The Exchange Nov/Dec 2022

THE E XCHANGE 2022

WELCOME TO THE E XCHANGE

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Welcome to the November/December edition of The Exchange.

We all play a critical role in the movement of commerce and promotion of the Columbia Snake River Maritime Transportation System. Funds to maintain and expand this Maritime Transportation System infrastructure are another critical component. In this issue we highlight the importance of infrastructure investment with an in-depth article from MARAD, program updates from our client associations, and a sample of the vessel activity statistics collected by the Exchange.

Thank you for your continued support of the Merchants Exchange!

On behalf of the staff, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

Liz Wainwright, Executive Director Merchants Exchange

NOTE FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM

The Exchange is the bi-monthly newsletter of the Merchants Exchange.

Members: If you have an article or an announcement that you would like to be included in future issues of The Exchange, please contact us: newsletter@ pdxmex.com.

Editorial Team

>> Mary Wiley - wiley@pdxmex.com

>> Bekah Brinkmeier - brinkmeier@pdxmex.com

>> Anthony O’Reilly - oreilly@pdxmex.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Board of Directors 3

Membership 3

U.S. Maritime Administration 4 Infrastructure Grant Programs 6

U.S Coast Guard, Sector Columbia River 12

The Port Report 13

Port of Portland 14

Port of Astoria 17

Columbia River Statistics 18 Association Updates 19

Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee 19 Maritime Fire & Safety Association 20

Maritime Commerce Club, Columbia River 24 Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund 26

Friends of the Exchange 28 Merchants Exchange 29

Contact Us 30

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced without prior written permission from the Merchants Exchange.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Todd Krout (2023) President Port of Vancouver USA

Chris Cummins (2024) Vice President General Steamship Corp

Geoff Doerfler (2024) Tidewater Barge Lines

Earl Dixon (2024) United Grain Corp

Gary Hodson (2023) ACGI Shipping

Roger Hsieh (2024) Treasurer BNSF Railway Company

Alex Scott (2023) Secretary Anchorage Launch Co.

Adrian Burkard (2025) Jones Stevedoring Company

Eric Kastner (2025) Cascade Marine Agencies LTD

Ryan Statz (2025) Columbia Grain, Inc.

MEMBERSHIP

Jim Cockrell (Ex Officio) Board President, Clean Rivers Cooperative Owens Corning

Mat Cusma (Ex Officio) Board President, Maritime Fire & Safety Association Schnitzer Steel

Capt. Jeremy Nielsen (Ex Officio) Columbia River Pilots

Legal Counsel: Tyson Calvert, Esq. Lindsay Hart LLP

Our membership makes up the core of the local marine shipping community. Our members include, but are not limited to: vessel agents and operators, admiralty attorneys, customs brokers, tug and barge companies, freight forwarders, stevedores, ship repair service facilities and port authorities.

The Exchange is a provider of vessel and cargo information. It

serves as a hub for local industry education as well as association management and networking activities. Our members enjoy a direct relationship with the Merchants Exchange and its services. Each member company is able to vote for Merchants Exchange board of director nominees and is eligible for board membership. All of our services and activities are member focused.

Vessel and cargo information services that are currently offered include:

• Vessel Reporting

• Communication Support Service

• Vessel and Cargo Statistics

• Daily Grain Bulletin

• Grain Committee Membership

• Answering Service

• Special Reports and Services

The Merchants Exchange caters its services to the ever-changing needs of local industry. We are constantly working to develop new ways to help our members do business. If the service you need is not listed, ask us and we can work to develop it for you.

For more information about membership, visit our website at: www.pdxmex.com

THE U.S. MARITIME ADMINISTRATION (MARAD) AND THE BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment in our Nation’s multimodal infrastructure, which will grow the economy, enhance global economic competitiveness and make our transportation system more sustainable and equitable.

BIPARTISAN

INFRASTRUCTURE LAW

INVESTMENTS IN THE U.S. MARITIME INDUSTRY

In the maritime sector, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests more than $17 billion in port infrastructure and waterways to:

■ Finance overdue maintenance and repairs.

■ Support the Nation’s supply chain by reducing congestion.

■ Reduce environmental impacts by cutting emissions near ports, boosting electrification and investing in other low-carbon technologies.

Through MARAD, these investments will help build additional capacity at U.S. ports, improve cargo throughput and eliminate bottlenecks to reduce the time and cost of shipping goods. These projects will also augment national and regional economic vitality by supporting the creation of good-paying jobs.

BIPARTISAN

INFRASTRUCTURE LAW

INVESTMENT IN THE PORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) is a discretionary grant program administered by MARAD, which awards funds on a competitive basis to projects that improve the safety, efficiency or reliability of the movement of goods into, out of, around or within a port.

As part of the Department of Transportation (DOT), MARAD is responsible for awarding more than $2 billion ($450 million per year for FY22 – FY26) in funding appropriated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to our Port Infrastructure Development Program.

The PIDP supports efforts by ports and industry stakeholders to improve port and related freight infrastructure to meet the nation’s freight transportation needs. The program provides planning, capital funding, and project management assistance to improve ports’ capacity and efficiency.

In concordance with environmental impact mitigation, PIDP grant applicants must explain how proposed projects will enhance environmental justice and advance the equity of environmental impacts on communities.

