Oliver, Paulson “Deliver Possibilities” at State of the Port event

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Economic development is happening, on the ground now at the Port of Vancouver USA, which was the big news at Thursday’s Port Re:Port, the annual State of the Port Address at the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay.

In his State of the Port Address, Executive Director Larry Paulson said there is evidence of the types of economic development and jobs currently happening at the port – which calls itself the “Port of Possibility” – happening all over the port, even as he addressed a sold-out audience.

He offered construction of port projects as evidence of delivering possibilities.

“It is currently a beehive of construction activity,” Paulson said, “and I want to give you an idea of what you can see happening this very morning at the Port of Vancouver.”
 
Paulson cited more than 100 construction jobs at the port’s new Terminal 5 – where a unit train rail loop is being built – another 10-15 workers installing fencing and utilities; deconstruction of buildings on the former Rufener Farm that makes up another 15-20 jobs, and a number of other jobs as a result of projects on or near the port.

“I’m particularly appreciative that all of the contractors on these port projects are from the Vancouver/Portland region, keeping these jobs local.”

Paulson and Port Commission President Jerry Oliver, who earlier presented the commission’s perspective of the port’s status, talked about a light at the end of the tunnel – marking the end of the recession, and stated that the port is prepared to be a leader in the community’s recovery.

“As sure as I am standing here this morning, I believe it has (ended),” Oliver said. “I am proud to report to you this morning that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and the Port of Vancouver will be one of the first to make it out.”

Paulson also highlighted the port’s strategic advantage, created by its proximity to not only the Columbia River, but also world class connections to Interstate 5 – the West Coast’s most important freight arterial,” as he called it – and the BNSF Railway and Union Pacific systems. That junction locates the port on the critical rail junction of east-west and north-south mainlines that reach both the northern and southern U.S. borders, and as far east as Chicago.

“Rail makes the connection to the global marketplace, our community and the nation stronger and more competitive,” Paulson said. “Locally, this helps port customers thrive, and efficiently move their cargo into and out of the port. Additionally, it takes congestion off the roads, increases fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.”

Paulson also reported that, because of its two massive mobile harbor cranes, the Port of Vancouver has attracted additional new project cargo and generated jobs.

“We continue to get inquiries from customers who are bringing heavy and over-sized cargos to the West Coast,” Paulson said.

He also reported that the port expects to see continued growth in heavy lift and wind energy cargos in 2010, and that the port is exploring new options for bulk exports. Wheat should continue to be solid for the coming year and Subaru is consistently stable in its import of vehicles.

“With world class access to river, road and rail, property that’s shovel ready now – both maritime and industrial – a healthy reserve of property for the next two decades, I am pleased to report to you that your port is properly positioned to deliver the possibilities of the future,” Paulson said.

Port Re:Port was taped for later cablecast by CVTV. The show will also be made available online at www.cvtv.org.

About the Port of Vancouver USA
The Port of Vancouver USA, created by Clark County taxpayers in 1912, is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast. Its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a dependable labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community.

The Port of Vancouver is in the midst of a year full of projects and developments that will lead to vital job creation, economic stimulation and environmental preservation. By diversifying its cargo mix between bulk commodities, breakbulk and project cargos, the port is responsible for job generation and significant contributions to the tax base for not only its own community, but also the state of Washington. Current expansion of the port’s rail system and development of new port industrial and marine properties will bring new jobs – both short term and long term – and the preservation of wetlands, the creation of enhanced wildlife habitat, and make way for more green/sustainable business partners operating from the port. For more information, please visit us at www.portvanusa.com.

– POV –