PORT OF VANCOUVER TO REFINE ITS "PLAN B" AFTER IDD LEVY DEFEAT (8/23/07)

For Immediate Release

VANCOUVER, Wash.-The Port of Vancouver USA will continue its efforts to bring more jobs to Clark County and to provide increased tax revenue for public services through a modified development plan in response to the defeat of its proposed Industrial Development District levy in the August 21, 2007 primary election.

“We’re disappointed,” said Executive Director Larry Paulson. “But the community has let us know they’re not in support of the IDD levy, regardless of whether they agree with our development plans. We will take into account the community’s message while we reconsider our plans for growth and development.”

The port's mission is to create jobs and economic benefit for our community, and thus the port has developed plans to do this, and has successfully brought tenants and customers to Southwest Washington. In the coming weeks and months, the port will re-assess how to maximize its resources and opportunities to create jobs and support community services for many years to come.

“We are encouraged that the community is now beginning to be more aware of port issues and what the port does,” Paulson said. “We welcome continued community involvement as we move forward.”

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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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