Joint venture stopping in La Crosse, Memphis, Vicksburg and New Orleans

The Upper Mississippi Waterway Association (UMWA) is excited to welcome a wave of national maritime industry leaders to a first-of-its kind educational exchange tour down the Mississippi River June 24-28.

The Columbia-Snake River System Stakeholder Team, which includes representatives from Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG), Shaver Transportation, Port of Lewiston, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA), Columbia River Pilots and American Cruise Lines, will visit multiple ports along the Mississippi River, working together to analyze waterway issues and explore solutions for a better flowing future.

“Collaboration between the stakeholders of the Snake and Columbia rivers and the Upper Mississippi Waterway Association is essential,” said Jeremy Putman, president of UMWA, who believes this event is crucial in highlighting his organization’s mission and reenergizing its message. “This journey will foster a deeper understanding of our waterway issues and enhance our collective ability to manage and protect these vital resources for future generations.”

Specialty Marine Contractor J.F. Brennan is partnering with UMWA on the event and will host lunch and UMWA’s membership meeting in La Crosse, Wis., which will feature a special presentation by The Columbia-Snake River System Stakeholder Team. The group will then take part in a river tour to Lock 7 with plans to discuss both its issues on the Upper Mississippi River and its nationwide importance to the river system.

“Our river highways are as important as our road and rail networks and collaborating with other river systems and users across the U.S. is vital in protecting these critical pieces of infrastructure,” said Michelle Hennings, WAWG executive director. “This trip gives us the opportunity to see how stakeholders along the Mississippi River utilize their system, the challenges they face, and how they are investing in the system to keep it in good working order now and for the future.”

All are invited to attend the June 24 membership meeting and river tour at no cost, thanks to a sponsorship by the J.F. Brennan Company, but must pre-register at the form on this link.