Table of Contents
IPNG Update
Congressman Dan Newhouse and Senator Jim Risch have introduced legislation aimed at protecting the Lower Snake River dams. Featured in the press release Leslie Druffel, Co-Chair of the Inland Ports and Navigations Group, emphasized the importance of these dams by stating, “The Northwest Energy Security Act is an essential piece of legislation that underscores the significance of the Columbia and Snake Rivers as vital conduits for commerce and energy.”
Additionally, Michelle Hennings, Executive Director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, remarked, “Scientific evidence conducted by the U.S. government has proven that removing the Snake River dams goes against environmental statutes and public interests.” This legislative effort reflects strong support for maintaining the operational integrity of these dams and their substantial contributions to our agriculture and energy sectors.
Thank you to Senator Risch and Congressman Newhouse for your continued dedication to continued operations on our river system!
PNWA Announces Anthony Peña Departure
Mixed Emotions! We would like to congratulate Anthony Peña on accepting a new position in Washington, DC. This is a super exciting step for Anthony!
Anthony joined PNWA as a Government Relations Manager in September 2022, bringing significant federal and regional experience and a strong understanding of our membership’s projects and issues. Over the last three years, he’s made significant contributions to PNWA and IPNG – strengthening member relationships, fighting for our causes, and working hard on the tough policy issues he’s covered. He has become a staunch advocate for the inland river system and coastal ports – and all of us have benefited from knowing he is on the front lines.
His passion for our issues and the people we serve has been evident in everything he does. His last day with PNWA will be February 28, 2025. Please reach out to wish him well – he will be sorely missed.
PNWA will be recruiting to fill the Government Relations position. (See Below) If you are interested or know someone who might be, please contact Neil Maunu: neil.maunu@pnwa.net
We are very proud to share our 2024 Annual Report. Learn about our organization and our activities and events over the past year. Read at: https://buff.ly/4gvv6tN
DC Advocacy
PNWA recently visited Washington D.C. to advocate on behalf of our members, focusing on key issues that matter most to you. We’re excited to share that we have strong support from the PNW Congressional Delegation on vital topics, including River Navigation, Regulatory Reform, USACE funding, and the Columbia River Treaty. Although we accomplished a lot in a short time, there’s still work to be done. Together with our partners in agriculture, power, ports, transportation, and beyond, we’re confident we’ll get it done!
Spokane Ag Show
Neil Maunu presented “Navigating Threats on the Columbia and Snake Rivers” during the Spokane AgShow featured on Wednesday, Feb 5. Every year the Spokane ag Show provides a variety of seminars where industry professionals learn valuable information from experts on industry changes, technology and resources. It was our pleasure to be part of this great program and we thank our members that attended.
"Clearing Up" quotes Peña
Farmers, Ports Concerned About LSRD Transportation Replacement Study A group representing ports, businesses and agencies involved in waterway navigation says a study analyzing the infrastructure and services needed to replace barge transportation on the lower Snake River has serious flaws. But WSDOT is not planning to include an economic analysis or a workforce feasibility analysis of the options it puts forth for replacing barging in the lower Snake River, Anthony Peña, government relations manager for the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA), told Clearing Up.
Mission to Washington
MARCH 10-13, 2025
Registered attendees will receive details on the event next week. Sponsors are still welcome to contribute. Learn more
SOLD OUT!!!
If you have questions, please contact Mary Wiley at mary.wiley@pnwa.net.
Mission to Washington
Thank You to our Sponsors!!
PNWA Staff Tours Corps Dredge Maintenance
New Members
Tonkon Torp
Formed in 1974, Tonkon Torp helps clients anticipate and strategically address environmental and natural resource issues. We help clients achieve their business objectives while complying with complex federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Our environmental and natural resources attorneys help companies minimize costly delays, reduce risk exposure, and maintain public goodwill.
Job Opportunities
PNWA Government Relations Manager
We are pleased to announce that the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) is hiring a Government Relations Manager to join our team! We are a non-partisan, non-profit, industry trade association addressing navigation, trade, energy and environmental issues in the Northwest.
American Cruise Lines Government Affairs Manager
We are seeking a Government Affairs Manager for the Pacific Northwest. Our rapid expansion has made us the largest operator of overnight passenger vessels in the U.S. domestic maritime. The Pacific Northwest has become a key growth market. The newly created position will challenge a dynamic individual to represent American Cruise Lines at the state and local levels as it seeks to protect the navigability of inland waterways and invest in port infrastructure in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. CLICK: https://www.aclcareers.com/government-affairs