Outcomes

Funding Details

■ The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s funding for the PIDP alone is roughly the same amount of money that has been invested in ports by all DOT grant programs since the DOT began investing in ports with the 2009 Recovery Act.

■ Congress provided first-year funds of $293 million for the program in the FY2019 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Congress continued funding the program at $225 million in FY2020 and $230 million in FY2021.

■ On February 23, 2022, DOT Secretary Buttigieg announced the notice of funding opportunity for the first round of funding for the PIDP provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

■ For FY2022, the Infrastructure and Jobs Act/ Bipartisan Infrastructure Law appropriated $450 million to the PIDP—almost double the FY2021 investment.

■ Under the appropriations measure, an additional $234 million was provided for the program, bringing the total funding available for FY2022 to more than $680 million.

■ On October 28, 2022, MARAD awarded more than $703 million in grants to 41 projects in 22 states and one territory. In addition to funds provided in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Appropriations Act, the grants include unspent and unobligated funds from the FY2021 Appropriations Act.

The FY2022 grant awards made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law benefit coastal seaports, Great Lakes ports and inland river ports by helping improve supply chain reliability through increased port capacity and resilience, more efficient operations, reduced port emissions and new workforce opportunities.

The PIDP, powered by funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has awarded grants to several projects, large and small, supporting American ports. To view every awarded PIDP project since 2019, visit the PIDP webpage: www.maritime.dot.gov/PIDPgrants.

Maritime Administration @DOTMARAD

THE U.S. MARITIME ADMINISTRATION (MARAD) AND THE BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW (continued)

BIPARTISAN

INFRASTRUCTURE LAW INVESTMENT

IN THE AMERICA’S MARINE HIGHWAY PROGRAM

The America’s Marine Highway Program (AMHP) supports the increased use of the nation’s navigable waterways to relieve landside congestion, provide new and efficient transportation options and increase the productivity of the surface transportation system. By working closely with public and private organizations, the AMHP helps develop and expand marine highway service options and facilitates further integration into the current U.S. surface transportation system.

All AMHP award recipients must apply, comply with, and implement all requirements of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law “Buy America, Build America” provisions. Grant funds can be used to purchase low-emission U.S.-manufactured equipment that can alleviate supply chain bottlenecks.

There are currently 29 marine highway routes reaching 41 states, the district of columbia, and five u.S. Territories, and there are presently 58 designated marine highway projects.

Funding Details

■ In December 2021, $12.6 million in grants was awarded to nine marine highway projects across the Nation.

■ On March 2, 2022, MARAD announced the availability of $25 million in new funding for the America’s Marine Highways Program.

à This funding was the largest single appropriation of funding in the program’s history —also made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

■ The FY2022 appropriations measure also expanded funding, providing another $14.8 million for the America’s Marine Highway program, bringing the total amount of funding available under this program to nearly $40 million.

■ MARAD awarded nearly $39 million in grants to 12 additional marine highway projects on October 6, 2022.

■ To view every awarded AMHP project since 2010, visit the AMHP Grants webpage: www.maritime.dot.gov/ grants-finances/marine-highways/grants. ADDITIONAL

Outcomes

The AMHP helps create and sustain American jobs in U.S. ports, on vessels and at shipyards.

In addition, the AMHP meets the commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, with the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution.

Preference is also given to AMHP projects that demonstrate a movement towards lower carbon emissions or near-zero emissions, reduce air emissions and vehicle miles traveled, and strengthen America’s supply chains.

PORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (PIDP)

The Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) is a discretionary grant program administered by the U.S. Maritime Administration. Funds for the PIDP are awarded on a competitive basis to projects that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods into, out of, around, or within a port. In FY2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) appropriated $450 million to the PIDP. An additional $234 million was made available to the program under FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Finally, reallocated funds from the FY 2021 PIDP program also remained available for use, resulting in a total of $703,123,800 in FY 2022 PIDP grant funding available for award.

For more information: https://cms.marad.dot.gov/PIDPgrants

2022 WEST COAST PROJECTS

OREGON

Terminal 6 Infrastructure Improvements Project ($24,360,000) Portland, Oregon

The Project will fund the following components: strengthen 9 acres of pavement for flexible cargo storage, including container storage; upgrade pavement throughout 30 acres of container yard; add a stormwater treatment system to reduce pollutants entering the Columbia River; replace electrical components to reduce energy consumption, light spillage, and enable future zeroemission operations; and install two emergency generators to provide backup power during seismic events or other power outages.

WASHINGTON

Terminal 5 Export, Expansion, and Emissions Reduction Project ($17,035,900) Seattle, Washington

The Project will fund improvements to Terminal 5 at the Port of Seattle. The Project consists of two major components: 1) construction of a new truck gate complex by relocating the existing gate lanes and expanding the number of lanes equipped with truck scales and 2) the construction of a cargo container storage yard by demolishing an unused warehouse and repurposing the land for container sorting and storage.

Grays Harbor Terminal 4 Expansion & Redevelopment Project ($25,500,000) Aberdeen, Washington

The Project includes the construction of an additional 50,000 feet of rail to accommodate unit trains; railcar storage; the repurposing of a 50-acre brownfield site into a breakbulk cargo handling and laydown area; access and roadway improvements; replacement of marine terminal fendering systems; and related site improvements.

