newspapersInterested in what others are saying about the Port of Vancouver USA? The following are stories by local and national media sources — as well as industry publications — that mention the port. But don’t stop here. Exploring our website is a great way to learn more about what’s happening on our marine terminals and in our industrial areas. 

 

 

The Columbian – December 26, 2013
Neighbors seek ban of big rigs on 39th Street
More than a year has passed since Greg Martin and a few of his neighbors in west Vancouver’s Lincoln neighborhood started distributing signs reading, “No semis on 39th!” All he’s heard from city officials about increased truck traffic on the two-lane street has been the “usual political blah-blah-blah,” said Martin, a retired city firefighter who has lived on 39th Street for 32 years. Read more.

Sustainable Business Oregon – December 19, 2013
Port of Vancouver oil terminal plan prompts geyser of comments
If there was ever a doubt that passions are running high over a proposed oil terminal at the Port of Vancouver, the gush of recent comments should put it to rest. According to The Columbian, more than 31,000 comments poured in during a public comment period that ended Wednesday. Read more.

The Columbian – December 18, 2013
Port of Vancouver oil terminal plan gets 31,000 comments
The state agency reviewing a proposed oil terminal at the Port of Vancouver piled up more than 31,000 comments before Wednesday’s deadline passed. The controversial oil-by-rail facility, proposed by Tesoro Corp. and Savage Companies, has taken on a higher profile than any project recently reviewed by the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council. Read more.

OPB – December 11, 2013
The Columbian: Vancouver Asks For Thorough Oil Study
Vancouver neighborhoods cut off from fire and police protection by increased train traffic. A highly volatile commodity traveling near homes. An industrial area prone to liquefying in an earthquake. Read more.

The Columbian – December 10, 2013
Vancouver oil terminal plan concerns Spokane
SPOKANE — Last year, a train carrying crude oil from North Dakota chugged across Eastern Washington en route to a Puget Sound refinery. The oil train was the first for the region, but oil shipments through Spokane could become common in the future. Read more.

The Columbian – December 10, 2013
Letter: Port acreage offers options
In the debate over the proposed oil terminal at the Port of Vancouver, the opponents have rightly raised concerns about safety, environmental damage and oil train conflicts with Vancouver’s riverfront development. Along with these arguments, it is important to also understand that the port has options. Read more.

The Columbian – December 9, 2013
Letter: At a minimum, risk causes concern
The Port of Vancouver’s oil terminal lease allows for build-out of a second facility. It also allows the possible export of high-sulfur Alberta tar sands crude. (An accidental hydrogen sulfide release at the port could sicken or kill thousands within minutes.) Read more.

The Columbian – November 30, 2013
Letter: Prepare for disaster if deal is set
I was among dozens of people not given time to speak at the Port of Vancouver commissioners meeting regarding the proposed oil terminal. While there was unanimity in the testimony against the project, the people cited noble causes such as quality of life and protecting the environment as well as our health. Read more.

The Columbian – November 25, 2013
Letter: Urge council to oppose oil terminal
On Oct. 29, I sat in Gaiser Hall at Clark Community College with more than 300 people. One by one, a citizen went to the microphone. In each case, the citizens expressed concerns about the Tesoro-Savage proposal to bring 380,000 barrels of crude oil a day into the Port of Vancouver. Read more.

Sustainable Business Oregon – November 19, 2013
Environmental groups expand lawsuit to block Tesoro oil terminal
Environmental groups opposed to a proposed oil terminal at the Port of Vancouver aren’t giving up their fight. Columbia Riverkeeper, the Sierra Club and the Northwest Environmental Defense Center have expanded an earlier lawsuit to block a lease for the Tesoro Savage Petroleum Terminal. Read more.

The Columbian – November 16, 2013
Port announces completion of Gateway Avenue project
The Port of Vancouver says a $17.3 million project aimed at moving cargo in a safer and more efficient manner is complete. The Gateway Avenue grade separation project realigned Gateway and constructed a 3,100-foot bridge over the port’s expanding rail network. Read more.

Vancouver Business Journal – November 15, 2013
Port of Vancouver completes “good for business” overpass project
Build it, and they will come. And then when they do come, you need to build some more. The most recent infrastructure addition at the Port of Vancouver – a bridge over the train tracks at Gateway Avenue – opened to traffic on October 18. Read more.

The Columbian – November 12, 2013
Port of Vancouver commissioners approve 2014 budget
The Port of Vancouver Board of Commissioners on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve a budget of $86.42 million for 2014. That’s up roughly 46 percent from this year’s total projected budget of about $59 million. Read more.

