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Columbia Gateway will boost county
by Larry Paulson

The Port of Vancouver's goals are clear: be a catalyst for a resurgent economy, create long-term, high-wage jobs and do so in an environmentally responsible manner.

Simply put, Columbia Gateway is the most important economic revitalization and job-creation development project in Clark County. We at the port take this responsibility seriously, and we have worked diligently to deliver what Clark County residents have told us they want.

On Dec. 9, the port's Board of Commissioners will decide on a staff recommendation for a preferred alternative -development plan- for the Columbia Gateway site. The port has built this plan carefully, based on a complete analysis, by environmental experts of the development's effects on natural areas; a market study of local, domestic and international business by experts in industrial and maritime development; and ideas and concerns from local citizens and groups.

It has been a thorough and inclusive process that we are convinced will ultimately result in what county residents want: desirable jobs and a stronger economy, but not at the expense of harming our natural environment.

The recent settlement between the Port of Vancouver and the Columbia River Alliance for Nurturing the Environment and its president, Paul King, has successfully moved Columbia Gateway closer to reality. The port is very pleased to have found common ground and mutually beneficial results with King that provide for protection of important natural areas and a commitment to move forward not only on the Columbia Gateway project but on the Columbia River channel improvement project as well.

Obstacle removed

The settlement removed a significant obstacle to each of these important projects. We are convinced this decision will save taxpayers' money, maximize the use of developable land and result in businesses and jobs moving into Columbia Gateway.

The port believes the resolution of differences with CRANE is an agreement that is in keeping with development restrictions that were already apparent as a result of discussions with natural resource regulatory agencies. Parcels 4 and 5, the pieces of land located north of the Vancouver Lake flushing channel that are included in the CRANE settlement, were already identified by regulators as land necessary for environmental mitigation.

Regulatory agencies will further refine the mitigation plan and have ultimate jurisdiction over what natural resources must be protected. The port sees the regulatory process and the CRANE settlement as two means to a mutual end, and we are committed to making environmental stewardship a hallmark of the Columbia Gateway project.

The port commission's selection of a preferred alternative will ensure access to the domestic and international marketplace; serve as a major driver of Clark County's economy; and create and maintain long-term, high-quality jobs, all while incorporating a commitment to preservation of important natural areas for Clark County residents.

Larry Paulson serves as Executive Director of the Port of Vancouver and on the board of the Columbia River Channel Coalition.