VANCOUVER, Wash. – On April 12, Port of Vancouver USA staff will recommend the port’s Board of Commissioners decline a lease amendment submitted by Vancouver Energy, the company proposing an oil transfer facility at the port.

The lease amendment, submitted by Vancouver Energy on April 5, includes:

  • Extending the Conditions Precedent Outside Date from Aug. 1, 2016, to Aug. 1, 2018, with interim milestones.
  • Increasing the Contingency Period fee from $50,000 to $100,000 per month as of Aug. 1, 2016.
  • Eliminating the opportunity for Vancouver Energy to operate a second petroleum-by-rail facility at the port.
  • Providing Vancouver Energy 30 months to resolve any appeals if licenses, permits or approvals are granted and appealed.
  • Allowing the port to use the premises during the extended contingency period.

The Conditions Precedent Outside Date is the date by which Vancouver Energy must obtain its permits to operate from the Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) and other agencies.

Staff’s recommendation to the Board of Commissioners is to decline this requested amendment but continue working in good faith with Vancouver Energy to pursue necessary approvals required under the Ground Lease.

By statute, EFSEC is required to complete energy project site evaluations in one year. Vancouver Energy has been in review since Aug. 29, 2013, with a recommendation to Gov. Jay Inslee expected late this year or early next year.

April 12 Board of Commissioners meeting
The port anticipates significant interest in its April 12 Board of Commissioners meeting, and has reserved Clark College’s Gaiser Student Center to support public access and comment.

Doors open at 8 a.m. The meeting will begin at the regularly scheduled time – 9:30 a.m. – and recess after the last comment is heard, but no later than 9 p.m.

The port is providing specific ground rules to maintain a secure, respectful and civil atmosphere that allows all voices to be heard. Speakers will be chosen by lottery to provide an unbiased selection of speakers. Those interested in speaking must have their lottery ticket by 7 p.m.

Parking at Clark College is limited and attendees are encouraged to carpool or use alternative or public transportation.

April 15 Board of Commissioners meeting
The Board of Commissioners will reconvene at 1 p.m. Friday, April 15, at the port’s administrative office, 3103 Northwest Lower River Road. The board will consider the lease amendment action item and is expected to take action at that time. There will be no public comment period on April 15.

– POV –

The Port of Vancouver USA is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast, and its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a skilled labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community. For more information, please visit us at www.portvanusa.com.