Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA)

07/25/2025

PNWA’s Megan McKibben joined the Korea Crop Survey Team on July 23 for a tour stop in The Dalles, organized by U.S. Wheat Associates. Alongside partners from Oregon Wheat and USW, the group—made up mostly of Korean flour millers—visited NW Grain Growers’ terminal and toured Thad Eakin’s wheat farm during harvest.

It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Columbia-Snake River System’s vital role in getting PNW wheat from field to global markets like Korea.

07/25/2025

PNWA congratulates our Executive Director, Neil Maunu, for representing the U.S. at the 2nd ASEAN-U.S. Port Engagement in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam!

Neil joined maritime leaders from across Southeast Asia and the U.S. to discuss how we can strengthen inland waterways and maritime freight connectivity through policy, planning, partnership, and innovation.

We’re proud to see PNWA’s voice on a global stage—highlighting shared challenges, exploring collaborative solutions, and reinforcing the value of strong partnerships across borders.

Well done, Neil!

07/24/2025

PNWA’s Dena Horton and Megan McKibben recently completed a productive two-day advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., joined by Ryan Hart (Port of Vancouver USA), Dale Lewis (Port of Longview), and Justin LeBlanc (Desimone Consulting).

Day two included meetings with staff from Senators Wyden and Merkley, the Senate EPW Committee, and the Pentagon. Discussions focused on the need for strong FY26 appropriations and relief from regulatory barriers impacting critical infrastructure projects.

Thank you to our partners for helping advance PNWA’s priorities for the region.

07/24/2025

PNWA was recently in Washington, D.C., as Dena Horton and Megan McKibben joined Ryan Hart (Port of Vancouver USA), Dale Lewis (Port of Longview), and Justin LeBlanc (Desimone Consulting) to advocate for key infrastructure and navigation priorities.

Over two full days, the team met with U.S. Army Corps leadership, Congressional offices, and committee staff to address critical issues—including the need for FY26 O&M funding and advancing WRDA 2026 priorities.

Discussions focused on turning basin authorizations, Snake River navigation channel clarity, interim flood management support, Dredge Oregon reimbursement, and regulatory barriers impacting maintenance.

Thank you to our partners and federal champions for supporting the future of the Columbia-Snake River System.

07/14/2025

Check out the latest from PNWA in the Nor'wester Newsletter. https://www.pnwa.net/norwester-news-896/

07/14/2025

Friends of the Columbia Gorge is throwing their annual summer celebration, and you’re invited! Set along the banks of the Columbia River at the scenic Cascade Locks Marine Park, this free, family-friendly event is open to the public and packed with fun ways to enjoy a summer afternoon in the Gorge.

Expect live music and dancing from two incredible local acts: genre-spanning pop-rock artist Matt Chaffee kicks things off, followed by a headlining set from acclaimed Americana/folk duo Tony Furtado and Stephanie Schneiderman.

Wander through a pop-up market featuring Indigenous artists, grab a bite from one of several delicious food trucks (frybread tacos, Thai, grilled sausages, ice cream, and more!), and explore conservation booths from local environmental groups. There’s something for everyone: lawn games, face painting, a bouncy house (wind permitting), a 50/50 raffle, and more.

Located in the heart of Cascade Locks, Oregon, the Marine Park offers riverside views, paved paths, and access to Thunder Island. It’s the perfect backdrop for a summer celebration of community and conservation.

Don’t miss your chance to connect with Friends of the Columbia Gorge and hundreds of other conservation-minded people from across the region to celebrate everything that makes this place so special.

Admission is free, and donations are optional, but if you’d like to make a donation as part of your free event registration, you may do so here: https://act.gorgefriends.org/a/donate

Tap here to register: https://www.mobilize.us/gorgefriends/event/796831/

Can’t wait to see you there!

07/14/2025

Check out what is happening in the Gorge!

Mark your calendars! You’re invited to Gorge Summerfest, a celebration of summer, community, and conservation, generously sponsored by On Point Credit Union⁠.⁠
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Join us on Saturday, July 26, from 4–8 p.m. at the Cascade Locks Marine Park (across from Thunder Island) for an evening of live music, food, games, and Gorge love — all free and open to the public! Here’s what to expect:⁠
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🎶 Live music from pop-rock artist Matt Chaffee and renowned Americana/folk duo Tony Furtado and Stephanie Schneiderman.

🌾 Pop-up market with Indigenous artists⁠
🌮 Food trucks (tacos, BBQ, frybread & more!)⁠
🎨 Face painting for kids, bouncy house, lawn games & a 50/50 raffle⁠
🌿 Local conservation groups sharing ways to get involved⁠
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Set along the Columbia River with views of Thunder Island, it’s the perfect way to celebrate community, conservation, and everything we love about the Gorge.⁠
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🎟️ RSVP now: https://www.mobilize.us/gorgefriends/event/796831/

07/14/2025

On July 12, 2025, Gunderson Marine & Iron proudly launched the Mobile Ship Target (MST), a 268.4-foot vessel built for the U.S. Navy. Dee Bruch, President of GM&I, welcomed Gunderson staff, their families, and maritime industry partners to celebrate the occasion. This launch represents a major milestone in Gunderson’s ongoing partnership with the U.S. Navy. The MST was designed and constructed to support future Navy training exercises and enhance operational readiness, contributing to the Navy’s defense capabilities through advanced testing and simulation.

Check out the video of the launch ceremony: https://www.giwx.net/media/mst-launch

07/10/2025

Wrapping up an insightful day at the 2025 Lower Columbia Regional Harbor Safety Conference in Astoria! Thank you to the Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee for hosting this important event. We were proud to see our Deputy Director, Dena Horton, represent PNWA on the “Industry Insights” panel alongside the Merchants Exchange and Columbia River Steamship Operators Association—highlighting successes and priorities across the Columbia-Snake River System. From oil response and disaster case studies to inter-port collaboration and safety planning, the day’s sessions underscored the strength of regional coordination and our shared commitment to safe, efficient, and resilient waterways.

Grateful to be part of such a knowledgeable and collaborative maritime community working to protect people, the environment, and commerce along the Lower Columbia.

07/01/2025

Last week, PNWA joined the Upper Mississippi Waterways Association (UMWA) and the Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) for a dynamic weeklong Exchange Tour of the Columbia-Snake River System, from Astoria, Oregon to Lewiston, Idaho.

Throughout the week, UMWA stakeholders engaged with key industry leaders and agencies, including the Columbia River Pilots, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Port of Longview. They also toured major infrastructure sites such as the Port of Kalama, Bonneville Dam, Tidewater terminals, and Tri-Cities Grain.

From the MARAD M-84 Conference to barge rides, lock tours, and in-depth discussions on energy, grain, and navigation infrastructure, it was an unforgettable journey along Marine Highway 84. The tour concluded at Lower Granite Dam and the Port of Lewiston, highlighting the full reach and resilience of our river system.

We extend our sincere thanks to our partners. This collaboration reinforces our shared commitment to safe, efficient, and sustainable inland navigation.

06/29/2025

A double rainbow means double the gold right? 🌈

BPA’s very own Rob Meyers captured this beauty arced across the Columbia River in Hood River, Oregon.

We may never find a pot of gold but we feel pretty lucky that precipitation fuels reliable hydropower.💧⚡

06/29/2025