Intermodal Handling and Transfer Facility Improvements Project ($8,608,000) Port Angeles, Washington

The Project consists of structural repairs and improvements to an existing 112-year-old dock and pavement improvements to increase the surface elevation and load capacity for approximately 10 acres of an existing 30-acre cargo yard.

Master Plan, Pier Design, and Boat Ramp Construction Project ($11,073,627) La Conner, Washington

The Project consists of four components: 1) development of a port master plan that evaluates the existing infrastructure, assesses the community’s needs for port facilities and services, identifies a range of proposed infrastructure solutions to meet those needs, and conducts preliminary engineering and design work for priority projects; 2) design and construction of a boat ramp; 3) completion of design and engineering for upgrades to a commercial pier; and 4) replacement of a mooring float. The boat ramp and mooring float will be constructed on Tribal lands.

Seaport

Throughput

Improvement Project ($9,270,918) Olympia, Washington

The Project consists of repairing and/or replacing pavement in approximately 21 acres of cargo handling area, constructing a new maintenance facility, and making structural repairs to Cargo Berth One to support increased use of an existing mobile harbor crane. The Project also includes an updated facility condition assessment and final design and engineering work.

ALASKA

North Extension Stabilization Step 1 Project ($68,700,000) Anchorage, Alaska

The Project will reconfigure and realign the shoreline within the “North Extension” (the area north of the existing general cargo terminals) at the Port of Alaska in Anchorage, Alaska. The Project includes the demolition of a sheet pile wall, removal of approximately 1.3 million cubic yards of material, and construction of a shoreline revetment of armor rock.

AMHS Prince William Sound Ferry Terminal Project ($28,248,386) Cordova, Tatitlek, and Chenega, Alaska

This Project funds upgrades and modifications at three Prince William Sound ferry terminals. The Cordova improvements include removal of floating fenders and construction of fixed fender mooring dolphins and catwalks and modifications to the stern berth to accommodate ferries. The Tatitlek improvements include the provision of new endloading ferry terminal structures, including a vehicle transfer bridge and bridge support float. The Chenega improvements include the construction of a new side-berth ferry terminal facility, including a pile-supported approach dock structure, vehicle transfer bridge, bridge support float, and two mooring dolphins.

Port of Adak Pier Five Improvements Project ($10,161,900) Adak, Alaska

The Project at the Port of Adak, in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, entails repairs and updates to Pier Five, the primary supply pier for this remote Alaskan village. The grant will fund planning and permitting work, removal of the deteriorated timber pile fender system, repairs to damaged concrete piles and caps, installation of a high-energy absorbing fender system, and installation of new sewer, firefighting water, potable water, electrical and communications utilities, and LED lighting.

Sand Point Floating Dock Project ($5,365,000) Aleutian Islands, Alaska

The Project consists of installing more than 1,000 feet of new floating dock and supporting access, utility, and safety infrastructure within the existing harbor. The Project will complete the Aleutians East Borough’s long-term efforts to fully build out the community’s harbor.

CALIFORNIA

Fisherman’s Terminal Piling Replacement Project ($650,000) Eureka, California

The Project will replace approximately 40 failing or missing fender pilings on a quay used by commercial fishermen in Humboldt Bay. The Project includes removal of the existing pilings and the purchase and installation of replacement pilings, pile caps, and rub rails.

Middle Harbor Terminal Zero Emission Conversion Project ($30,141,080) Long Beach, California

The Project will fund the replacement of diesel yard tractors with approximately 60 electric yard tractors, construction of electric equipment charging infrastructure with energy load management software to enhance energy efficiency, and installation of software equipment to streamline cargo-handling operations within the terminal.

Outer Harbor Terminal Redevelopment Project ($36,592,875) Oakland, California

The Project will fund the construction of a roughly 25-acre off-dock container support facility with truck entry/exit gates and gatehouse, pavement replacement, office trailer, perimeter fencing, grounded/wheeled container storage, refrigerated container grounded storage and plugs, LED high mast lighting, drainage, substation improvements, and battery storage and charging stations.

Port of San Francisco Amador Street Infrastructure Improvement Project ($9,607,500) San Francisco, California

The Project will fund roadway improvements to a more resilient standard, sewer replacement and pump station upgrades to provide additional capacity and reliability, stormwater improvements and removal of creosote-treated rail ties to improve environmental conditions, and landscaping with drought tolerant plants that will conserve water.

Port of Stockton Rail Rehabilitation & Upgrade Project ($9,628,477) Stockton, California

The Project will improve the Port of Stockton’s lead track by replacing or upgrading approximately 13,400 feet of existing rail and ballast, realignment of curves, and re-construction of roughly thirty turnouts. The Project also includes site clearing, grading, drainage, and utility work.

Seawall Replacement Project ($7,366,566) Crescent City, California

The Project includes the construction of a new seawall, the repair and renovation of a seafood packing and truck loading area, the replacement of cargo handling equipment that is currently atop the existing seawall, and the installation of electrical vehicle infrastructure to power the cold storage trailers used to move seafood products to market.

RAISE DISCRETIONARY GRANTS

In 2022, U.S. Department of Transportation awarded more than $2.2 billion from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program to help urban and rural communities move forward on projects that modernize roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports, and intermodal transportation and make our transportation systems safer, more accessible, more affordable, and more sustainable. This year’s allocations include more than $2.2 billion thanks to the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an additional $7.5 billion over five years for the RAISE program to help meet the strong demand to help projects get moving across the country.

