Leaders from across Clark County gathered at the Vancouver Community Library Jan. 13 to hear Gov. Jay Inslee speak about transportation and freight mobility, and unveil signage for five critical transportation projects.

Port of Vancouver CEO Todd Coleman and former Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kelly Love unveiled the sign for the SR 501/Interstate 5 to Port of Vancouver project. The $6 million project will help support the economic health of our community and state by keeping freight moving between the I-5 corridor and the Port of Vancouver.

The project is one of several funded in Southwest Washington through the Connecting Washington transportation package approved by the legislature in 2015. The package, funded by 11.7-cent gas tax and user fees, invests $16 billion in our state’s transportation infrastructure over the next 16 years.

Southwest Washington projects include:

  • I-5 Mill Plain Interchange
  • I-5/179th Interchange
  • SR 14 Camas Slough Bridge
  • SR 502 Main Street Project/Widening
  • SR 501/I-5 to Port of Vancouver
  • Ridgefield Rail Overpass
  • Port of Vancouver West Vancouver Freight Access
  • 27th Street Extension and Rail Overpass

In a state where one in three jobs is directly tied to international trade, the ability to move freight efficiently across Washington State and through our public ports is critical to our economic health.

As with other ports across the nation, Port of Vancouver cargoes are increasing in volume and size. Tenants and customers in 2014 moved 6.6 million metric tons of cargo, a 47 percent increase over 2013. We exported 31 percent more wheat, 238 percent more wind energy components and 495 percent more steel in 2014.

We need a modern transportation system that can keep goods flowing safely and efficiently.

These projects are a step in the right direction, and we’re grateful for the support of Gov. Inslee and the partnerships that helped bring these projects to Southwest Washington.