Recap

October 2-4,  2023  l  Sacramento, California

We extend our sincere appreciation to those of you who were able to join us for the National Waterways Conference’s (NWC) 2023 Annual Meeting in Sacramento, California, held from October 2- 4, 2023.

While we initially had concerns about the potential impact of a federal government shutdown on our lineup of speakers, we were pleased to witness that many of our federal government speakers were able to join us in person. However, for those who presented virtually, their contributions were equally valuable. Regardless of the mode of presentation, all sessions and interactions proved to be rewarding, and the networking opportunities were equally beneficial for everyone involved.

Here’s a snapshot of our event (specific presentation links are below):

Day 1: The morning began with internal meetings involving our Executive Committee and Board of Directors. In the afternoon, we kicked off our first general session with a Regional Day, where we were honored to have both military and civilian leaders from the US Army Corps of Engineers’ South Pacific Division (SPD) and the district offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Albuquerque. Regional directors from the Bureau of Reclamation also graced us from the Lower Colorado Basin and California-Great Basin regional offices. Additionally, we were honored to receive a warm welcome from the Secretary for the California Department of Natural Resources and the Mayor of Sacramento. The day concluded with a well-attended welcome reception.

Day 2: In lieu of speaker gifts, NWC donates funds to a local charity. This year, at SAFCA’s request, we donated to Drowning Accident Rescue Team (DARTSAC), who opened up this session with a few words about their mission of water safety emergency rescue and education. Then attendees convened throughout the day to engage with an array of knowledgeable speakers in the water and water resource infrastructure space. Later in the afternoon, we held the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Membership, where we elected new members to the 2023-2024 Board of Directors. Congratulations to the incoming board members! In the evening, participants enjoyed networking and a taste of California railway history at the California State Railway Museum. 

Day 3: The day commenced early with an organizational meeting of the new NWC Board of Directors. During this meeting, the board elected NWC’s 2023-2024 officers and executive committee members for the upcoming year. Special congratulations to our new Chair, Andrew Sinclair (Port of Virginia), and Vice Chair, Julie Minerva (Carpi & Clay). Additionally, three of NWC’s caucuses held standalone meetings, which were well-received. The final general session featured a stimulating panel discussion on planning for multiple benefits, concluding with insights from Mr. Michael Connor, Assistant of the Army (Civil Works), who provided an overview of forthcoming policies and pending rules. The Annual Meeting came to a close with an up-close look at the Folsom Dam and an exploration of the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency’s (SAFCA) work on multiple benefits in the Sacramento Weir and Sacramento and Yolo Bypasses downstream of the dam.

We want to extend our profound gratitude to SAFCA for being our exceptional local host and sponsor! Your support was instrumental in planning this meeting. We would also like to express our deep appreciation to all our sponsors; your contributions were indispensable in making this event a reality.

To view available PowerPoints from the 2023 Annual Meeting, refer below:

USACE DIVISION AND DISTRICT FOCUS: STRATEGIES, PROGRESS, AND COLLABORATION

Mr. Tom Chapman (HDR) kicked off the first session of the day with Lt. Col. Kevin Arnett, Deputy Commander, South Pacific Division (SPD), USACE; Col. Chad W. Caldwell, Acting Commander, South Pacific Division; Commander, Sacramento District; Lt. Col. Timothy Shebesta, Commander, San Francisco District, USACE; Maj. Stephen  Brooks, Deputy Commander, Los Angeles District, USACE; and Lt. Col. Jerre V. Hansbrough, Commander, Albuquerque District, USACE who discussed the progress of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Divisions and Districts to align plans with regional priorities across civil works sectors.

Resources Available:

• Division and District Military Panel Presentations

INSIGHTS FROM SENIOR DIVISION AND DISTRICT CIVILIAN LEADERS: NAVIGATING SPD’s CIVIL WORKS PROGRAM

Moderated by Tim Feather (CDM Smith), this session offers a comprehensive overview of SPD’s multifaceted Civil Works Program, providing a rare opportunity to engage with the division’s top civilian leaders from planning, flood risk management, regulatory, ecosystem restoration and operations/dredging. Johnson was joined by Ms. Josephine Axt, Chief of Planning, SPD, USACE; Ms. Elizabeth Salyers, Deputy District Engineer for Programs and Project Management, Sacramento District, USACE; Ms. Alicia Kirchner, Chief of Planning, Sacramento District, USACE; and Ms. Tori White Operations and Regulatory Chief, South Pacific Division, USACE.

