NWC 2024 ANNUAL MEETING RECAP

We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who joined us for the National Waterways Conference’s (NWC) 2024 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, held from September 18-20, 2024. The event proved to be a rewarding experience for all involved, filled with valuable sessions, insightful discussions, and numerous networking opportunities.

Day 1:
The day began with internal NWC meetings, including those of our Executive Committee and Board of Directors. In the afternoon, we officially kicked off the day with Regional Day, welcoming military and civilian leaders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Mississippi Valley Division and district offices in New Orleans, Memphis, and St. Louis. The day’s focus on regional perspectives highlighted key strategies and collaborative efforts across various civil works sectors. The day concluded with a well-attended Welcome Reception, where attendees reconnected and networked with colleagues.

Day 2:
We started the second day with a New Attendee Session, which included presentations by the caucus chairs from NWC’s Navigation, Flood, and Water Supply groups. This session provided new attendees with an overview of the organization and an opportunity to hear directly from NWC leaders about the roles of the caucuses and how members can get involved. The day featured presentations by leaders from USACE Headquarters, offering a national perspective on civil works programs. The lunch speaker, Dr. Hal Needham, a climate scientist and hurricane storm chaser, captivated the audience with his insights on the importance of communication in natural disaster response. Other sessions throughout the day tackled recruitment and retention challenges in the water resources infrastructure sector, as well as critical data insights from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The 2024 Annual Meeting of the Membership saw the election of new members to the 2024-2025 Board of Directors (congratulations to the new and continuing on Board!). In the evening, attendees gathered for a delightful Sip and View Reception at The Vue atop the Four Seasons, overlooking the New Orleans skyline and the Mississippi River.

Day 3:
The final day opened with an organizational meeting of the NWC Board of Directors, who elected their 2024-2025 officers and executive committee members, followed by general sessions on planning for multiple benefits, the latest in flood policy, innovative funding, and a unique ports partnership.  The day concluded perfectly with a Port of New Orleans (Port Nola) mobile tour aboard a fire boat. Attendees enjoyed a picturesque cruise down the river, with lightly cloudy, sunny skies providing a beautiful backdrop. It was a fitting end to a productive and engaging Annual Meeting, offering attendees the chance to relax, talk, and take in the sights of one of the nation’s most vital coastal ports (see picture of participants below).

We would like to extend our profound gratitude to the Port Nola for serving as our exceptional local host and sponsor. Additionally, we deeply appreciate the support of all our sponsors, without whom this event would not have been possible.

Interested in NWC meetings? Save the date for our 2025 Legislative Summit, happening March 10-12 in Washington, DC. Registration will open soon on our Legislative Summit page, where you can also find recaps from past events! Information about NWC’s 2025 Annual Meeting in Norfolk, Va. will be coming soon.

Curious about joining NWC? Visit our membership page to learn more about the benefits and how to become a member!

2024 Annual Meeting session summaries and slide links (if applicable) are available below:

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2024

USACE Division and District Focus: Strategies, Progress, and Collaboration

This session provided an in-depth exploration of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Mississippi Valley Division (MVD) and district leaders as they aligned strategic plans with regional priorities across various civil works sectors. Moderated by Mr. Chris Gilmore, Director of Engineering, Port of New Orleans, the session featured presentations from senior military leaders, highlighting updates on key projects, collaborative efforts
with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as emerging challenges like climate change and aging infrastructure.

Major General Kimberly Peeples, Commander of MVD, opened the session with a discussion on the division’s focus on civil works, underscoring the importance of resilience efforts in New Orleans. She emphasized the role of levees in flood protection and highlighted MVD’s mission of maintaining 11,000 miles of waterways despite the unprecedented challenges posed by extreme weather patterns. Peeples also touched on innovative delivery methods, such as advancements in technology and sensor use, to improve infrastructure resilience.

Colonel Andy Pannier, Commander of the St. Louis District, shared updates on key projects, including the 1,200-foot expansion aimed at improving navigation efficiency. He highlighted the critical role of partnerships in keeping the river open for commerce and stressed the importance of balancing operational needs with modernization efforts.

