PORT OF VANCOUVER AWARDED $5.41 MILLION ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT (6/6/07)

For Immediate Release

VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Port of Vancouver USA has been recognized by the State Department of Ecology’s Local Toxics Control Account for its work in groundwater cleanup efforts in the form of $5.41 million grant.

“We’re thrilled to have received this grant,” said Patty Boyden, the port’s director of environmental services. “The money will go a long way in helping us continue to cleanup groundwater. The port is committed to meeting its responsibilities to Ecology, and this grant is a part of Ecology’s recognition of our commitment.”

Funding, which will be received by the port over the next two years, will help meet obligations under the agreed order with the Department of Ecology. Money will be used to install a groundwater cleanup system and continue monitoring at the site. The grant will help offset an estimated $36 million cleanup effort.

The Port of Vancouver is currently cleaning up a plume of trichloroethylene (TCE) and other solvents in an aquifer in the general area of the port. The ongoing cleanup is showing positive results.

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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.

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