Resources Available:

• Navigating SPD’s Civil Works Program Civilian Leaders Presentations

INSIGHTS FROM THE BUREAU OF RECLAMATION – LOWER COLORADO BASIN AND CALIFORNIA GREAT BASIN UPDATES

Moderated by Vincent Gin (Valley Water), the next session focused on the latest developments and strategic initiatives for two pivotal regions managed by the Bureau of Reclamation (U.S. Department of the Interior). Gin was joined by Ms. Jacklynn Gould, Regional Director, Lower Colorado Basin Regional Office, Bureau of Reclamation and Mr. Ernest Conant, Regional Director, California-Great Basin Region, Bureau of Reclamation who discussed ongoing projects, water conservation and scarcity issues, unique partnerships, and resilience strategies that define these vital areas.

Resources Available:

• Ms. Gould’s powerpoint
• Mr. Conant powerpoint

STATE OF PLAY ON CALIFORNIA WATER ISSUES

Moderated by Eric Nagy (Larsen Wurzel & Associates, Inc.), California Secretary for Natural Resources, Mr. Wade Crowfoot, provided a comprehensive update on the current state of play regarding California water issues, including challenges and opportunities faced by the state in the arena of drought management, water conservation, infrastructure development, and environmental preservation.

Resources Available:

• California Natural Resources Agency initiatives

POWERING WITH PURPOSE: A NATIONAL UPDATE FROM THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS HEADQUARTERS

Andrew Sinclair (Port of Virginia) led a discussion with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Civil Works Headquarters leaders on latest initiatives, projects, and innovations happening nationally. Joining him virtually were Mr. Edward E. Belk, Jr, Director of Civil Works, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Mr. Tab Brown, Chief, Civil Works Programs Integration Division, USACE; and Mr. Aaron Snyder, Director, Corps Water Infrastructure Financing Program, USACE. (Mr. Thomas Smith, Chief, Civil Works Operations and Regulatory Division, USACE, spoke later in the day in person but we are including him here for continuity).

Resources Available:

• Mr. Belk’s presentation
• Mr. Brown’s presentation
• Mr. Snyder’s presentation
• Mr. Smith’s presentation
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works: Primer and Resources (Congressional Research Service (CRS) report, June 2023) 

LEARN ABOUT NWC’S NEWEST MEMBERS—LIGHTNING ROUNDS

We thank NWC newest members for being good sports and participating in a session called “Learn about NWC’s Newest Members” which was enjoyed by all attendees. A huge thanks to eight of our new members who participated at this meeting— Northern Grain Belt Ports, Environmental Science Associates, ICF, Zone 7 Water Agency, Port of Oakland, Black & Veatch, Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency, and Association of California Water Agencies.

NAVIGATING THE WATERS OF THE U.S.: LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT

Moderated by Mr. Steven Burns (Balch & Bingham LLP), the next panel dived into the latest on rulemaking and judicial decisions on “Waters of the U.S. Panelists  Dr. Mark Sudol, Senior Advisor, Dawson and Associates; Mr. Giles Matthews, Regulatory Permitting Manager, Orange County Infrastructure Programs, Orange County, Calif.; and Ms. Meris Guerrero, Senior Regulatory Specialist, ICF discussed the background of WOTUS then delved into the current stay of play nationally since the landmark Sackett v. EPA decision, and examined its impact on legal and regulatory actions (Did you know that 23 states are following the Jan. 23 rule, as amended, and 27 states are under the pre-2015 regulations, aka 1986 regulations? Find out more here). The panelists discussed implications for businesses and industries that interact with waterbodies and how to navigate these changes.

