Murray secures federal funding for West Vancouver Freight Access

VANCOUVER, Wash. – U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D, Wash.) has helped secure the largest federal appropriation yet for the Port of Vancouver USA’s West Vancouver Freight Access project.

The $2,922,000 appropriation was included in the final version of the FY 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act, and will be used to build rail lines in and around the port facilities, including a loop at the port’s new Terminal 5.

“This appropriation shows confidence and ongoing support for our project,” said Port of Vancouver USA Commission President Nancy Baker. “This is much needed stimulus in a down economy. It’s going to build infrastructure that will help the port be ready to provide jobs as the economy recovers.”

It is just one part of the complete $137 million West Vancouver Freight Access project, which is projected to create a total of 1,900 construction-related jobs and will significantly increase the port’s ability to provide expanded rail service to its current maritime customers and industrial tenants, as well as provide for the growth of the port bringing new businesses and new jobs to the region.

“Completion of the West Vancouver Freight Access project is critical to the future economic growth of the Southwest Washington region,” said the port’s Executive Director Larry Paulson. “Thousands of jobs, and substantial economic benefits, are associated with the project.

Upon its completion – expected in 2017 – the West Vancouver Freight Access project will allow for reduced congestion and improved velocity through the convergence of BNSF Railway’s north-south and east-west mainlines which are a major choke point in Vancouver.
 
“Again, Sen. Murray has shown she understands the needs of our state and this region and has helped secure the funding required to get this important freight mobility and economic development project completed,” Paulson said.

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.

The Port of Vancouver is in the midst of a year full of projects and developments that will lead to vital job creation, economic stimulation and environmental preservation. By diversifying its cargo mix between bulk commodities, breakbulk and project cargos, the port is responsible for job generation and significant contributions to the tax base for not only its own community, but also the state of Washington. Current expansion of the port’s rail system and development of new port industrial and marine properties will bring new jobs – both short term and long term – and the preservation of wetlands, the creation of enhanced wildlife habitat, and make way for more green/sustainable business partners operating from the port. For more information, please visit us at www.portvanusa.com.

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At A Glance

Who: Port of Vancouver USA
What: Federal funding for rail construction, job creation
When: December 24, 2009
Where: Vancouver, Wash.
Quick Facts: The Port of Vancouver received nearly $3 million for rail construction, which is creating jobs in Vancouver . . . U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, chair of the Senate’s Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee fought to secure federal support for SW Washington projects.