Projects were evaluated on several criteria, including safety, environmental sustainability, quality of life, economic competitiveness and opportunity, partnership and collaboration, innovation, state of good repair, and mobility and community connectivity. Within these areas, the Department considered how projects will improve accessibility for all travelers, bolster supply chain efficiency, and support racial equity and economic growth – especially in historically disadvantaged communities and areas of persistent poverty.

Additional background:

• 2022 RAISE grants are for planning and capital investments that support roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports, or intermodal transportation.

• 50% of funding is designated for projects in rural areas, and 50% of the funding is designated for projects in urban areas.

• Nearly two-thirds of projects are located in areas of persistent poverty or historically disadvantaged communities.

• The largest grant award is $25 million. Per statute, no more than $341.25 million could be awarded to a single state in this round of funding.

• Among this year’s selected projects, 11 included a local hire provision. Several projects include workforce development aspects including four projects that have project labor agreements, eight projects that have registered apprenticeship programs and an additional eight projects with other workforce development provisions.

The RAISE program is one of several ways communities can secure funding for projects under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s competitive grant programs. Later this year, the BidenHarris Administration will announce recipients of the first-ever National Infrastructure Project Assistance (MEGA) program, as well as the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program and the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program (RURAL).

Link: https://www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants/about

Full List of 2022 Awards: https://www.transportation.gov/raisegrants/raise-2022-fact-sheets

RAISE WEST COAST

PROJECTS - 2022 State Amount Urban/ Rural Planning/ Capital

Marine Service Center Sheetpile Wall and Crane Alaska $7,842,488 Rural Capital

Clarks Point - Ekuk Road Project Alaska $13,297,800 Rural Capital

Qawalangin Tribe Port Infrastructure Improvement Project Alaska $22,320,000 Rural Capital

Maritime Support Facility Access/ Terminal Island Rail System California $20,000,000 Urban Capital

Mobility Zones California $5,000,000 Urban Planning

Zero-Emission Bus Operations, Maintenance, and Administration Facility California $20,000,000 Urban Capital

Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Connected Communities Project California $1,613,600 Rural Planning

Building A Better Connected Inland Empire California $15,000,000 Urban Capital

California High-Speed Rail Merced Extension Design Project California $25,000,000 Rural Planning Inglewood Transit Connector Project California $15,000,000 Urban Capital

Transforming Howard Street for Safe & Equitable Mobility California $23,000,000 Urban Capital

Beaverton Downtown Loop Complete Street Project Oregon $2,000,000 Urban Planning

Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge Oregon $5,000,000 Urban Planning

McGilchrist Complete Streets Project Oregon $13,229,320 Urban Capital

Connecting Lynnwood: Poplar Way Bridge Washington $25,000,000 Urban Capital

Airport Road Multimodal & Regional Access Improvements Washington $1,050,000 Rural Planning Bothell Way NE Multimodal Improvements Washington $19,000,000 Urban Capital

Heritage Connectivity Trails - Phase 1 Washington $1,000,000 Rural Planning

Lummi Island Ferry Replacement and System Modernization Project

Washington $25,000,000 Rural Capital Pines Road/BNSF Grade Separation Project Washington $21,689,221 Urban Capital

Reconnecting I-90 Communities Washington $5,000,000 Urban Planning

SMALL SHIPYARD GRANTS

Small shipyards are a critical component of U.S. maritime operations and economic security, employing more than 100,000 Americans, fostering communities along and near our nation’s ports and waterways, and contributing tens of billions in gross domestic product.

The Maritime Administration’s Small Shipyard Grant Program is designed to support small shipyard projects that make capital and related improvements or provide training for workers in shipbuilding, ship repair, and associated industries. Supporting these types of projects drives efficiency, competitive operations, and quality ship construction, repair, and reconfiguration across the industry.

Grants are capped at 75 percent of the project’s estimated cost and are available to facilities with fewer than 1,200 production employees. Additional information can be found in the Federal Register.

For more information: https://cms.marad.dot.gov/grants-finances/small-shipyard-grants

2022 WEST COAST

2022 The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration has awarded $19.6 million to 24 shipyards in 19 states through the Small Shipyard Grant Program.

Oregon Blackfish Solutions, LLC dba ReconCraft

Shaver Transportation Company

Washington Ice Floe, LLC dba Nichols Brothers Boat Builders

Estacada, OR $638,667 To support the purchase and installation of new 25-ton cranes and rigging to fully maximize this space's functionally and utility., funding will also support the acquisition of additional welding equipment

Portland, OR $649,638 For their new Shipyard Electrification Project to include electrical upgrades, 18-ton pedestal mounted electric crane and the installation of a solar energy system

Freeland, WA $1,234,408 To support the purchase and installation of a one-sided welder to include a material handling conveyor system, transitional magnetic bed

SAFE Boats International, LLC Bremerton, WA $716,983 To support the modernization of their facility by acquiring an 80-ton self-propelled vessel transporter, new aluminum welding equipment and a mobile lifting equipment to include an extended reach forklift, scissor lift and large forklift

Alaska Catalyst Marine Engineering Seward, AK $418,903 To support the purchase of two welding units and one propulsion unit. These units are designed to be comprehensive, mobile shipyard repair and service platforms that support a variety of services at one time, in multiple locations. This flexibility will allow crews to be dispatched to different ports at the same time and allow for expanded revenue and an increase in employee base and training

California Bay Marine Boatworks, Inc. Richmond, CA $875,968 To support the purchase of a 100-ton marine travelift and a 60-ton self-propelled hydraulic vessel transporter

OTHER FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

INFRA GRANTS PROGRAM

INFRA (Infrastructure for Rebuidling America known statutorily as the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects) awards competitive grants for multimodal freight and highway projects of national or regional significance to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of freight and people in and across rural and urban areas.