Colonel Brian Sawser, Commander of the Memphis District, discussed the unique challenges of operating in the smallest district in the division, focusing on their collaboration with 92 levee districts and 10 ports to manage low water conditions. Sawser detailed the dynamic nature of the river, which can change dramatically in a short time, and emphasized the need for improved infrastructure, particularly as funding remains stagnant and supply chain challenges persist.

Colonel Cullen Jones, Commander of the New Orleans District, highlighted the district’s vast navigation responsibilities, which include 2,800 miles of waterways, the largest dredging program in the country, and oversight of 18 locks and control structures. Jones pointed out the significant challenges posed by utility relocations, especially in determining the depth of pipes, which complicates infrastructure maintenance and improvements.

Slides from this session are available:

• MG Peeples slides
• MVD division and district slides

INSIGHTS FROM SENIOR DIVISION AND DISTRICT CIVILIAN LEADERS: NAVIGATING MVD CIVIL WORKS
PROGRAM

This engaging panel discussion provided an in-depth overview of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Civil Works Program, with a focus on the Mississippi Valley Division (MVD). Moderated by Dr. Tim Feather, Vice President, CDM Smith, the session featured senior civilian leaders from the St. Louis, Memphis, and New Orleans districts. The speakers shared their insights into planning, flood risk management, regulatory issues, ecosystem restoration, and operations/dredging.

Mr. John Peukert, Deputy District Engineer for Programs and Project Management, St. Louis District, discussed the complex nature of water infrastructure projects, emphasizing that no project is simple due to the unique features of each. He drew on his extensive experience, including his time in Japan and his 20 years of service with USACE, to highlight the meticulous process of writing down rules and following them, ensuring the successful execution of projects.

Mr. Donny Davidson, Deputy District Engineer for Programs and Project Management, Memphis District, shared his 27 years of experience, focusing on the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) program, which is central to the work of the Memphis District. His remarks included his experiences working around the world, and he provided insights into how the district manages its civil works responsibilities.

Mr. Durund Elzey, Deputy District Engineer for Programs and Project Management, New Orleans District, who was born in New Orleans and began his role in November 2023, offered a local perspective on the challenges and opportunities of working in one of the most flood-prone regions of the country. He underscored the district’s critical role in managing flood risk and supporting ecosystem restoration efforts.

No slides were used during this session.

NAVIGATING DROUGHT, FLOODING AND OTHER REGIONAL CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

This session, moderated by Ms. Julia Fisher-Cormier, Commissioner, Office of Multimodal Commerce, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, examined the critical issue of water extremes and their impact on regional infrastructure, communities, and the economy. The panel featured experts from across the water and waterways sector who shared lessons learned and explored collaborative solutions to mitigate future challenges posed by both drought and flooding.

Mr. Matthew Wilson, Service Coordination Hydrologist, Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center (LMRFC), National Weather Service, NOAA, emphasized the importance of flood inundation mapping, particularly in areas without gauges. He explained that new flood maps are being updated, with coverage expected to reach 60% of the U.S. population by 2026. Mr. Wilson also highlighted the need for better models and technology to improve radar prediction and weather forecasting in flood-prone regions.

Mr. Beaux Jones, President and CEO, The Water Institute, focused on the value of partnerships and the importance of having upfront conversations before, during, and after a project. He emphasized that while technology plays a significant role in managing uncertainty, collaboration and strategic decision-making are key to balancing economic and environmental needs. Mr. Jones stressed that better data alone won’t resolve all challenges, and trade-offs must be considered in every decision.

Ms. Kimberly Davis Reyher, Executive Director, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, discussed the ongoing efforts to manage the Mississippi River and the need for levees and dredging to maintain flood control. She explained how the force of the river can be harnessed to rebuild wetlands, though this comes with complex balancing issues. Ms. Reyher highlighted the need to prioritize funding for restoration projects based on science, noting that limited resources and the loss of sediment pose significant challenges.

Mr. Sean Duffy Sr., Executive Director, Big River Coalition, provided insight into the rapid changes occurring along the river, particularly with the increasing frequency of the Bonne Carré Spillway openings and the accelerating presence of saltwater intrusion, which used to occur every 10 years but has happened more frequently in recent years. He cautioned that communities reliant on river-based commerce are facing both direct and indirect costs as they adapt to these shifts. Mr. Duffy urged stakeholders to plan for both short-term and long-term impacts on goods movement and the workforce at ports.

