Ports

CSD Attorneys at Law’s Ports practice group assists port districts of all sizes to achieve successful outcomes for their communities by using our extensive experience in the unique laws governing ports. Our attorneys have over one hundred years of combined experience representing Washington port districts, serve as general counsel to the Washington Public Ports Association, and are frequent speakers at port law seminars and legal committee meetings.

Contact our Port attorneys for assistance with a wide variety of matters, including:

Governance by elected officials, their statutory authority, and the interface with appointed staff
Compliance with FAA regulations for commercial service airports
Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act compliance
Acquisition, sale, and leasing of property
Land use and comprehensive plan issues
Election law compliance
Labor and employment
Public works and purchasing
Environmental law, including navigating the regulatory process and applying Remedial Action Grants administered by the Department of Ecology
Litigation, including tort defense, eminent domain, insurance coverage, and environmental remedial cost recovery actions
Interlocal agreements

Port Attorneys

Holly M. StaffordPrincipal

Jon SitkinPrincipal

Richard A. Davis IIIPrincipal

Katherine D. DeetsPrincipal

Seth A. WoolsonPrincipal

Peter M. RuffattoPrincipal

Tim SchermetzlerPrincipal

Allison M. BeardSenior Associate

Sara B. FraseSenior Associate

Frank J. ChmelikPrincipal – Senior Status

June 2025 Knowing the Waters

Summertime at the port means increased use of port facilities—port marinas, piers, and boat launches will be filled with recreational boaters, commercial fishers, and whale watchers; port parks will host festivals and events; and general aviation airports will see increased traffic.

May 2025 Knowing the Waters

In April, the Washington Court of Appeals issued a decision in West v. Walla Walla City Council , a case involving an alleged violation of the Open Public Meetings Act (“OPMA”).

April 2025 Knowing the Waters

In this month’s column, I cautiously dip my legal toe into the implications around recent federal funding actions. I say “cautiously” because I realize there are strong opinions on all sides of federal politics right now.

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