Resources Available:

• Dr. Sudol’s presentation
• Mr. Matthew’s presentation
• Revised Definition for “Waters of the U.S.” (Aug. 2023)
• Waters of the United States (WOTUS): FAQs about the Scope of the Clean Water Act (CRS report Feb. 2023)
• Supreme Court Narrows Federal Jurisdiction Under the Clean Water Act (CRS report, June 2023)
• NWC’s comments on the proposed “Waters of the U.S.” rule (Feb. 2022)

LUNCH PRESENTATION – FORECAST INFORMED RESERVOIR OPERATIONS: COMING TO A COMMUNITY NEAR YOU

Moderated by Ms. Julie Minerva (Carpi & Clay), Dr. Marty Ralph, Director—Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, UC San Diego; Dr. Cary Talbot, National Lead, Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations Program, Coastal & Hydraulics Laboratory US Army Engineer Research & Development Center; Mr. Grant Davis, General Manager, Sonoma Water Agency; and  Mr. John James, Director of Resource Planning, Yuba Water Agency explored the challenges, opportunities, and key considerations for this innovative approach, delving into FIRO’s impact civil works projects, both regionally and nationally, while discussing necessary local adaptations. Incidentally, did you know that the general consensus for pronouncing FIRO is “Fear-row” not “Figh-row?”

Resources Available:

• FIRO Presentation
• Atmospheric Rivers: Background and Forecasting (CRS report, Feb. 2023)
• Water Resource Issues in the 118^th Congress (CRS report, March 2023)

NFIP MOVING FORWARD: ANALYZING PENDING CHANGES AND THEIR EFFECT ON WATER/WATERWAYS INFRASTRUCTURE

Mr. Scott Shapiro (Downey Brand LLP), our moderator, was joined by Ms. Molly Lawrence, Partner, Van Ness Feldman; Mr. Dwayne Bourgeois, Executive Director, North Lafourche Levee District; and Mr. Dan Delich, Director, Floodplain Alliance for Insurance Reform to discuss imminent changes to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This session explored pending judicial and regulatory updates, including the implications of Risk Rating 2.0 and endangered species impacts in the NFIP program on water/waterways infrastructure and the communities they serve.

Resources Available:

• Ms. Lawrence’s presentation
• Mr. Bourgeois presentation
• Mr. Delich presentation
• Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program (CRS report, Jan. 2023)
• National Flood Insurance Program Risk Rating 2.0: FAQs (CRS report, May 2023)

MARAD AND THE FUTURE OF INLAND WATERWAYS NAVIGATION AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT

Moderator Brad Pickel (Atlantic Intracoastal Waterways Association) was joined virtually by Rear Admiral Ann C. Phillips, the Administrator of the Maritime Administration to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the nation’s Marine Highway Program.

Resources Available:

• Maritime Administration
• Available MARAD Grants
• U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD Shipping and Shipbuilding Support Programs (CRS report, Jan. 2021)

WALKING THE TALK: DISTRICT’S APPROACH TO IMPLEMENTING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE (NWC Navigation Caucus Meeting)

During NWC’s Navigation Caucus Meeting, Ms. Kristin Meira (Chair) led a discussion with Ms. Jessica Ludy, Flood Risk, Tribal, & Environmental Justice Program Manager, San Fransisco District, USACE on actions that U.S. Army Corps of Engineers districts are taking on environmental justice issues.

Resources Available:

• Ms. Ludy’s presentation

MANAGING WATER RESOURCES: EXPERT DIALOGUES WITH DWR AND USBR  (NWC Water Supply Caucus Meeting)

Led by Acting Chair Vincent Gin (Valley Water), NWC’s Water Supply Caucus talked about the challenges and opportunities for western water issues. Joined by Mr. Ted Craddock, Deputy Director, State Water Project, Calif. Dept of Water Resources; Mr. Adam Nickels, Regional Resources Manager, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Department of Interior, participants explored DWR’s vision for a sustainable water future, USBR’s national role, and their collaborative efforts to address water scarcity and climate change.

ROUNDTABLE ON FLOOD-RELATED ISSUES (NWC Flood Caucus meeting)

NWC Flood Caucus Chairman Rick Johnson (SAFCA), led a roundtable discussion with Eric Nagy (Larsen Wurzel & Associates, Inc.) and Tom Chapman (HDR) on issues affecting the flood control and levee district community. No powerpoint available.

