W20 Project Partners Prioritize Early Tribal Coordination and Cultural Resources Protection

February 7, 2026 | Moses Lake, WA

The Port of Moses Lake and the Columbia Basin Conservation District recently met with History/Archaeology Program staff from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation at the Lucy F. Covington Government Center in Nespelem, WA to share early planning details for the W20 Project.

W20 Project partners walking to meet with Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation History/Archaeology Program staff at the Lucy F. Covington Government Center in Nespelum on February 4, 2026. Left to Right: Jason Buck, CBCD Cultural Resources Specialist; Ron Sawyer, CBCD Director of Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Kevin Richards, Port of Moses Lake's Engineer of Record.

As part of the project’s due diligence and commitment to responsible development, the Port is engaging in early coordination with affected Tribes. Project partners are committed to avoiding and minimizing impacts wherever possible and ensuring compliance with all applicable cultural resource protection requirements.

“This project is about long-term water sustainability for our region, and that responsibility includes respecting and protecting cultural resources,” said Kristina Ribellia, Executive Director of the Columbia Basin Conservation District. “Early engagement allows us to listen, learn, and ensure the W20 Project moves forward in a way that reflects both thoughtful planning and meaningful collaboration.”

W20 Project partners are committed to fostering respectful partnerships, careful stewardship, and responsible infrastructure development as the W20 Project advances.

Formal government-to-government consultation will be undertaken at the appropriate stage of project review.

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