2018 Pacific NorthWest Economic Region Annual Summit

The  full-day Transportation and Infrastructure Session will focus on “Reform, Market Access and Public/Private Innovative Finance” in three segments.

Bridging Cascadia: Cascadia Innovation Corridor and Ultra-High Speed Rail Study

BC Government update 

• Rick Glumac,  Parliamentary Secretary for Technology, MLA, Legislative Assembly of British Columbia

                                                                                                                                         
Washington State update 

• Charles Knutson, Adivsor, Office of Gov. Jay Inslee, Washington

Part A: Reforming the Permit Process
Rebuilding Northwest infrastructure requires a new permitting system. Permit delays dramatically adds to infrastructure project costs, prolongs bottlenecks for inland commodity access to international markets and delays project enhancements to reduce carbon. According to Common Ground, “America’s antiquated power grid, for example, wastes the equivalent of 200 coal-burning power plants.” Canada and the US could modernize their infrastructure while enhancing environmental benefits with a two-year approval process by consolidating decisions within a simplified framework. This framework would set deadlines and clear lines of accountability between federal, state/provincial, local, Tribal/First Nations and private sector partners.

Are the stars aligned in Washington DC for federal permit reform?

• Moderated by Leslie Blakey, President, Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors.
• Speakers: TBD

Permit Reform at Local and State Level 

• Zak Andersen, Vice President Corporate Relations, BNSF Railway

Part B: International Market Access 
For several years at PNWER sessions in Anchorage, Banff and Portland the Government of Alberta and Canpotex sponsored a series of interactive industry government workshops on enhancing international market access for PNWER jurisdictions. The PNWER Transportation Group adopted the policy recommendations and continues to support market access as a critical reason for infrastructure and technology-based supply chain investments.

Market Access Situation in Saskatchewan

• Glen Hart, MLA, Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly

Recapturimg our mojo in Western Canada for gateways and trade 

•  Kleo Landucci, Managing Director, Ashcroft Terminal

Idaho’s gateway to world markets by River, Road, Rail and Air 
 

•  David Doeringsfeld, General Manager, Port of Lewiston

Infrastructure and Market Access

• James Thompson, Deputy Director, Washington Public Ports Association 

Truck Size and Weight Harmonization and Importance to Trade and Market Access

• Jeff Marker, Freight Program Manager, Idaho Transportation Department 

More information about PNWER's Transportation Working Group:
The Transportation and Infrastructure Working Groups focuses on the infrastructure of our major corridors and gateways, with a special interest on border infrastructure. Traditional funding mechanisms for large-scale infrastructure and transportation projects are challenged by the absence of resources to explore innovative procurement methods.

The PNWER Innovative Infrastructure Finance Taskforce promotes best practices for public-private infrastructure financing.  Public-private partnerships, or P3s, are innovative financing models between governments and the private sector to build public infrastructure like roads, hospitals or schools, or to deliver services. Unlike traditional procurement arrangements, the public sector integrates all parts of a P3 project into one contract. The public sector owns the infrastructure and risk is spread between the private and public entities.
http://www.pnwer.org/infrastructure-finance.html

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Due to time constraints and the focused nature of this topic, we wanted to develop a special a rail issues sidebar discussion during the Networking Break on Monday morning following the Transportation and Infrastructure Session. The sidebar will be open to all delegates. 
 
 Welcome and Overview of PNWER’s involvement in promoting rail infrastructure, tourism, and market access

• Sen. Chuck Winder, Idaho State Legislature
• Bruce Agnew, Director, Cascadia Center

 Discussion led by Luis Moscoso, All Aboard Washington

BNSF Sandpoint Junction Connector

• Courtney Wallace, BNSF          

 
 Central and Eastern Washington Rail Development Project

• Thomas White, VTDF Rail Consulting 

 General discussion

  Adjourn to lunch  

The  full-day Transportation and Infrastructure Session will focus on “Reform, Market Access and Public/Private Innovative Finance” in three segments.

Session Agenda

Truck Size and Weight Harmonization and Importance to Trade and Market Access

•  Jeff Marker, Freight Program Manager, Idaho Transportation Department

Part C: Leveraging new US and Canadian Infrastructure Funds with private sector partnerships
With the passage of the 2015 FAST Act and the Omnibus Budget bill, there will be close to $3 Billion in discretionary grant funding available in the US for infrastructure projects while Northwest states have been awarded major “Tiger” grants. The Government of Canada through the Investing in Canada plan will double existing funding ($180B over 12 years)  to “create long term economic growth, support low carbon green economies and build inclusive communities”.  Meanwhile, public private partnerships – more prevalent in Canada than the US - can bring private sector innovation, expertise, and capital while protecting public interest.

• Co-moderated by Leslie Blakely, President, Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors  
•  Marie-Claude Petit, Director General, Transportation Infrastructure Programs, Transport Canada
• Graham Sucha, MLA , Alberta Legislative Assembly  
• Mark Romoff, Director, Canadian Council on Public Private Partnerships 
•  Traci Couture, District Director, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05)

More information about PNWER's Transportation Working Group:
The Transportation and Infrastructure Working Groups focuses on the infrastructure of our major corridors and gateways, with a special interest on border infrastructure. Traditional funding mechanisms for large-scale infrastructure and transportation projects are challenged by the absence of resources to explore innovative procurement methods.