This session highlighted the shared challenges faced by regions across the country as they navigate the growing extremes of water management, calling for enhanced collaboration and innovation to address the complex interplay between environmental forces and infrastructure resilience.

No slides were used during this session.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 19, 2024

FIRST-TIME ATTENDEE SESSION

The First-Time Attendee Session provided an introduction to new participants, offering an overview of NWC’s mission and the importance of member and nonmember involvement. Three caucus chairs from the Navigation, Flood, and Water Supply groups presented, discussing the scope of their caucuses and outlining plans for the future.

Mr. Brandon Wade from Gulf Coast Water Authority, co-chair of the Water Supply Caucus with Mr. Vincent Gin from Valley Water, explained that the caucus focuses on issues related to water supply, storage, and reuse. They plan to hold bi-monthly calls to dive deeper into water supply challenges and opportunities.

Ms. Kristin Meira from American Cruise Lines, co-chair of the Navigation Caucus with Ms. Phyllis Saathoff from Port Freeport and Mr. Cam Spencer from Port Houston, spoke about the caucus’s monthly meetings. The Navigation Caucus covers the latest developments related to navigation, including discussions with federal agencies and updates from Capitol Hill.

Representing the Flood Caucus, Mr. Scott Elmer from Harris County Flood Control District mentioned that their caucus, which examines flood management and flood control issues, will soon restart its meetings. The Flood Caucus will continue addressing national flood control priorities, collaborating with agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA.

USACE CIVIL WORKS: A NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE FROM HEADQUARTERS 

This session offered attendees an exclusive look into the strategic priorities, ongoing projects, and future plans of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Civil Works program from a national viewpoint. Moderated by Mr. Andrew Sinclair, NWC Chairman (Port of Virginia), the session featured top USACE leaders who provided valuable insights into the Corps’ efforts to maintain and modernize the nation’s water resource infrastructure.

Mr. Edward Belk, Director of Civil Works, presented an overview of the key priorities for the USACE Civil Works program. He discussed the significance of recent infrastructure investments, such as channel and harbor deepening projects that have allowed ships to carry over 2.2 billion tons of cargo annually, strengthening the national economy. Belk also highlighted the 40% increase in investment for locks and dams, resulting in an 80% reduction in unscheduled stoppages, which has improved the reliability and efficiency of U.S. transportation systems.

Mr. Tab Brown, Chief of Programs Integration, focused on the Corps’ budget trends, noting a strong track record of federal support with historic appropriations for the Civil Works program. He emphasized the importance of continued investment in navigation, flood risk management, and public safety to meet future challenges. Brown also outlined how USACE’s public-private partnerships have generated over $450 million in savings for the federal government.

Ms. Margaret Gaffney-Smith, Deputy Chief of Operations and Regulatory, provided updates on the USACE’s regulatory efforts, including the development of a new national online application portal called the Regulatory Request System (RRS), designed to streamline the permitting process. She also shared updates on the Corps’ efforts in modernizing the capital investment strategy for inland waterways, focusing on the beneficial use of dredged material and enhancements in asset management practices.

Slides from this session are available:

• Belk’s slides
• Brown’s slides
• Gaffney-Smith’s slides

TOO LITTLE, TOO MUCH: NAVIGATING DROUGHT AND FLOODING CHALLENGES. THE NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Moderated by Mr. Brandon Wade, CEO/General Manager of Gulf Coast Water Authority, this session brought together experts to address the growing challenges posed by extreme water events—droughts and floods—and their impacts on various sectors. The panel featured key leaders from government and private sectors, providing insights into the complexities of managing these water extremes and offering collaborative solutions to mitigate future risks.

Mr. Matthew Wilson, Service Coordination Hydrologist at the Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center (LMRFC), NOAA, discussed the importance of predictive modeling and data collection to help communities prepare for and mitigate the effects of both droughts and floods. He emphasized the role of advanced forecasting tools in minimizing the damage caused by extreme water events.