Link: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/infra-grants-program

CONSOLIDATED RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS (CRISI) PROGRAM

The CRISI program makes available funding for capital projects that will improve passenger and freight rail transportation systems in terms of safety, efficiency, or reliability.

Link: https://railroads.dot.gov/grants-loans/competitive-discretionary-grant-programs/ competitive-discretionary-grant-programs

PROMOTING RESILIENT OPERATIONS FOR TRANSFORMATIVE, EFFICIENT, AND COST-SAVING TRANSPORTATION (PROTECT)

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) establishes the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Formula Program to help make surface transportation more resilient to natural hazards, including climate change, sea level rise, flooding, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters through support of planning activities, resilience improvements, community resilience and evacuation routes, and at-risk costal infrastructure.

Link: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bipartisan-infrastructure-law/protect_fact_sheet.cfm

MEGA GRANT PROGRAM

The Mega Grant Program (known statutorily as the National Infrastructure Project Assistance program) will support large, complex projects that are difficult to fund by other means and likely to generate national or regional economic, mobility, or safety benefits.

• Eligible Uses: Projects eligible under the Megaprojects program include —

• a highway or bridge project carried out on—

• the National Multimodal Freight Network of title 49, United States Code;

• the National Highway Freight Network, United States Code; or

• the National Highway System, United States Code;

• a freight intermodal (including public ports) or freight rail project that provides a public benefit;

• a railway-highway grade separation or elimination project;

• an intercity passenger rail project; and

• certain public transportation projects that are eligible for Federal Transit Administration funding of title 49, U.S. Code, and is a part of one of other eligible project types above.

Link: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/mega-grant-program

U.S COAST GUARD, SECTOR COLUMBIA RIVER

Area of Responsibility: 420 nautical miles of Washington and Oregon coastline, 33 ports, 465 miles of navigable rivers throughout WA, OR, and ID, including the Columbia River, Salmon & Snake Rivers in the east (Idaho).

MSU PORTLAND

2022 INSPECTIONS DIVISION YEAR IN REVIEW

Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Portland Oregon’s Domestic Vessel Inspectors and Port State Control Examiners cover the marine inspections needs for the Nation’s 5th busiest port, accounting for $29B in annual commerce. Our vast area of operation covers 425 miles of coastline from Brookings, Oregon in the south to Quinault River, Washington in the North. In addition, MSU Portland oversees vessel inspections along 550 river miles on the Columbia, Willamette and Snake Rivers, spanning three states.

Port State Control conducted pre-arrival screenings on 1167 foreign vessels entering the Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone, of which 289 had on site exams, which resulted in the issuance of 132 deficiencies, 51 Captain of the Port Orders and two detentions, action that increased safety across the Columbia River Basin and protected our diverse, sensitive eco-system from a catastrophic pollution incident.

Our US Vessel Branch oversees the inspection requirements of 314 certificated vessels. This past season our inspectors conducted 459 inspections, including 89 Certifications of Inspections, 154 Annuals, 20 Damage Surveys and 30 Hull Exams. 296 deficiencies were identified, ranging from non-operational machinery to inadequate lifesaving and insufficient structural integrity, to name a few. Safeguarding both passengers and crew across the Pacific Northwest and inland waters is the objective.

This past year was the implementation of Sub Chapter M, which required all Towing Vessels to obtain and maintain a Certification of Inspection from the Coast Guard. Through this policy change, our US Vessel Branch absorbed 109 previously un-inspected towing vessels into inspected service, which increased our fleet of responsibility by 53 percent. In order to provide the best service to our Industry partners, we humbly request vessel operators and management companies utilize the below emails to schedule inspections as early as possible, preferably no less than 30 days in advance of the requested date. As always, we will provide the best service possible and this will help us remain Semper Paratus!

US Vessels: PDXinspect@USCG.mil

Towing Vessels: TowPDX@uscg.mil

Port State Control: PSC-PDX@uscg.mil

Will Isom Executive Director

Port of Astoria

THE PORT REPORT

Port of Longview

Sean Clark Executive Director Port of Columbia County

Curtis Robinhold

Executive Director

Port of Portland

Juliana Marler Chief Executive Officer Port of Vancouver USA

Dan Stahl Chief Executive Officer

Mark Wilson Executive Director Port of Kalama

The Columbia River Maritime Transportation System has 23 Ports over the course of 3 waterways. We are pleased to provide an outlet for local ports to share their news with our membership.

PORT OF PORTLAND RECIEVES GRANT FOR TERMINAL 6 MODERNIZATION

The Port of Portland recently received several grants that will make possible $42 million of infrastructure improvements at Terminal 6, Oregon’s only marine container terminal.

