In 1934 the Inland Empire Waterways Association was established as an advocacy group to represent the interests of the transportation industry, forestry, agriculture, energy producers, and local governments in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. Most notably, they lobbied at the federal level for the construction of the locks and dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
In 1971, as the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, the association was expanded to include Puget Sound and coastal members. Today, the association represent over 100 members in public and private sectors in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, and California. Members include public ports, navigation, transportation, international trade, tourism, agriculture, forest products, energy and local government interests.
From the guide to the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association Records, 1907-1978, 1933-1978, (Whitman College and Northwest Archives)
