026
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202510&RIN=1018-BF63