Mr. Stephen Swiber, Chief Resiliency Officer for the State of Louisiana, focused on how Louisiana is managing its unique vulnerabilities, including coastal flooding and drought. He discussed the state’s resilience planning efforts and highlighted the need for comprehensive, long-term strategies to protect critical infrastructure and communities.

Mr. Ken Eriksen, Managing Member and Strategic Advisor at Polaris Analytics and Consulting explored the effects of water extremes on the commodity supply chain. He explained how disruptions in the flow of commodities—particularly in agriculture—can have cascading effects on the economy, leading to higher freight rates, reduced transport capacity, and increased costs for consumers. His presentation emphasized the “4-Rs” of supply chain resilience: Reliable, Resilient, Resourceful, and Redundant. Eriksen’s slides highlighted several case studies, including the Mississippi River, Panama Canal, and other key waterways impacted by drought and flooding.

Mr. Mark Strudley, Executive Director of the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency, shared his experiences managing flood risks in California, where both extreme droughts and significant flood events pose ongoing challenges. He highlighted the importance of local collaboration and innovative flood management practices to address these risks effectively.

Slides are available:

• Wilson’s slides
• Eriksen’s slides
• Strudley’s slides

LUNCH WITH DR. HAL NEEDHAM: LESSONS FROM THE EYE OF THE STORM

During this captivating lunchtime session, Dr. Hal Needham, a renowned climate scientist and hurricane storm chaser, shared thrilling stories from his experiences tracking some of the most powerful storms on record. However, the central theme of his presentation was not just about the storms themselves, but about the critical importance of effective risk communication.

Dr. Needham emphasized that weather predictions are often too complex for the general public to understand, leading to dangerous misconceptions. For example, he questioned what people actually interpret when they hear terms like “partly sunny” and how these vague descriptions can downplay significant risks. He argued that the complexity of hurricane forecasts can leave communities with a false sense of security, thinking the storm “won’t be too bad,” only to be devastated by events like massive storm surges.

The solution Dr. Needham proposed is to simplify the message. He stressed that clear and straightforward communication is essential to ensure that communities understand the risks they face and take appropriate action before a storm. His key takeaway: rather than overwhelm the public with details, focus on delivering a clear, actionable message to enhance preparedness and safety.

Slides are available:

• Needham’s slides

PORT OF PROGRESS: INNOVATIONS AND INSIGHTS FROM PORT NOLA 

This session, moderated by Mr. Andrew Sinclair, NWC Chairman from the Port of Virginia, provided an in-depth look into the Port of Nola and its critical role in global trade. Mr. Ronald Wendel, Jr., Acting President and CEO of the Port Nola, spoke on behalf of the port, highlighting its extensive operations and the wide range of commodities it handles, from agriculture to energy products. Mr. Wendel outlined the challenges facing the port, such as aging infrastructure and the need for modernization to meet evolving trade demands. He also discussed the innovative solutions being implemented to enhance the port’s capacity and efficiency, including terminal upgrades and the adoption of new technologies to optimize operations. The session emphasized the port’s strategic importance to both national and international supply chains and detailed current and upcoming projects aimed at improving sustainability and resilience.

Slides are available:

• Wendel’s slides

CRITICAL DATA AND EMERGING CHALLENGES: INSIGHTS FROM USGS

In this insightful session, Mr. William Werkheiser, Associate Director of the Water Mission Area at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), highlighted the critical role USGS plays in addressing some of the most pressing water-related challenges, including drought, flooding, PFAS contamination, and harmful algal blooms (HABs). He provided an overview of how USGS data and research are essential to understanding and managing these complex issues. Mr. Werkheiser emphasized USGS’s collaborative efforts with state and local partners, noting that these partnerships are crucial for implementing effective solutions on the ground. By working closely with regional stakeholders, USGS is able to provide critical data that informs decision-making, supports local projects, and helps mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events and environmental contamination. The session also delved into the latest scientific advancements and innovative technologies being used by USGS to track and predict water-related challenges, enabling communities to better prepare for and respond to future risks.

Slides are available:

• Werkheiser’s slides

Tackling Recruitment and Retention in the Water Resources Infrastructure Sector

Moderated by Ms. Jennifer Thomason (UES), this session featured representatives who discussed innovative programs to address workforce challenges in the water resources sector.

