NOR'WESTER NEWSLETTER ISSUE #384                                           Visit us on Facebook! Facebookmasthead

March 1, 2011

In This Issue:
Date Change: PNWA's Permitting 101 now scheduled for May 13
Reminder: Extended lock outage conference call scheduled for today
Two weeks to register: PNWA Mission to Washington, DC

Date Change: PNWA's Permitting 101 now scheduled for May 13 

 

The date for PNWA's Permitting 101 workshop has been changed to Friday, May 13, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Port of Newport. The workshop was originally scheduled for April 27. 

 

PNWA and the Corps Portland District are co-hosting this meeting for PNWA and OPPA members to meet with federal and State of Oregon agency staff to smooth out the permit application and review process. The agenda will have three major parts:

 

Part One, an overview from the federal and state agencies on 1) the permit process with a description of the review, factors considered, timelines, relationship between agencies, etc., 2) the requirements of the application with suggestions on how to prepare a better application, and 3) opportunities for ports to speed up the process, such as, if this is appropriate, using agency-approved consultants to provide some of the analysis that the agency might otherwise have to do themselves, etc.  

 

Part Two, an overview from the ports on the considerations they have in preparing a permit, such as relating the scope and budget of the review to the scope and budget of the project, working with clients in a competitive market place and how that affects the level of information that can be provided at different stages of the "deal", etc.  

 

Part Three, a discussion of how the process might be adapted to accommodate each others' needs. Can guidelines be established, or a regional general permit developed, for routine actions that many ports engage in such as repairing or installing piling.  Projects often transition from general site prep to more detailed work to meet client needs. Is there a way to accommodate reasonable changes in project descriptions without starting over in the queue?  We will look to answer these questions, as well as focus on dredging and how to relate the Sediment Evaluation Framework to the permitting process.

 

PNWA staff contact: Glenn Vanselow

 

Reminder: Extended lock outage conference call scheduled for today

 

The next Corps-hosted extended lock outage conference call is scheduled for today, Tuesday, March 1 at 1:00 p.m.  The call will include final details of the gate replacements for The Dalles, John Day and Lower Monumental locks and will also provide updates on the routine maintenance taking place at the remaining five locks on the system.   

 

To participate in the call, dial (888) 622-5357 and use the access code 418583.  While the call will primarily be a listening session for stakeholders, there will be a brief question and answer period following the update.  To ensure that the Corps can address your questions, please e-mail them in advance to Scott Clemans. For current updates and audio recordings of past calls, visit the Extended Navigation Lock Outage website at http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/navigation/lockoutage.asp

 

PNWA staff contact: Kristin Meira

 

Two weeks to register: PNWA Mission to Washington, DC

 

There are only two weeks left to register for our upcoming event taking place March 13-17 at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, DC!  Highlights include U.S. Rep. Greg Walden as the keynote speaker, addressing the new leadership's vision for the coming year.  Additional speakers & topics include:

 

FY2012 Energy & Water Appropriations: A View from the Senate
Roger Cockrell, Professional Staff, Senate Energy & Water Appropriations Committee
 

Creating the Corps Budget
 
Mike Pfenning, Program Development, USACE HQ Navigation

National Flood Plain Insurance Program and FEMA
Sandra Knight, Deputy Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administrator, FEMA

Integration of Renewable Energy and Proposals for BPA to use Market-Based Rates
Sonya Baskerville, Manager, National Relations Office, Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)
 

National Transportation Infrastructure and Prospects For Reauthorization
John Horsley, Executive Director, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
 
House Natural Resources Committee Priorities

Todd Ungerecht, Republican Counsel, Committee on Natural Resources 

 

Online registration is available at www.pnwa.net.  Details for the event, including a draft agenda, are located on our Mission page!

 

Staff contact: Heather Stebbings