Last month, the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program—which funds port improvement, safety, and efficiency projects around the U.S.—awarded the Port $24.3 million. In May, the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Connect Oregon grant program—which invests in non-highway modes of transportation to ensure Oregon’s

transportation system is strong, diverse, and efficient—awarded the Port $7.3 million.

Together, these awards will help modernize T6, a marine terminal that has provided access to global markets for 50 years. The funding enables a project to increase efficiency, productivity, and safety of cargo handling at T6.

“Without these improvements to the Terminal, businesses and workers throughout the Pacific Northwest, especially those in rural and disadvantaged communities, would lose their most cost-effective and reliable access to national and global markets,” said Port of Portland Chief Operating Officer Dan Pippenger. “T6 has two direct services to Asia that benefit importers and exporters, plus on-dock rail that reaches into the U.S. Midwest, providing unparalleled access for Oregon businesses.”

Specifically, the grants fund the project at T6 that will:

• replace electrical components to reduce energy consumption and enable future zero-emission operations;

• add a stormwater system to improve water quality entering the Columbia River;

• install two emergency generators to provide backup power during seismic events or other power outages;

• expand and strengthen 9 acres of pavement for additional container storage; and,

• upgrade pavement on 30 acres of the existing container yard.

Improving operational conditions that support direct container service at T6 will benefit Oregon and other west coast importers and exporters. The Port appreciates the support of federal and state elected officials in this effort as their support was, and will continue to be, key to the Terminal’s future success.

The project will drive the prosperity of the State of Oregon and west coast shippers as the Port of Portland is focused on leveraging the Port’s resources to support the economic vitality of the region and enable the community and workforce to benefit through both the construction and operation of the Project.

CONNECT OREGON GRANT GREENLIGHTS INCREASED CAPACITY AT TERMINAL 6

In May of 2022, the Port of Portland received $7.37 million from the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Connect Oregon funding for the Marine Terminal 6 Capacity project, which will increase much needed shipping container capacity and improve container handling safety and efficiency.

Terminal 6 is the only ocean container terminal in the State of Oregon; it is a critical link in container shipment of both exported and imported goods between ship, rail, barge and truck.

“Our aggressive efforts to grow business at T6 during the last 5 years have paid off,” said Chief Operating Officer Dan Pippenger. “T6 has played a key role in alleviating supply chain challenges that have plagued west coast ports. This project will allow T6 to have more capacity and continue to support Oregon businesses and their global connections.”

The current existing container storing area at the Port is reaching capacity. The project will provide additional container storage to improve container movement throughput, capacity, and efficiency. Project elements include strengthening pavement structure at Berth 607 to accommodate container stacking as much as five-high. In addition, the project includes associated Terminal 6 stormwater infrastructure and high-mast lighting to improve safety, operational efficiency, and environmental protection.

At least 175 estimated long-term jobs will be created related to ongoing freight and cargo movements, and more than 2,800 retained jobs will be supported, as a direct result of the project. In addition, as many as 350 new construction-related jobs are estimated during the peak construction year for the project. The Port will add $3.16 million of Port funds to the Connect Oregon funding for a total project cost of $10.5 million. The Port plans to complete the project within three years.

The Port is using its contracts and people, and its airports, marine terminals and industrial development tools, to create jobs and build wealth for communities whose members should have always shared in the prosperity of the entire region.

Supporters of this project include Portland Freight Advisory Committee, Oregon Public Ports Association, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Rail Users League, Portland Business Alliance, Greater Portland Inc., Oregon Business and Industries, SM Line, Lotus Containers, Shaver Transportation, Union Pacific Railroad, Fred Meyer/Kroger, Valley Hay, WorldWave Logistics, Quality Trading, Harbor Industrial, ILWU Local 8, Columbia River Pilots, and Columbia River Bar Pilots.

PORT OF ASTORIA WELCOMES NEW PROJECT TO INDUSTRIAL PARK

A new fishmeal processing facility in this Pacific Northwest community is the first of its kind to open in North America in at least 25 years. The facility’s owners – Scoular, Da Yang Seafood, and Bornstein Seafoods –celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event on Tuesday. The facility is located at the Port of Astoria’s Airport Industrial Park.

The facility will upcycle Da Yang and Bornstein fish trimmings from their nearby seafood processing plants. The trimmings will be processed into fishmeal and fish oil, valuable ingredients in the pet food and aquaculture markets and both marketed under Scoular’s Encompass™ brand. Processing will begin in early 2023.

Scoular, a global agribusiness based in Nebraska, is among the world’s largest and most diverse fishmeal and fish oil suppliers. Growth in the aquaculture and pet food industries has increased the demand for fishmeal, which delivers highly digestible protein.

“Our new joint venture meets this demand through innovation and by bringing together two longtime local businesses with Scoular to create a sustainable protein ingredient for pet food and aquafeed,” said Scoular CEO Paul Maass.

“Bornstein Seafoods has long sought to utilize 100 percent of our seafood resources as locally as possible, and this new facility will allow us to do just that,” added Andrew Bornstein, Vice President of Bornstein Seafoods. “Partnering with Scoular and Da Yang Seafood to not only optimize our ocean resources, but also to reduce our need to ship these resources to distant markets is a big win for our local community. We are really excited to be partnering with these great companies on this project.”

The $17.5 million facility, the first tenant of the Port of Astoria’s Industrial Park, has helped to drive the park’s development. The construction project alone has added $5.4 million into the local economy, according to contractor estimates.

