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For Immediate Release

PORT OF VANCOUVER INJECTS $1.6 BILLION
IN ECONOMIC BENEFITS
New Study Shows More Jobs, Revenues & Economic Activity

Click here to download The Ripple Effect/Ecomomic Impacts Study Results PDF

Click here to download the Martin Associates Port Economic Impact Presentation PDF

Click here to view the CVTV coverage of the CREDC Luncheon

July 10, 2006 -- In a new economic impacts study, Port of Vancouver, USA can once again show its horsepower as an economic engine, bringing an overall $1.6 billion in regional economic benefits. This can be further translated to supporting 15,580 jobs, $763.6 million in personal income, and $81.8 million in state and local taxes for public services.

"The increase in jobs and revenue continues to demonstrate that the port is a cornerstone to our community's economic health," said Larry Paulson, port executive director. "Vancouver's access to international maritime trade routes and two national railroad systems, along with its position at the nexus of major national highways, allows this port to deliver.

Paulson said the port's location, combined with available land, is good news for Clark County's future, bringing jobs and a steady stream of revenue into our community.

The study examined economic impacts created by marine cargo handled at Port of Vancouver, and by industrial tenants located at the port. Economic benefits were estimated in terms of jobs, personal earnings, business revenue, and state and local taxes generated during 2005.

The study was conducted by Martin Associates of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a national expert on port economics. The data will facilitate marine terminal planning and future industrial development.

In 2005, marine cargo activity at the port generated a total of $877.1 million of total economic activity in the region, region, supporting 13,075 maritime-related jobs. In addition, the port currently serves as landlord to 50 companies that operate a diverse range of light to heavy industrial businesses, including manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, storage and distribution services.

The port is owned by Port of Vancouver district taxpayers and funded by a combination of operating revenues, state and federal appropriations and a property tax levy (about $80 per year for the average homeowner). Port revenues cover annual operating costs and a portion of capital expenditures. Levy proceeds may only be spent on capital improvements for the port and environmental cleanup.

The impact of Port of Vancouver's marine cargo and industrial activities and the economic ripple effect of these operations are broken down by the study as follows:

Total regional economic value of $1.6 billion

• $658 million - Value of Port cargo movement
  
• $940 million - Total business sales revenues
  
• $720.8 million industrial
  
• $219 million marine
  

• 2,268 direct jobs
  
• 3,644 induced & indirect jobs
  
• 9,668 jobs influenced by importers & exporters moving cargo over port's marine terminals
  

*Direct, induced and indirect jobs increased from 5,500 in 2000 to 5,912 in 2005.

Generates overall job income of $763.6 million includes payroll, re-spending & consumption activity. The average annual wage for a port-generated job is $43,541.

Total state & local tax revenue generated by port activities is $81.8 million.

• $11.1 million industrial
  
• $30.5 million marine
  
• $40.2 million influenced by cargo movement

More information on the Economic Impacts Study is available on the Port of Vancouver Website at http://www.portvanusa.com.

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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CONTACTS:

Maureen Chan-Hefflin, Port of Vancouver, (360) 992-1107 or email: mhefflin@PortVanUSA.com