Agenda

This year's summit will feature joint programming with the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) Annual Summit. The PNWER Annual Summit taking place July 16th-20th brings together 550 legislators, business leaders, academics, and policymakers to discuss regional economic best practices and trade concerns. Rail is a key infrastructure area for PNWER and we are looking forward to a great event together.

Wednesday, July 19
7:00 - 6:00pm	Registration
7:30 - 9:15am	Keynote Breakfast: Infrastructure and the Economy Importance of investing in infrastructure as way to improve regional resiliency and competitiveness
9:30 - 10:30am	Railroads are a Backbone: Importance of Railroads to PNW Communities How railroads connect Pacific Northwest goods to domestic and international markets. Ways that railroads support agriculture exports.
9:30 - 10:30am	Rural Broadband and Indigenous Economic Development
10:45 - 11:45am	Better Together: Moving People & Freight on the Same Tracks Introducing High Performance Rail - Identifying ways to co-invest in freight and passenger rail to improve overall rail performance.
12:15 - 1:30pm	Keynote Lunch: Smashing Roadblocks: Permit Modernization and Reform Discussing ways that the current permitting process in the U.S. is one obstacle to reaching previously-explored decarbonization goals. What can the Pacific Northwest U.S. states learn from our Canadian partners on ways to improve the existing permitting process while maintaining high standards? How can the region work together to promote best practices at the state and local level?
2:00 - 5:30pm	Policy Tours Learn first-hand the key issues in our region by participating on policy tours in the greater Boise area.
6:00 - 8:00pm	Reception at Boise Depot
9:00 - 11:00pm	Hospitality Suite
Thursday, July 20
7:30 – 9:15am	Breakfast Keynote
9:30 – 10:30am	Legislative Panel: Connecting Our States Legislators from throughout the Greater Pacific Northwest will describe current and future opportunities for states to work together in support of passenger rail.
10:45 – 11:45am	Award Winning Plans and Projects New and legacy programs at U.S. Department of Transportation have been instrumental in advancing passenger rail safety and development. Recipents of previous DOT grants will share lessons learned and impact of these programs.
12:15 – 1:30pm	Keynote Luncheon
1:45 – 2:15pm	Implementing Effective Interstate Rail Compacts
3:30 – 4:30pm	Optional Tour: Idaho Capitol Building
6:00 – 8:00pm	GNWPRS Closing Reception