The Columbian – November 11, 2013
Public has longer to weigh in on Vancouver oil terminal plan
The state agency reviewing a proposed oil terminal at the Port of Vancouver says it’s giving the public more time to comment on the project as part of an environmental-impact evaluation. The scoping period, launched Oct. 3 and originally scheduled to wrap up Nov. 18, will now last until 5 p.m. Dec. 18. Read more. 

San Antonio Business Journal – November 8, 2013
Tesoro increase Bakken crude shipments to its Northern California refinery
San Antonio-based Tesoro Corp. has tripled the amount of Bakken Shale crude shipped by rail to its Golden Eagle refinery in Northern California, CEO Greg Goff told analysts this week. Read more.

The Columbian – November 7, 2013
Port of Vancouver to increase spending in 2014
It will not impose 1% tax hike; focus to be on infrastructure work
The Port of Vancouver expects to head into 2014 with a beefed-up spending plan to pay for continued construction of its rail network, the purchase of a key property for future expansion, and other infrastructure improvements. The port says it won’t impose the 1 percent property tax hike it’s allowed annually under state law. Read more.

The Columbian – October 29, 2013
Oil terminal plan foes pack hearing
State regulators begin evaluating proposal for Vancouver facility
As state regulators prepare to vet a controversial plan to build the region’s largest oil-handling terminal in Vancouver, hundreds of opponents on Tuesday delivered an overwhelming message: The damage and risk from such an operation would reach well beyond Vancouver and Clark County, opponents said. Read more.

The Columbian – October 29, 2013
Tesoro, Savage officials address concerns
They discuss safety, environmental issues with oil-terminal plan
The yearlong regulatory journey to decide the fate of what would become in Vancouver the largest oil-handling operation in the Pacific Northwest officially launched Tuesday evening. Ahead of Tuesday’s environmental scoping hearing, convened by the Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, the companies proposing the controversial project — Tesoro Corp. and Savage Companies — offered to field questions from The Columbian and to explain their joint venture. Read more.

KOIN 6 News – October 29, 2013
Oil backers promise state-of-art station
Oil terminal hearings continue Tuesday
VANCOUVER, Wash. (KOIN) — It was another heated debate Monday night over whether to build an oil transfer facility at the Port of Vancouver. Read more.

The Columbian – October 29, 2013
Oil terminal hearing is tonight
Two days of public comment conducted by the state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council continues tonight at Clark College. The proposal by Tesoro Corp. and Savage Companies to build the largest oil-handling operation in the Pacific Northwest at the Port of Vancouver began its yearlong regulatory journey Monday. Read more.

Associated Press – October 27, 2013
More oil trains expected in Washington under proposals
Existing, proposed projects would be capable of moving nearly 800,000 barrels per day
SEATTLE — Hundreds of trains carrying crude oil could soon be chugging across the Northwest, bringing potential jobs and revenues but raising concerns about oil spills, increased train and vessel traffic and other issues. Read more.

The Columbian – October 26, 2013
In Our View: Cheers & Jeers
Little Free Library truly priceless; port officials compound earlier mistake
Carla Schreiber is the kind of community-building neighbor we all should have. The east Vancouver resident — along with her husband, Bob Whitt — has a library of sorts in her front yard. The Little Free Library — a handcrafted, weatherproof bookcase that holds three shelves, invites passers-by to take a book or leave a book or add to the collection. Read more.

Progressive Railroading – October 25, 2013
Washington state port’s commission approves crude facility lease a second time
The Port of Vancouver USA’s Board of Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a 10-year lease for the Tesoro Savage Petroleum Terminal (TSPT), a crude-oil handling facility proposed at the Washington state port. Read more.

The Columbian – October 23, 2013
Both sides in labor dispute call negotiations ‘fruitful’
Union dockworkers and grain-terminal owners in the Northwest, who’ve sparred for more than a year over terms of a new labor contract, said Wednesday that renewed negotiations this week have been fruitful. Read more.

Associated Press (News Tribune) – October 22, 2013
Port of Vancouver again OKs oil terminal lease
Commissioners for the Port of Vancouver have again approved a lease agreement with two companies seeking to build a terminal to receive crude oil shipments by train. Read more.

Vancouver Business Journal – October 22, 2013
Port Commission approves lease with Tesoro Savage
After more than two hours of public comment on Tuesday, the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners approved a 10-year lease with the Tesoro Savage Petroleum Terminal (TSPT) for a crude oil handling facility at the port. Read more.

The Columbian – October 22, 2013
Port of Vancouver again approves oil terminal lease
Faced with charges it shut the public out of a discussion and final decision to approve an oil terminal lease, the Port of Vancouver on Tuesday held a new meeting and took another vote, again unanimously approving the controversial deal after listening to clashing public testimony. