FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington Public Ports Association presents 2026 Creative Partnership Award to Port of Moses Lake
STEVENSON, Washington – Every year, the Washington Public Ports Association recognizes exceptional achievements by Washington’s port districts through four distinct awards. These honors celebrate leadership in environmental stewardship, community engagement, job creation, and creative partnerships; highlighting impactful projects and initiatives that advance economic development and quality of life in port communities across the state.
This year, the WPPA is proud to recognize the Port of Moses Lake with the 2026 Creative Partnership Award for the W20 Project, a regionwide effort designed to address long-standing water availability, water quality, and economic development challenges.
The W20 Project proposes a seasonal approach to diverting water from the West Low Canal to the north end of Moses Lake, ensuring agricultural operations remain protected while supporting a wide range of regional needs. The project is designed to improve water quality, provide additional water supply for municipal and industrial uses, conserve groundwater, and create new operational flexibility for the Columbia Basin Project.
As the lead agency, the Port of Moses Lake has coordinated an extensive coalition of partners, including the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, all three regional irrigation districts, the Department of Ecology, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Grant County, the cities of Moses Lake and Quincy, the Port of Quincy, and numerous regional water, conservation, and community organizations.
The W20 Project represents a rare multi-benefit solution, supporting municipal, industrial, environmental, and agricultural needs simultaneously. Its collaborative structure and broad regional support exemplify the spirit of creative partnership across Washington’s port community.
The WPPA is pleased to recognize the Port of Moses Lake for its leadership, vision, and commitment to building a project that will benefit the region for generations to come.
##
As a nonprofit trade association representing Washington’s independent port districts and their partners, the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) fosters public policy that supports our members and helps them execute their community-supported goals. The WPPA was charged by the Legislature in 1961 with acting as the coordinating agency for 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 the operation of marine terminals and barge facilities, tourism promotion, development of industrial parks, management of public access points, marinas, airports, railroads, and more.
Contact: Eric ffitch, Executive Director
360-763-1179 cell
effitch@washingtonports.org
