Op Ed – Coleman: Partnerships, community input shape port’s Terminal 1 project
This letter, written by Port of Vancouver USA CEO Todd Coleman, was published in the Sept. 27 edition of the Columbian.
Earlier this month, the Port of Vancouver USA unveiled the draft preferred concept for the Terminal 1 Waterfront Project at a televised public workshop. It was an exciting day for the port and our community.
Serving as a prominent entrance to the state of Washington, Terminal 1 is the birthplace of the port and is poised for revitalization. This prime waterfront property is situated between a proposed development by Columbia Waterfront LLC, the City of Vancouver’s waterfront park, and a vibrant downtown core.
The tremendous possibilities for Terminal 1 could include active public areas, a river cruise terminal and recreational boat dock, a hotel, retail and commercial space, and affordable residential units. The port envisions a public marketplace as a regional draw to the historic waterfront. The public marketplace will be a unique public and private partnership and an iconic feature that celebrates our region’s history.
We are excited about the future of the waterfront and the partnerships that have formed to bring it to fruition. The port’s involvement began when we participated in the Vancouver City Center Vision adopted in 2007. Shortly thereafter, Boise Cascade requested that the port assist with property transactions required to pave the way for the future development of the waterfront properties. From that point forward, the port participated in partnerships that created the infrastructure that literally laid the groundwork to where the waterfront is today.
We worked closely with BNSF Railway to remove a spur track that divided the waterfront property, and to facilitate property transfers required between the city of Vancouver, Boise Cascade, BNSF and the port. The port constructed underpasses at Grant and Esther streets, bringing the port’s investment in waterfront infrastructure to $16 million.
Most recently, our partnership with the city included contracting the construction of utilities in the brand-new Columbia Way, preserving $5.7 million in a Transportation Improvement Board grant that may have otherwise expired due to conditions on matching funds. Last week, we joined the city in celebrating the grand opening of Columbia Way at the waterfront. We congratulate them on this huge milestone.
Thriving gateway
We are working with our economic development partners to create a unique business and public space that differs from and complements neighboring developments, while providing a thriving gateway to the Columbia Waterfront project and the city’s new park. For a decade, we have worked closely with them to ensure the success of all.
While we are proud of our longstanding partnerships with the city of Vancouver, the Columbia River Economic Development Council, Clark County, Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, Identity Clark County, Vancouver’s Downtown Association, Visit Vancouver USA, the waterfront project and more, there is no partner greater than you, the citizens of this community.
I want to thank you for your participation as this plan comes together. More than 100 citizens attended our public open house on the waterfront project, hundreds more of you have submitted written comments and we have received valuable feedback through dozens of presentations to community groups.
Your input and our partnerships are shaping the Terminal 1 project. If you have not yet commented on this project, I would encourage you to visit our website at www.portvanusa.com and share your feedback. You can also view previous workshops on Terminal 1 at www.cvtv.org.
The Columbian said in a recent editorial, “When you are a public entity, good citizenry involves putting aside self-interests and working for the betterment of the community.” I couldn’t agree more. Together, we are all the architects of Vancouver’s future.