FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington Public Ports Association Recognizes Senator Shelly Short with 2026 Compass Award
USK, Washington – On Wednesday, July 8, the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) recognized Senator Shelly Short (R-7th LD) with its 2026 Compass Award. The award was presented at the Port of Pend Oreille’s office in Usk before a tour of the Port’s rail rehabilitation project, highlighting the critical role ports play in supporting rural economic development and freight transportation across Washington.
Since 2018, WPPA has recognized legislators who provide extraordinary leadership and unparalleled vision in advancing the importance and future of public ports for the residents they serve. The Washington Public Ports Association works on behalf of public ports across Washington, representing the interests of ports at the state Legislature and beyond. The Association relies on the leadership, vision, and partnership of its legislative champions to promote the success of Washington’s ports. Compass Award winners demonstrate pragmatism and a bipartisan approach to policymaking. Senator Short embodies this collaborative and solutions-oriented approach, and her leadership reflects the partnership that ports value in advancing policies that strengthen local communities.
Senator Short was selected for her leadership in advancing legislation addressing port pension issues during the 2026 legislative session. Her willingness to engage collaboratively, navigate complex policy issues, and help develop a thoughtful and equitable solution demonstrated the kind of principled leadership the Compass Award is intended to recognize. More broadly, Senator Short has been a consistent partner on issues important to Washington’s public ports, supporting policies that promote economic development, trade, transportation infrastructure, and strong rural communities.
“Our port members are fortunate to have a legislative champion like Shelly Short,” said WPPA Executive Director Eric ffitch. “Her thoughtful approach to problem-solving, willingness to work across perspectives, and commitment to finding practical solutions made all the difference in addressing a complicated pension issue affecting ports and their employees. Beyond that work, Senator Short has consistently demonstrated an understanding of the important role public ports play in supporting local economies throughout Washington. We are grateful for her leadership and partnership.”
Following the award presentation, Senator Short joined staff from WPPA and the Port of Pend Oreille for a tour of the Port’s rail rehabilitation project. The project represents a significant investment in preserving freight rail infrastructure that supports regional industries, creates economic opportunities, and will help draw additional visitors to northeast Washington.
This year, WPPA recognized one Democratic legislator and one Republican legislator in each chamber with a Compass Award. The other 2026 Compass Award Winners are Senator Marko Liias (D-21 st LD), Representative Jake Fey (D-27 th LD), and Representative Hunter Abell (R-7 th LD)
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As a state legislative and regulatory advocacy organization, the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) fosters public policy for ports to achieve their goals. The WPPA was formed by the Legislature in 1961 to represent public port districts throughout Washington, serving as the focus through which ports work cooperatively to develop policy direction, share information, and address issues on economic development, trade, transportation, and environmental stewardship. Public port districts offer a wide range of locally governed services, including marine terminals, barge facilities, industrial development, marinas, airports, railroads, and tourism promotion.
Contact: Eric ffitch, Executive Director
360-763-1179 cell
effitch@washingtonports.org
