NOR'WESTER NEWSLETTER ISSUE #392                                           Visit us on Facebook! Facebookmasthead

June 2, 2011

In This Issue:
Sen. Murray keynotes PNWA lock repair celebration
Save $25 - Register for the PNWA Mid-Year Meeting by Monday, June 6

Sen. Murray keynotes PNWA lock repair celebration

PNWA contact: Heather Stebbings

On Tuesday, May 31st, PNWA hosted an event to celebrate the repairs completed during the Columbia Snake River System's (CSRS) December 2010-March 2011 closure.  U.S. Senator Patty Murray (WA) was the keynote speaker at the event, which took place in Vancouver, WA.  The program also included COL Steven Miles, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Portland District Commander; LT COL David Caldwell, USACE Walla Walla District Commander; John Pigott, Tidewater Barge Lines and President of the Columbia River Towboat Association; and Brett Blankenship, Washington Association of Wheat Growers.

col_miles with speakers

COL Steven Miles, Commander of the Portland District, addresses attendees

Approximately 80 people were present at the event, to show their appreciation for the unprecedented collaboration that took place between the U.S. Congress, USACE, and the navigation community in the Northwest.  $68 million in federal investments were completed during the closure, including the successful replacement of downstream gates at The Dalles, John Day and Lower Monumental navigation locks.  The planned event allowed for 18 months advance notice by the Corps, and ensured that overall stakeholder impact was relatively low. 

Senator Murray addresses attendees

U.S. Senator Patty Murray addresses PNWA members and friends

In addition to Sen. Murray and her staff, Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt and representatives from the offices of Sen. Maria Cantwell (WA), Sen. Jeff Merkley (OR) and Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-3) were on hand to show their support.  Many PNWA members and friends were also present to commemorate the project, and take part in the celebration.  The event concluded with a tour of Foss Maritime's P.J. Brix tugboat. 

Senator Murray with Foss Tug Captain

Senator Murray aboard Foss Maritime's P.J. Brix Tugboat, with Captain Guneter Eckardt

PNWA believes this project was a great example of how the Northwest efficiently employs the federal funding provided for infrastructure maintenance and targeted repairs.  We applaud the work of everyone involved in the closure, and would like to sincerely thank Sen. Patty Murray and the entire Northwest Delegation for their continued support.  The federal investments made during this closure ensure the continued reliability of CSRS inland navigation.  When combined with the recently completed Columbia River channel deepening, the CSRS is positioned to contribute to the economic recovery of the Northwest and the nation.

Save $25 - Register for the PNWA Mid-Year Meeting by Monday, June 6

 

PNWA Staff Contact: Heather Stebbings 

 

Register for the2011 PNWA Mid-Year Meeting today and save $25! Our agenda has something to offer every PNWA member, and will focus on meeting current and emerging issues head on.  Meet with fellow representatives from the Northwest navigation and energy community to discuss how together, we can make the most of growing opportunity in the region.  Thought provoking and relevant speakers will address the membership and Northwest ports, energy interests, navigation stakeholders and community leaders will discuss efforts to help the Northwest continue to grow. Make your plans to join us today - Online registration is available at www.pnwa.net

 

Topic Highlights

Pacific Northwest Ports: Meeting Challenges From the North and South

Long Term River System Planning From the Corps of Engineers

MCR Jetties: A Status Report

Levees & Floodplains: Partnering With FEMA & the Corps to Overcome Challenges

Small Ports: Making Your Voice Heard

Alternative Energy Development in the Northwest

2011 State of the Economy

Completion of WSU's Extended Lock Closure Study

Columbia River Treaty - U.S./Canada Water Resources Negotiations

Industrial Land & Economic Development Strategies

Much, much more!   

 

Draft Agenda

Monday, June 27:

10:00am PNWA Executive Committee Meeting

1:00-4:30pm General Session

5:00-7:00pm PNWA Reception: CDA Resort (guests welcome!)

 

Tuesday, June 28:        

8:00am Breakfast & Speaker

9:30-11:30am General Session

11:30am Lunch & Speaker

1:00-4:00pm General Session

 

4:00pm IPNG Meeting (IPNG members only, please)

Wednesday, June 29:   

8:00am Breakfast & Speaker

9:00-11:00am Board of Directors Meeting - all PNWA members may attend

 

 

Help support PNWA and sponsor our Mid-Year Meeting!

 

PNWA meetings are a great way to show your continued support of the organization.  We offer sponsorship opportunities at every level, and have the following available at the 2011 Mid-Year Meeting:

  • Lunch: $500
  • Breakfast: $400
  • Breaks: $300
  • Meeting Materials: $200

PNWA sponsors receive exposure on our website and throughout the meeting in our materials, at our reception and from the podium.  Don't miss your chance to participate!  Contact Heather Stebbings at [email protected] or 503-234-8553 for more information today!