The PNWER Innovative Infrastructure Finance Taskforce promotes best practices for public-private infrastructure financing.  Public-private partnerships, or P3s, are innovative financing models between governments and the private sector to build public infrastructure like roads, hospitals or schools, or to deliver services. Unlike traditional procurement arrangements, the public sector integrates all parts of a P3 project into one contract. The public sector owns the infrastructure and risk is spread between the private and public entities.
http://www.pnwer.org/infrastructure-finance.html

Click here for the TVW broadcast of the event

How do we prepare our buildings and infrastructure for disasters and climate change impacts? What are the next steps to create a resilient Northwest?

PNWER Roadmap to Resilient, Ultra-low Energy Buildings in the Pacific Northwest
PNWER is advancing the development of a “Roadmap” to improve resilience and energy efficiency for new and existing buildings through “net zero” emissions construction targets and deep energy retrofits of existing buildings by 2030. Efficient buildings encourage job creation, affordability, competitiveness, and resilience. Through consultations with all levels of government and the private sector, the Roadmap will develop market-driven strategies to promoting energy efficiency in each jurisdiction by focusing on policy options; market driven solutions; best practices; innovative technologies and construction materials; industry capacity building; and workforce developments.

Discussion:
Evan Reis, Director, PE, SE, Executive Director, Co-Founder, U.S. Resiliency Council
Andrew Pape-Salmon, Executive Director, Building and Safety Standards Branch, Office of Housing and Construction Standards, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Hosted by FortisBC,  Insulating Concrete Forms Manufacturers Association, Energy Trust of Oregon,  RDH Building Science, Construction center of Excellence, & BC Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

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There are four powerful trends coming together to transform transportation and vehicles: Autonomous, Connected, Electric and Shared – ACES. An ACES world promises to catalyze a new transportation future that reduces congestion, limits traffic accidents, cleans up our air and water, and enhances social equity by reducing the costs of personal mobility. ACES will also revolutionize the supply chain logistics world of marine, surface and air transportation while electrification offers new business opportunities for our bi-national region’s utilities. This session follows from our first ACES briefing on electrification and US Canada border technology enhancements at the Leadership Conference in Victoria, BC.

Is the public ready for an ACES world?

• Kyle Quinn, PACCAR Chief Technology Officer - Truck Platooning and Automation

Moderated by Steve Marshall, City of Bellevue

•  Rep. Jake Fey, Washington Legislature 
• Reema Griffith, Executive Director, Washington State Transportation Commission -  Washington’s new Autonomous Vehicle advisory committee
• Jeff Marker, Freight Program Manager, Idaho, Transportation Department
• Joel Fisher,  Business Development Manager, Verizon Smart Communities

The “E” in ACES – Transportation Electrification can boost our economies while enhancing our environment

• Matthew Hepner, Certified Electrical Workers of WA (IBEW)
• Jeff Allen,  Executive Director, Forth 
• Jeffrey Phillips, Managing Director, Dawson Strategic
• Rendall Farley, Avista

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Welcome, Introductions and Opening Remarks

• Working Group Co-Chairs
  • Sen. Jim Honeyford, Washington State Legislature
  • David Hill, Director, Centres & Institiutes & Research Advocacy, University of Lethbridge

Canada and U.S. Negotiations
Lead negotiators to give a brief overview about the negotiation process.

• Jill Smail, Columbia River Treaty Negotiator, Office of Canadian Affairs, US State Department
• Sylvain Fabi, Executive Director, U.S. Transboundary Affairs, Global Affairs Canada

Roundtable Listening Session
Opportunity for stakeholders to share the benefits and impacts of the Treaty, focusing on areas including ecosystems, tribal groups, utilities, tourism, agriculture, recreation, and more.
Government and Elected Officials:

• Mark Peck, Commissioner, Lincoln County
• Jerry Bennett, Commissioner, Lincoln County
• Mike Cole, Commissioner, Lincoln County
• Wes McCart, Commissioner, Stevens County
• Deb Kozak, Mayor, City of Nelson
• Kathy Eichenberger, Executive Director, Columbia River Treaty, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

Transportation:

• Tom Kammerzell, Commissioner, Port of Whitman
• Kristin Meira, Executive Director, PNW Waterway Association
• Paul Amos, Captain, Columbia River Pilots

Tribal Government:

• JoDe L. Goudy, Chairman, Yakama Nation Tribal Council

Non-Government Organizations and Academics:

• John Osborn, MD, Ethics & Treaty Project Coordinator, Center for Environmental Law & Policy
• Kindy Gosal, Director of Special Initiatives, Columbia Basin Trust
• Greg Utzig, P.Ag., Kutenai Nature Investigations Ltd.
• Barbara Cosens, Professor, University of Idaho College of Law

Energy:

• Andrew Munro, Senior Manager, Grant County PUD
• Tim Culbertson, General Manager, Columbia Basin Hydro

Agriculture and Water Users:

• Marci Green, President, WA Association of Wheat Growers
• Michelle Hennings, Executive Director, WA Association of Wheat Growers
• Tom Myrum, Executive Director, Washington State Water Resources Association (WSWRA)

Legislative Panel
Featuring representatives of jurisdictions surrounding the Columbia River to talk about effects of the CRT on livelihood.

• Rep. Mary Dye, Washington State
• Rep. Bruce Chandler, Washington State
• Sen. Jim Honeyford, Washington State
• Sen. Maralyn Chase, Washington State
• Sen. Lee Heider, Idaho State
• Speaker Scott Bedke, Idaho State
• Rep. Mike Cuffe, Montana State
• Sen. Keith Regier, Montana State Legislature
• Minister Katrine Conroy, British Columbia
• Wayne Stetski, Member of Parliament
• Richard Cannings, Member of Parliament

Click here for the TVW broadcast of the event