Port of Vancouver USA Named 2010 Port of the Year

VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) has named the Port of Vancouver USA the 2010 Port of the Year.  The announcement was made November 19 at the association's annual meeting in Tacoma.

Each year, WPPA honors a WPPA member port for leadership and innovation in economic development efforts.  The association's Executive Committee chooses the winning port from a pool of nominees.

According to the WPPA, the Port of Vancouver was honored for creating transportation connections including the June 2010 completion of a state-of-the-art unit train facility at the port's recently developed Terminal 5.   The $14 million project, part of the ongoing West Vancouver Freight Access rail improvement project, was completed on-time and on-budget.  The award also acknowledges the port's role as a sponsor port in the recently completed Lower Columbia Channel Deepening Project.

"The Port of Vancouver was presented this award because of their tremendous recent success in bringing jobs and investment to Clark County.  They are a shining example of how to spur job-creation, and they have been recognized by their peers for their hard work." noted WPPA Executive Director Eric Johnson.

The port's investments to date are attracting almost $400 million in private investment and the anticipated creation of between 1,000 and 2,000 new, permanent jobs and nearly 4,000 construction jobs.

"A prospective major tenant at the Port of Vancouver said they were drawn to the port because of the capability and professionalism of its staff and by the significant investment the port had made in rail infrastructure.  The Port of the Year award is a reflection on the staff and the economic vitality they bring to Vancouver," said Jerry Oliver, Port of Vancouver Commission President.

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.

About the Washington Public Ports Association

The Washington Public Ports Association represents 75 port districts throughout the State of Washington. These districts offer a wide range of services, including marine terminals, barge facilities, industrial development, tourism promotion, marinas, airports, and railroads.

The WPPA serves as a link, networking all ports in a cooperative effort to share information and address issues such as our global economy/international trade and regional economic development.

- POV -