“The Port of Astoria welcomes this project to the Airport Industrial Park and Scoular to our community,” said Will Isom, the Port’s Executive Director. “This investment is a win for local business partners, the City of Warrenton, Clatsop County, the Port of Astoria, and the entire region. Scoular’s commitment to safety, integrity and upstanding business conduct are values shared here in our small town and align with the Port’s mission to generate economic growth in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.”

COLUMBIA RIVER STATISTICS

From October 2021 through October 2022, the average monthly vessel call for the following Ports was as follows:

Ports of Portland: 69

Port of Kalama: 24

Port of Longview: 20

Port Vancouver: 23

COLUMBIA RIVER STATISTICS

Of Note: The highest single month was November 2021 with 151 total vessel calls to the Columbia River Ports.

2023 Meeting Calendar d b

January 11, 2023: Virtual Meeting

March 8, 2023: Virtual Meeting

May 10, 2023: Virtual Meeting July 12, 2023: Virtual Meeting

September 13, 2023: Virtual Meeting November 8, 2023: Virtual Meeting a c

Board of Directors : 1330-1405 hrs General Membership: 1415-1530 hrs

ASSOCIATION UPDATES

Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee Maritime Fire and Safety Association Maritime Commerce Club Merchants Exchange Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund

PRESENTED AT THE NOVEMBER 9TH GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING REFERENCE INFORMATION:

ADVANCED MAINTENANCE DREDGING PLAN MOVING FORWARD - FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS

Advanced maintenance dredging at the confluence of the Lower Columbia and Cowlitz rivers to reduce risk to users by providing reliable passage of commercial and recreational traffic can proceed following a finding of no significant impact to the environment.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District (USACE) developed an environmental analysis in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended. The Final Environmental Assessment (EA) dated 21 October 2022, for Lower Columbia River Navigation Channel Advance Maintenance Dredging at Cowlitz River addresses the project purpose to facilitate navigation by removing shoals that restrict the movement of vessels. The project is located near river mile 68 in Cowlitz County, Washington. USACE currently conducts advance maintenance dredging in this location as part of the Lower Columbia River Federal Navigation Channel (LCR FNC) maintenance.

The draft EA was made available for a 15-day public review period, from September 30 through October 14, 2022. USACE requested comments from federal and state agencies, as well as interested parties including interest groups and tribes. Comments were received from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Oregon State Marine Board. As a result of state and agency review, the final EA was revised to incorporate the relevant recommendations.

To learn more click here: https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Media/ Public-Notices/Article/3205381/advanced-maintenance-dredging-planmoving-forward-finding-of-no-significant-imp/

For more information, please visit our website: www.lcrhsc.org Bekah Brinkmeier, Association Administrator: brinkmeier@pdxmex.com Anthony O’Reilly, Administrative Specialist: oreilly@pdxmex.com LOWER COLUMBIA REGION HARBOR

SAFETY COMMITTEE

OPERATIONS LEVEL TRAININGS

MFSA’s Fire Protection Agencies Advisory Committee (FPAAC) provides a variety of levels of training and exercises for its members. We would like to highlight a couple of recent events which were made possible by support from MFSA members.

Operations Level Training was held in Longview, WA on September 14th. This training consisted of a classroombased session in the morning which covered many of the unique aspects of shipboard firefighting. In the afternoon, attendees were then welcomed aboard the M/V FLORENTIA for a vessel familiarization tour while it was berthed at the Port of Longview.

In total, over 40 personnel from six different FPAAC member agencies participated in this very highly regarded day of training.

Special thank you to Larry Landgraver, Manager of Marine Terminals with the Port of Longview, and the crew of the FLORENTIA for helping to make this happen.

Pictured below: FPAAC members with the crew of the M/V FLORENTIA

Operations Level Training for firefighters is critical in providing an understanding of the unique challenges faced with a shipboard fire. Training is also important for agency fire chiefs when it comes to managing such a complex event.

FPAAC held its annual Marine Fire Command Exercise on October 14th at Clean Rivers' Operations Facility. Over 25 personnel from seven different FPAAC member agencies participated in a series of increasingly challenging scenarios focused on a container ship while berthed at Terminal 6 at the Port of Portland. Support from the local US Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit and a retired Salvage and Marine Fire Fighting representative added extra elements of knowledge and credibility to this already well received exercise.

A special thanks to Fred Myer, Port of Portland, Terminal 6 Operations Manager for allowing our trainers some time to tour the facility and familiarize themselves with the firefighting systems/ capabilities of T6.

For more information, please visit our website: www.mfsa.com Holly Robinson, General Manager: robinson@pdxmex.com Mason Sullivan, Administrative Coordinator: sullivan@pdxmex.com

Pictured: Tom O’Connor (Vancouver Fire DC, FPAAC Planning Section Chair) reviewing the ICS structures Command Exercise participants have developed in their groups using the using the FPAAC Shipboard Fire Operations Guide.

34th Annual Children’s Christmas Shopping Spree

The 2022 Spree “Lite” will be an ONLINE EVENT!

