|
House water resources legislation to be considered in September
On Friday, August 2 nd, House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) announced that the Committee will consider the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2013 following August recess. This legislation typically authorizes Corps projects and policies; the Senate's WRDA bill ( S. 601) was released earlier this year. The additional "R" in the House version in meant to highlight the Committee's desire for reform. The Committee continues to draft the bill's final language this month and has released very limited details of the bi-partisan legislation. Overarching concepts of WRRDA, however, include continuation of the earmark ban, with emphasis on local sponsors taking a bigger role in the projects authorization process; deauthorization of projects that have no means of moving forward; additional transparency and Congressional oversight; and an acceleration of the project delivery process. WRRDA is expected to move through Committee in September, and possibly head to the House floor for a vote in October. PNWA continues to monitor this process and will provide additional information to Nor'wester readers as it is available. |
|
Columbia River Treaty navigation stakeholder meeting scheduled; deadline nears for public comment on U.S. Entity's working draft
Navigation stakeholder meeting - Wednesday, September 4th PNWA has coordinated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to schedule a third navigation stakeholder outreach meeting on the Columbia River Treaty. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 4th from 9:30am-12:00pm at the Port of Portland in the eighth floor Chinook Room. Parking in the airport's long-term deck, adjacent to the Port offices, will be validated by the Port.
Earlier navigation outreach meetings were held in December 2012 and April 2013. The Corps and its contractor expect to have updates on their Iteration 2 and 3 impact assessment and sedimentation analysis results. We strongly encourage stakeholders on the Columbia Snake River System to attend this meeting. Comments due August 16th on "working draft recommendation" A "Working Draft of a Regional Recommendation" for the Columbia River Treaty was released by the U.S. Entity, which is comprised of Bonneville Power Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Northwestern Division. The Entity is currently accepting public comment on the working draft through August 16th. To access the working draft, learn more about the Treaty, or to submit comment, visit the Treaty site here. Please note that all comments submitted to the Entity will be publicly available on the Treaty Review website. The U.S. Entity expects to complete a third round of modeling and analysis in August, followed by a September release of a final draft recommendation. The September final draft recommendation will be open to public comment as well. The Entity plans to make a recommendation to the State Department by mid-December. PNWA staff will continue to work with the various sections of our membership that are engaging on the Columbia River Treaty, and strongly encourage our interested members to provide comment to the Entity by August 16th. PNWA will also be submitting comment. For more information regarding the Columbia River Treaty and PNWA's work on this important issue, please contact Kristin Meira. |
|
Register today for the PNWA Annual Convention - October 2-4, 2013
Discounted registration fees and lodging are available until September 18th. Registration for congressional and federal agency staff is complimentary. Register today! Topic Highlights Attended by over 130 members and partners, this conference will feature thought provoking and relevant speakers who will address the issues that matter to you: - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commander Panel
- NW Ports Superfund Projects
- Supreme Court Rulings on Mitigation Requirements
- Port of Morrow SAGE Center
- Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission Update
- PNWA member updates
- Much, much more!
Show your additional support - SPONSOR THIS EVENT!
We need your support to make this event a success! We offer sponsorship opportunities at every level. PNWA sponsors receive exposure on our website, newsletter, and throughout the meeting in our materials, at our reception and from the podium. Over 130 of our PNWA members from the Northwest ports, navigation, energy and trade community will be present. Don't miss your chance to participate today! Contact Natalie Whitlock or call 503-234-8550 for more information. |
