OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON (JUNE 7, 2022) – 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 Representative Steve Tharinger from Washington’s 24th Legislative District as a recipient of this award.

Since Rep. Tharinger was unable to attend our 2022 Spring Meeting to receive the award, WPPA presented him with the honor at a virtual Tuesday Roundtable, with about 50 members in attendance. Ports praised Representative Tharinger for helping shepherd infrastructure funding to ports for individual projects, state programs ports can utilize and much needed broadband money. Ports also recognized how he stepped in and helped WPPA get the MTCA remedial action grant bill across the finish line in the House this past session. Rep. Tharinger sponsored a bill that would have extended the .09 funds for 20 more years, an important program for ports in rural counties. As Chair of the Capital Budget committee, Rep. Tharinger successfully balances the needs of his own district with a wider statewide interest—he ensures all parts of the state benefit from the availability of funds. Members also recounted how Rep. Tharinger provides thoughtful advice when asked and always makes himself available to his local port districts.

During the Tuesday Roundtable, Port of Grays Harbor Executive Director Gary Nelson said of Rep. Tharinger:

“The Port of Grays Harbor would like to congratulate Rep. Tharinger on his well-deserved award. We’re grateful for his leadership and commitment to funding critical infrastructure projects that make it possible for ports to create jobs and economic development for our communities. But what we’ve most admired about Steve is his honesty and integrity—attributes that are not usually associated with politicians in this age.”

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.

 You can watch the replay of our Tuesday Roundtable here.

###

ABOUT WASHINGTON PUBLIC PORTS ASSOCIATION As a state legislative and regulatory advocacy organization, the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) fosters public policy for ports to achieve their goals. The WPPA was formed by the legislature in 1961 to represent public port districts throughout Washington, serving as the focus through which ports work cooperatively to develop policy direction, share information, and address issues on economic development, trade, transportation, and environmental stewardship. Public port districts offer a wide range of locally governed services, including marine terminals, barge facilities, industrial development, marinas, airports, railroads, and tourism promotion.
 
MEDIA CONTACT: Jessica Wilson
Washington Public Ports Association
E: jwilson@washingtonports.org
T: 360-528-0405