It’s hard to keep track of the pace of change as the pandemic grinds on—news is happening at the local level, the state and national level, and worldwide—all with potential significant impacts to port districts right here in Washington. That’s why we asked three expert panelists; Kristin Meira, Executive Director with the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association; Elaine Nessle, Executive Director for the Coalition for Americas Gateways & Trade Corridors; and Rick Agnew from national law firm Van Ness Feldman to provide federal-level updates at our Tuesday Roundtable.

Ports were updated on the status of the Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement (CRSO EIS), the progress of the Columbia River Treaty negotiations, and the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)--including progress on Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) reform.

We will also cover progress on a new surface transportation bill including some of the new freight provisions included in the draft INVEST Act.

Finally, ports will learn about the status of CARES Act implementation plus prospects for further stimulus funding taking shape in DC.

In today’s conversation:

·         The status of important treaties and legislation on Columbia River

·         Investments in transportation and freight at the federal level

·         What to expect in CARES Act spending, plus the status of future stimulus packages

Do you need more resources on economic recovery, legal and compliance, internal port operations or health and safety related to the COVID-19 crisis? You can find today’s presentation, along with all previous presentations and information from Tuesday Roundtable speakers, on our COVID-19 response page for ports: https://www.washingtonports.org/covid19

You can listen to the whole meeting here:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/f1z9m1pa0a0f85g/2020-07-14_Tuesday_Roundtable_Recording.mp4?dl=0

Do you have ideas for future topics we could cover in our Tuesday Roundtables? Email your ideas to Washington.ports@washingtonports.org