MARCH 27, 2015 -- NOAA Administrator Dr. Kathy Sullivan toured the Port of Seattle on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Wahoo on March 25, 2015 with members of the local port community and several local NOAA staff in order to listen to the concerns of the waterway users. While underway on the 87-foot-long cutter and in typical Seattle weather of rain and wind, Dr. Sullivan observed firsthand restoration projects in the Duwamish waterway, heard from the pilots association about their chart needs, and offered comments on the great partnerships that NOAA enjoys with the local stakeholders.

After the sailing expedition, the group met with a larger number of port delegates at the Port of Seattle offices to expand the discussion.  All of the partners, including the State of Washington, Army Corps of Engineers, and the Port of Tacoma, praised NOAA in one way or another.

Rear Admiral Gromlich, the Thirteenth Coast Guard District Commander, specifically mentioned the support that his staff enjoys concerning the Endangered Species Act consultations that are now in progress. He also praised the efforts of the Area Committees and Regional Response Team and had glowing remarks for the steady support NOAA provides. This group of partners noted an upcoming regional earthquake exercise, which will require further collaboration in planning and executing the drill.

For more information, contact Mark Dix.

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