Public Records Request

What changes have been made to the Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act in response to COVID-19? 

Governor Inslee issued Proclamation 20-28 (Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act) on March 24, 2020.  

This proclamation temporarily prohibits in-person contacts with the public that are required by the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) (RCW 42.30) and the Public Records Act (PRA) (RCW 42.56), suspending some statutory language that would require such contacts.  This proclamation also temporarily suspends the PRA’s requirements for agencies to respond to PRA requests for public records within five business days from receipt, and to maintain business hours for public inspection and copying of records for a minimum of 30 hours per week. It is effective from March 24, 2020 until midnight, December 7, 2020, unless extended beyond that date. Please read the proclamation for details and to see the list of citations to the specific OPMA and PRA statutes or portions of statutes that are temporarily suspended. 

The Port of Vancouver is committed to providing full assistance to those seeking access to port records. As a special-purpose municipal corporation that serves the citizens of Clark County, the port complies with the Washington State Public Records Act Chapter 42.56 RCW.

Public records requests should include:

• Requestor’s name, address and contact information;
• Sufficient description of public records to aid in the location and production of the requested items; and
• Date of request.

To submit a Public Records Request contact the port’s designated Public Records Officer at info@portvanusa.com, call 360-693-3611, or submit a Public Records Request Form.

Please read the Fee Schedule for printing and copying details, and review Important Information Regarding Public Records Requests for additional details.

Many public records are currently available on the port’s website at no cost. Examples include the current year’s budget and Board of Commissioners meeting minutes for the current and previous year.