AIWA On the “Virtual” Road!

Partnerships and collaboration can’t wait for travel to resume and meetings to move back in-person, so Brad Pickel, AIWA Executive Director, virtually represented the Association in three recent National and Regional Meetings. Below are highlights from each:

National Waterways Conference Legislative Summit

The AIWA is a long-standing member and participant in the National Waterways Conference and NWC held their Legislative Summit virtually on April 8-9. Speakers included representatives from the Biden Administration’s Assistant Secretary of the Army’s Civil Works office, and the Office of Management and Budget. These groups are responsible for making the final recommendations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers budget before it is sent by the President to Congress.

We heard from representatives on a Congressional panel of Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the House’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee staff regarding water related issues and legislation along with the   U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Staff regarding their current activities. In addition were presentations including best practices for how to more effectively engage virtually with our members of Congress and staff. Information gleaned from this meeting is being used to tailor our advocacy approaches for federal funding this year.

American Boating Congress

On April 21-22, nearly 400 recreational boating advocates joined together for the 2021 American Boating Congress.  Hosted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and sponsored by many AIWA members, ABC participants heard from Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, White House Senior Policy Advisor Cedric Richmond, key policymakers on Capitol Hill, influential staff, and gained valuable insights into work at the state level to elevate the outdoor recreation industry as well as across the nation.

N.C. Beach, Inlet and Waterway Association Local Government Meeting

On April 27, Brad presented to NCBIWA attendees on AIWA’s initiatives. Highlights of his presentation included the Appropriations process while highlighting the current projects and backlog in North Carolina. We look forward to continuing our partnership with NCBIWA and their meeting this fall.

 
On April 27th, President Biden nominated Michael Connor for the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works at the U.S. Department of Defense. According to the White House press release, Connor is currently a partner with the law firm of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Door, LLP. Prior to his legal work, he served as the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) from 2014-2017 during the Obama Administration. At DOI, he oversaw the agency’s work on drought and water policy, as well as renewable energy on public lands and other issues. 

Mr. Connor will have to go through multiple committee hearings and votes prior to a confirmation vote by the U.S. Senate. If confirmed, he will be responsible for overseeing the civil works functions for the U.S. Army which includes the Corps of Engineers. This position was previously held by Mr. R.D. James and Ms. Jo Ellen Darcy in the previous two Administrations. Learn more from the White House Press Release.