Coleman adamant: Livability and Economic Development not mutually exclusive (VIDEO)

WE CAN HAVE BOTH. (VIEW VIDEO)

A participant in The Columbian’s 2014 Economic Forecast Breakfast, Port of Vancouver CEO Todd Coleman cautioned the community not to pit economic development against livability.

“Right now, for the port, the proposed Tesoro-Savage oil terminal is at the center of a very dynamic community conversation – which is happening at a time when our region, our nation – and the world is debating the use of fossil fuels,” said Coleman. “But regardless of how you feel about the project, I don’t believe a vibrant city and a thriving industrial area are mutually exclusive. We don’t have to choose. We can have both.”

In his eight-minute presentation, Coleman goes on to share his perspective on the oil terminal’s rigorous environmental review process, the need for community partnerships, and the importance of building a sustainable community through balance.