OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON (August 4, 2020) – The Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) works on behalf of public ports across Washington to advance the interests of ports with the state legislature--and beyond. Our success in ensuring these interests are protected requires the leadership, vision, and collaborative working relationships with state legislators.

Each year, WPPA recognizes legislators who provide "extraordinary leadership and unparalleled vision" in our efforts to advance the importance and future of public ports for the residents they serve. This year, we are pleased to announce Senators Curtis King (R- 14th Legislative District) and David Frockt (D- 46th Legislative District) have won the 2020 Compass Award.

Senator Curtis King has served as ranking member on the Senate Transportation Committee since 2018; prior to 2018 he was the committee chair. He has championed many key issues for ports in Washington, including:

• Working across party lines to pass the $16 billion Connecting Washington new-revenue transportation package in 2015

• Setting the stage for the current conversation around additional funding for transportation by including the JTC Statewide Needs Assessment in the 2019 transportation budget

• When changes in law resulted in wage scales for landscaping to increase over 100%, Senator King looked for common sense solutions to highlight to concerns and resolve the issues

• Worked with WPPA in the 2020 Legislative session to include needed amendments exempting the state's shortline railroads from legislation mandating minimum train crew standards in Washington

• Worked with the Port of Klickitat to secure funding for a road/rail grade separation which, when complete, will minimize conflict for workers transiting to and from jobs at the port.  

• Leadership in creating sustainability for the state's ferry system and is shows leadership across state lines by engaging with stakeholders to find a solution that replaces the Hood River Bridge

Senator David Frockt is the Capital Budget lead on the Senate Ways and Means committee, and has been instrumental in leading the way on implementation of many core port issues, including:

·       Directly supporting economic competitiveness and job creation budget priorities, including funding for the Community Economic Revitalization Board, broadband infrastructure and MTCA grants that remediate lands contaminated by toxic chemicals. 

·       Chairing the bi-partisan Special Committee on Economic Recovery to to improve the competitiveness of our communities and create jobs visa vie the above priorities

·       Championing reform the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) to stabilize funding for toxic cleanups and stormwater treatment. 

·       Providing leadership on efforts to improve the health of our communities and our environment.

You can watch the whole recording of their Tuesday Roundtable Compass Award acceptance here:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/n3i76y2lzoefwxd/2020-08-04_Compass_Award_Roundtable_recording.mp4?dl=0

WPPA is the voice of Washington Ports before the Legislature, Congress, other government agencies, and stakeholders. The association serves as the catalyst for promoting communication between ports and developing a broad public understanding of the essential roles of ports across the state.