Welcome to the WOOO Wins Page!

In 1996, the Waterfront Organizations of Oregon (WOOO) effectively persuaded Governor John Kitzhaber to create a Department of State Lands Task Force. WOOO members Cherie Sprando and Mel Pittman were appointed to this Task Force, which examined proposed increases in land lease rates. Their involvement led to a postponement of the rate hike and initiated an inventory of lands managed by the Department of State Lands.

WOOO Members were appointed to the Citizen's Task Force, which developed future model for waterfront zoning, resolved current zoning issues with existing marinas through an inventory and reconciliation process, and developed a regulatory procedure, "Special Plan Area" zone, to allow marinas to reconfigure.

Department of Environmental Quality and Oregon State Marine Board adopted WOOO recommendations on collection alternatives for vessels. WOOO provided recommendations on new pump-out station locations and program implementation procedures 

“WOOO’s most high profileaccomplishment was our challenge to the fairness of Portland’s stormwater fees that included charges for over the water structures that drain rainwater into the river. Guided by the leadership of Sam Galbreath (Macadam Bay Club) and Ron Schmidt (President, WOOO), we succeeded in getting the “over water fee” rescinded and refunds sent to the moorages that were affected by the charges that began in 2016.

We were helped in this endeavor with positive front-page coverage in the Tribune and live testimony at a City Council meeting from several WOOO members, backed by the attendance of almost one hundred river folks. Commissioner Nick Fish gave a nod to Ron and the impact WOOO had on their unanimous decision.” – Bob Hume, Director

This group secured Congressional approval for the Army Corps of Engineers to dredge, and pay for dredging, North Portland Harbor.

WOOO ongoing work with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CENWP-PM in the planning Process