PORT OF VANCOUVER IS "ON COURSE" AT TOMORROW'S PORT RE:PORT

The Port of Vancouver USA is on course delivering jobs and economic development in Southwest Washington, and that's the theme for tomorrow's sold-out Port Re:Port.

The annual state of the port breakfast is set for Wednesday, April 6 from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay.

In his address, Executive Director Larry Paulson will highlight how port infrastructure investments are resulting in private-sector investment.

Paulson's remarks will focus on transportation investments such as the $150 million West Vancouver Freight Access rail project, the largest capital investment project in the port's history. He also will talk about strategic decisions to develop maritime and industrial property, including the port's new Terminal 5; as well as the port's participation in the recently completed deepening of the Columbia River shipping channel.

The port's strategic investments in road, river and rail are generating significant interest from both regional and global businesses.

Farwest Steel, one of the leading distributors, processors and fabricators of specialty steel in the Northwest, is in the process of purchasing 20 acres of port property and is expected to begin construction of a $35 million facility in 2011, bringing up to 225 family-wage jobs to the community.

"We have been looking long and hard throughout the region for a location that best suits our ability to grow and efficiently deliver quality projects to our customers," said Patrick Eagen, president and chief executive officer of Farwest. "The port had industrial land ready to build, with the right river, road and rail connections. This is the best choice for us."

On the global front, the world's largest mining company, BHP Billiton, announced in August 2010 that it had selected the port's Terminal 5 as the preferred site for a new potash export facility. The port and BHP Billiton have reached preliminary agreement to proceed on a project that has the potential to more than double the port's annual cargo tonnage when the facility is up and running in 2015.

"To say we are pleased our port has been selected as the preferred site is an understatement," said Larry Paulson, Port of Vancouver executive director. "The opportunity to work with BHP Billiton, recognized around the world as a company that respects the environment and the communities in which they operate, on a project that will add significantly to the port's customer and revenue base is very exciting."

Other projects under way at the port include expansion of the port's grain terminal by United Grain Corporation to handle corn and soybeans as well as wheat. Historically, the facility exports an average of three million tons of U.S. wheat annually from the Port of Vancouver, which is approximately 16 percent of the nation's wheat exports. The $72 million expansion, which is currently under way and should be complete in 2012, could result in an additional two million tons of grain moving through the port, nearly doubling current grain exports.

"We're very pleased that the investments we're making in port infrastructure and our involvement in worthy efforts such as the channel deepening are paying off; not only when it comes to attracting new tenants, but we're creating opportunity for our existing tenants," said Larry Paulson, executive director for the port. "Our mission is to provide economic benefit to our community through leadership, stewardship and partnerships in marine and industrial development; and that's what's happening at the Port of Vancouver."

And those investments equal jobs. Construction of the port's West Vancouver Freight Access rail project will account for as many as 1,900 construction and construction-related jobs. At full build-out, the port expects as many as 1,000 permanent jobs to be generated by activities at the 218-acre Terminal 5.

Paulson also will report that total cargo tonnage and vessel calls at the port increased in 2010, and will supply specific tonnage numbers for commodities imported and exported by the port.

From the Port Commission's perspective, Commission President Brian Wolfe will make the connection between the commission's support of infrastructure investments and the many new companies locating at the port. Wolfe also is expected to talk about the partnerships that are necessary to keep the port successful.

Port Re:Port will be 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. For more information, please visit us at www.portvanusa.com.