Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA)

10/24/2025

PNWA staff recently joined the Clark County Transportation Alliance and Governmental Affairs Roundtable, gaining valuable insights into regional priorities for transportation, infrastructure, and economic growth.

Discussions centered on key issues such as I-5 Bridge replacement, protecting the Lower Snake River Dams, continued Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) funding, and many other topics. PNWA appreciates the collaboration among regional partners working to strengthen transportation networks, support job growth, and sustain the Northwest’s economic vitality.

Read more in our latest newsletter:https://www.pnwa.net/norwester-news-901/

10/24/2025

At our 2025 Annual Convention in Vancouver, WA, PNWA proudly celebrated exceptional leadership and service across the Northwest maritime community.

Commissioner Tom Kammerzell (Port of Whitman County) received the Walter H. Evans Memorial Award for his decades of advocacy and leadership supporting the Columbia–Snake River System. The Distinguished Service Awards honored Laura Gurley (Port of Everett), Tabitha Reeder (Port of Kalama), Scott Corbitt (Port of Lewiston), Matt Harris (Washington State Potato Commission), and Richard Vincent (Port of Portland) for their outstanding contributions to PNWA’s mission.

We also recognized our Golden Anchor Award recipients, long-serving members whose years of dedication continue to strengthen our region’s waterways.

👏 Congratulations to all awardees! Read more in our latest newsletter: https://www.pnwa.net/norwester-news-901/

10/24/2025

The 2025 PNWA Annual Convention brought together nearly 160 members and partners from across the Northwest for three days of collaboration, insight, and networking. Despite challenges from the federal shutdown, PNWA pivoted to deliver engaging sessions on navigation, energy, and infrastructure with highlights from David Evans and Associates, the Port of Seattle, Gunderson Marine, Diversified Marine, and American Cruise Lines.

At the Annual Trustee Meeting, PNWA approved the 2025–2026 Budget and dues updates, maintaining flat event registration. Congratulations to Scott Corbitt of the Port of Lewiston on joining the Executive Committee!

Thank you to all speakers, sponsors, and attendees who made this year’s convention a success, reinforcing our shared commitment to a strong and connected maritime future.

Read more here: https://www.pnwa.net/norwester-news-901/

10/24/2025

PNWA proudly recognized U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) as our 2025 Legislator of the Year for his unwavering support of the Pacific Northwest’s ports, waterways, and economy. His leadership has secured major federal investments for Oregon’s maritime infrastructure and advanced sustainable, solution-driven progress across the region.

“Senator Merkley’s leadership exemplifies the collaborative spirit that strengthens our region,” said PNWA Executive Director Neil Maunu.

Read more in our latest newsletter: https://www.pnwa.net/norwester-news-901/

10/23/2025

Each fall, as the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, Columbia Park in Kennewick comes alive for RiverFest—a community celebration of the Federal Columbia River Power System and the many benefits of the Lower Snake River Dams for navigation, irrigation, recreation, and clean energy.

This year, PNWA Government Relations Manager Megan McKibben and Leslie Druffel, Director of Outreach at The McGregor Company, teamed up to host an educational booth highlighting the importance of protecting our river system for navigation. Thanks to The McGregor Company, kids got hands-on fun by “growing their own gardens” — planting seeds in small take-home bags to watch them sprout into food.

A big congratulations to the Pasco Chamber of Commerce for organizing another successful RiverFest and bringing our community together to celebrate the rivers that power the Northwest!

Learn more: https://www.pnwa.net/norwester-news-901/

10/23/2025

We’ve been busy! Our latest PNWA Nor'wester Newsletter is packed with updates from a recap of our successful 2025 Annual Convention to recent press releases, federal comment submissions, and participation in five major maritime community events. You’ll also find the latest member news and regional industry highlights.

👉 Click now to read the full newsletter and stay connected with what’s happening across the Pacific Northwest waterways! https://www.pnwa.net/norwester-news-901/

09/25/2025

Check out our latest newsletter!! Read here: https://www.pnwa.net/norwester-news-900/

09/12/2025

We have moved to Vancouver, WA downtown! Everyone is talking about it. Stop by and check us out.

https://www.columbian.com/news/2025/sep/11/pacific-northwest-waterways-association-moves-its-office-from-portland-to-downtown-vancouver/

09/11/2025

Today, we honor the memory of those lost on September 11, 2001, and recognize the courage of first responders who served with selflessness and bravery. Patriot Day is a time for remembrance, reflection, and unity as we stand together in resilience.

09/08/2025

On Friday, we officially said farewell to Ms. Beth Coffey during her retirement ceremony, which also recognized her 35 years of federal service. Coffey was Northwestern Division's Programs Director, who was responsible for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ civil works mission consisting of planning, navigation, flood control, stream bank and shore protection, hurricane and storm damage reduction, emergency preparedness response and recovery, hydropower, water supply, recreation, environmental protection and recovery, permitting, real estate, and interagency and international support activities across the Columbia and Missouri River basins.

09/08/2025

09/08/2025