Washington Port Issues Washington State Freight Advisory Committee Seattle, WA December 9, 2013

Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) is: Non-profit trade association that advocates for federal policies & funding in support of regional economic development Over 130 members in WA, OR, ID, and CA, including: Public ports and municipalities Agriculture and forest products producers Utilities Towboaters, steamship operators, river pilots and bar pilots Port of Chinook Port of Ilwaco

Washington’s Ports … A Microcosm of the National Ports Community Deep draft navigation Puget Sound Lower Columbia River Small ports Puget Sound Lower Columbia River Inland navigation Columbia Snake River System

The Bottom Line … Ports and Navigation Stakeholders are Competing for a Steadily Shrinking Federal Pie

Congress’ Ability of Improve Corps Budgets Has Been Reduced History of Congressionally-directed project funding FY2011 – Agency work plan at FY2010 spending levels FY “Additional funding” in House & Senate bills FY2013 – “Additional funding” in House & Senate bills … … year-long CR & sequestration = no additional funding FY2014 – Shutdown, CR … more to come in January

The Fix: Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) Tax on the value of imports & domestic cargo Intended to fund 100% of deep draft and coastal O&M – dredging, jetties, etc. Since 2003, only about half of collections have been spent Unspent “surplus” is over $8B … can’t be recouped Port of Ilwaco Port of Vancouver Port of Seattle

Senate WRDA Approach Phased in approach to full spending in 2020 Prioritizes High Use Deep Draft (HUDD) Ports, Great Lakes Addresses cargo diversion Provides rebate for “donor ports” Allows for expanded uses Berth dredging, contaminated sediment Falls short for small ports No funding until HUDD projects fully maintained

House WRRDA Approach Phased in approach – reaches 80% of annual receipts in 2020 Expanded uses at outset 5% for berth dredging, contaminated sediment Small port set aside up front 10% for first two years, future consideration

Maritime Goods Movement Act Comprehensive solution for all ports Establishes Maritime Goods Movement Fee, replaces HMTF Ensures full use of annual receipts Restores a level playing field for U.S. ports Provides funding for “super donor” ports Establishes DOT grant program to invest in intermodal infrastructure Permanent small port set aside up front

Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF) Olmsted Lock & Dam, Ohio River 20 cent/gallon diesel tax Collected from towboaters on Columbia/Snake, Mississippi, Ohio and other inland waterways Intended to fund 50% of inland construction and major rehabs Current needs exceed collections

Stakeholder proposals: Increase fuel tax Revise cost-share formula Improve Corps project delivery process Administration proposals: Keep fuel tax Impose lockage or towboat fees Tidewater tow in McNary navlock, Columbia River Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF)

PNWA: working with Portland & Walla Walla districts Goals: Anticipate repair needs Protect reliability of system Minimize NW need to draw on IWTF Little Goose navlock, Snake River Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF)

Kristin Meira Executive Director Opportunities to Stay Informed Website: Nor’wester newsletter