This event cannot happen without supporters like you! Due to lasting COVID-19 effects, our local shelters’ staffing shortages, and ongoing safety protocols for the families they serve, the Maritime Commerce Club’s Annual Children’s Shopping Spree will look different again this year. MCC’s goal continues to be to provide children and their families, residing in shelters across the Portland Metropolitan area, the opportunity to experience the holidays. Therefore, this year’s shopping and gift-deliver will be via online shopping (Amazon) and arranged by each shelter, with MCC staff oversight. No on-site shopping or volunteer gathering will take place for the 2022 Spree. Your contributions are needed to make this event possible!

Your generous financial donation will benefit approximately 150 children and 85 families living in shelters this holiday season

Visit our website to contribute today! https://maritimecommerceclub.org/2022-childrens-shopping-spree-lite/

Since 2003, the Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund has distributed over $80,000 in assistance to students.

These funds directly support the education of our future colleagues and industry leaders by defraying the cost of tuition, books, and course fees. With the rising cost of a college education, not every student is fortunate enough to find aid to further his or her career goals.

The Scholarship Fund annually awards financial grants to students seeking or advancing careers in Maritime Affairs and/or International Trade.

www.pdxmex.com/scholarship

Merchants Exchange ScholarshipFund

Merchants Exchange

ScholarshipFund

Merchants Exchange SCHOLARSHIP FUND

2022

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Andrew Artaserse

California State University Maritime Academy Marine Transportation

Matthew Martinez

California State University Maritime Academy Marine Transportation

Ryan Connolly

California State University Maritime Academy Engineering Management

Harpoon Seabring Florida Institute of Technology Ocean Engineering

Jacqueline Molina University of Southern California Global Supply Chain Management

Joseph Serpa University of Michigan Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering www.pdxmex.com/scholarship

The Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund wishes all winners and applicants the best of luck pursuing their chosen fields of study!

“StrengtheningtheMaritimeindustrythrough education and engagement.”

FRIENDS OF THE EXCHANGE

Highlighting organizations and companies that support Merchants Exchange and the maritime community. Click LOGOS to link to their websites and learn more about our Friends of the Exchange.

Columbia Riverfront Hotel

909 N. Hayden Island Drive (formerly Red Lion) www.ihg.com/holidayinn/

MERCHANTS EXCHANGE

THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBERS

ACGI Shipping Company

Alexander Gow

Anchorage Launch Service Co.

Blue Water Shipping B.R. Anderson

Columbia River Steamship Operators’ Association (CRSOA)

Cascade Marine Agencies Ltd.

Columbia Export Terminal Columbia Grain

Columbia River Bar Pilots

Columbia River Launch Service

Columbia River Pilots

Crowley Maritime Corporation Degesch America

Duncan Shoemaker & Associates, LLC

Durham & Bates Agencies

EGT LLC

Executive Security Service Foss Maritime Company Fujitrans USA

General Steamship Agencies

Geo. S. Bush & Company

Great Western Malting Haglund, Kelley LLP

Inchcape Shipping Services

International Registries, Inc

International Transport Workers Federation Interport PNW

John R Dudrey LLC

Jones Stevedoring Company

Kalama Export Company

Kinder Morgan Bulk Terminals

Kinder Morgan Energy K-Line America

Lindsay Hart LLP McCall Companies

McDonald - Pelz Commodities

Mid Columbia Producers

Monarch Inspection Services National Cargo Bureau

North American Shipping Agencies

Norton Lilly International Olympic Tug & Barge / Centerline Logistics

Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality Overseas Merchandising (OMIC)

Pacific Intern’l Maritime Medical Services Pacific Maritime Association Port of Astoria Port of Columbia County Port of Kalama Port of Longview Port of Portland Port of Vancouver USA Portland Lines Bureau

San Pedro Harbor Ship Supply Sause Bros. Ocean Towing Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt Seaport Marine Surveys Shaver Transportation Company Ship to Shore Water Taxi Southport Agencies T. Parker Host Talon Marine Services Temco LLC

Terra Hydr Tesoro Maritime Company Tidal Transport & Trading USA Tidewater Barge Lines Tioga Group

Toyota Tsusho America

TradeWest Brokerage Company

Transmarine Navigation Transversal International United States Customs & Border Service United Grain Vanport Marine Vigor Industrial Volunteer Ship Ministry Washington Department of Ecology West Coast Marine Cleaning Wilhelmsen Ship Service

STAFF EMAIL

Anthony O’Reilly oreilly@pdxmex.com

Ashley Ros ros@pdxmex.com

Bekah Brinkmeier brinkmeier@pdxmex.com

Ben Robinson brobinson@pdxmex.com

Carl Bertapelle bertapelle@pdxmex.com

Carl Boelter boelter@pdxmex.com

Chann Noun noun@pdxmex.com

Curtis Cannizzaro cannizzaro@pdxmex.com

Ellen Wax wax@pdxmex.com

Holly Robinson robinson@pdxmex.com

John Cordasco cordasco@pdxmex.com

Jonathan Nichol nichol@pdxmex.com

Jonathan JT Tuom tuom@pdxmex.com

Kara Estabrook estabrook@pdxmex.com

Liz Wainwright wainwright@pdxmex.com

Lisa Pomasl pomasl@pdxmex.com

Margerie Vis vis@pdxmex.com

Mary Wiley wiley@pdxmex.com

Mason Sullivan sullivan@pdxmex.com

Shauna Dallas dallas@pdxmex.com

Shawn Kubitza kubitza@pdxmex.com

Thomas Semrau semrau@pdxmex.com