Mr. Brian Smalkoski and Ms. Jayme Thoma from Kimley-Horn presented their mentorship program, which goes beyond traditional training to focus on developing emerging leaders. The program is a targeted, one-year commitment where mentees are hand-selected and paired with mentors. It includes large group, small group, and one-on-one meetings to foster strong connections. The program emphasizes creating a vulnerable, supportive environment where mentees can grow both personally and professionally. Success stories include mentees becoming mentors, opening new offices, and significantly contributing to the firm’s growth.

Ms. Dawn Lopez from Associated Terminals highlighted the Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals (IRPT) We Work the Waterways program, which builds connections between the maritime industry and local schools to raise awareness of career opportunities and foster a new generation of maritime professionals. This initiative also works to engage educators, career counselors, and parents to create lasting relationships that will attract the future workforce.

Slides are available:

• Smalkoski/Thoma slides
• Lopez slides

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024

CALCULATING COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS IN WATER RESOURCE PROJECTS

This session, moderated by Mr. Tom Chapman of HDR Inc., focused on innovative methodologies for calculating comprehensive benefits in water resource projects. Mr. Scott Elmer (Harris County Flood Control District), Ms. Melanie Saucier (Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency), and Ms. Joanna Leu (HDR Inc.) shared insights into capturing economic, environmental, and social benefits, emphasizing the need to go beyond traditional metrics. They presented tools and frameworks that account for region-specific factors and discussed how these approaches help justify and prioritize projects. The session provided a roadmap for expanding the scope of benefit analysis and thinking outside the box.

Slides from this session are available:

• Calculating Comprehensive Benefits slides

NFIP UPDATES: UNDERSTANDING CURRENT CHANGES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Moderated by Mr. Andrew Sinclair, NWC Chair from the Port of Virginia, this session featured Mr. Jeff Jackson, Acting Assistant Administrator for Federal Insurance at FEMA. Mr. Jackson provided an overview of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), highlighting recent developments, operational updates, and the program’s future direction. One key area of focus was resilience, with Mr. Jackson emphasizing FEMA’s shift toward being recognized as a resilience agency rather than solely a response and recovery organization. He stressed the importance of customer experience, explaining that FEMA is striving to see its work from the perspective of the communities and individuals it serves. The session also covered FEMA’s updated rating approach, which includes tools like the FloodSmart.gov portal for flood insurance quotes and agent connections. Mr. Jackson also addressed affordability concerns, noting that FEMA is working on initiatives to make flood insurance more accessible, including a $220 million affordability proposal.

Slides from this session are available:

• Jackson’s slides

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX: INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO WATER RESOURCE GRANTS

Presented by Mr. Alan R. Black, Vice President at Quiddity, this session focused on unconventional strategies for securing water resource grants. Mr. Black emphasized the importance of creativity and innovation when navigating the competitive world of grant funding. He provided practical tips on how to identify unique funding sources beyond traditional government grants, including private foundations and corporate partnerships.

The session also explored the significance of crafting compelling proposals that stand out by clearly aligning project goals with grant priorities. Mr. Black highlighted the need for building strong partnerships, both within and outside the water resource sector, to increase the likelihood of success.

Slides from this session are available:

• Black’s slides

PORTS/SIGNING OF AGREEMENT PRESS CONFERENCE

This session marked a significant moment with the ceremonial signing of a cooperative agreement between the Corn Belt ports and Louisiana ports (Plaquemines Port, Harbor and Terminal District, Port of Greater Baton Rouge, Port of New Orleans, Port of South Louisiana, and St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District), aimed at streamlining the movement of goods from the Midwest to international markets. Representatives from these regions discussed the origins of this alliance, sharing the journey that led to this groundbreaking collaboration, including the challenges of inter-regional coordination and the need for innovative solutions to boost efficiency. The agreement is set to enhance trade and transportation routes, allowing for smoother transitions from river-based ports in the Corn Belt to coastal ports in Louisiana. Attendees were offered insights into the complexities of managing such a large-scale partnership, the economic implications for both regions, and how this strategic alignment could positively impact future operations.

Resources:

• Partner slide
• AJOT: Corn Belt Ports and Louisiana ports sign cooperative agreement