MULTIPLYING BENEFITS: INNOVATIVE FUNDING AND TROUBLESHOOTING FOR WATER RESOURCE PROJECTS

At the event moderated by Chris Elliott from ICF, a panel of experts convened to discuss the latest national, regional, and local trends in enhancing the advantages of water resource projects. The panel featured notable participants, including Ms. Patricia (Trish) Anslow, Deputy Director of Programs at the Southwestern Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Mr. David Leach, a Partner at Michael Baker International Inc.; Mr. Ryan Luster, Senior Project Director at The Nature Conservancy California; Ms. Kelly Malloy, Strategic Communications Manager at the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District; and Mr. Matt Frary, Principal Engineer in the Department of Public Works at Los Angeles County. The discussion revolved around the importance of integrating multiple benefits into projects for nonfederal sponsors and stakeholders. The panel also explored strategies for securing project funding while fostering diverse partnerships and shared real-world examples.

Resources Available:

• Presentation for Ms. Anslow
• Presentation for Mr. Luster
• Presentation for Ms. Malloy
• Presentation for Mr. Frary 

ASACW POLICIES AND VISION: SHAPING THE CIVIL WORKS PROGRAM

At the Annual Meeting, our local host and partner, Mr. Rick Johnson of SAFCA, led a discussion with The Honorable Michael L. Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) at the Department of the Army, regarding upcoming policy developments. Of particular significance, a proposed rule known as the Principles, Requirements, and Guidelines (PR&G) is scheduled for publication in early November. PR&G aims to modernize the existing 1983 Principles and Guidelines (P&G), which presently only consider national economic development and environmental quality impacts. PR&G may expand the scope for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to consider a wider range of factors in the formulation and evaluation of major water resource projects. Despite being included in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2007, PR&G was never implemented by USACE due to concerns raised by stakeholders and non-federal partners on how it would be implemented. Implementation of PR&G is a top priority for the current administration. Furthermore, the administration is actively working on proposed rules for Section 408 permits, the ability to pay, Appendix C, and procedures related to natural disasters (also known as P.L. 84-99). Assistant Secretary Connor also expressed his interest in various other issues, including drought and water supply, regulatory permitting, low water conditions on the Mississippi River, and more.

*Please note that NWC has weighed in on a number of these issues, as indicated below, and has offered to collaborate with the ASACW’s office during rulemaking efforts.

Resources Available:

• Congressional Research Service Report on “Principles, Requirements and Guidelines for Federal Investments in Water Resources” (March 2017)
• NWC comments on “Natural Disaster Procedures: Preparedness, Response and Recovery Activities” (Feb. 2023)
• NWC’s comments on “Request for Input on Civil Works Implementation of PR&G” (August 2022)
• NWC Comments on revision of Sec. 408 process (Sept. 22, 2022 comments / May 2022 comments)

SPONSORSHIP

A huge thanks to our 2023 Annual Meeting sponsors! We could not have done the meeting without you!

PLATINUM Partner EXCLUSIVE – Annual Meeting Co-Host

Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA)

DIAMOND Partner

Iowa Corn Promotion Board – Conference sponsor

PREMIER GOLD Partner

HDR – Keynote Luncheon & Annual Meeting Totes

GOLD Partners

GEI Consultants & Westervelt Ecological Services – Kickoff Welcome Reception

YUBA Water Agency & Tetra Tech – Dinner & Reception

SILVER Partners

PSOMAS – Breakfasts

San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency – Regional Day

BRONZE Partners / Breaks

Larsen Wurzel & Associates

Gulf Coast Water Authority

Tarrant Regional Water District

Valley Water

Benefactor

Mead & Hunt

Port Houston

Moffat & Nichol

Hotel Drop

Forgen 

Lanyards

CDM Smith

Notepad & Pens

Trinity River Authority (TRA)

WiFi

Northwest Hydraulic Consultants

Supporters

Best Best and Krieger

Black & Veatch

Florida Inland Navigation District

Port of Memphis

Sacramento Regional Water Authority

Wood Rodgers

Recognized for our timely and provocative programs, the NWC Annual Meeting (held in the fall) features knowledgeable and articulate participants and keynoters. Speakers have included Cabinet officials, Governors, and Congressional and industry leaders. In addition to the informative presentations and panel discussions, the meeting offers numerous opportunities for networking.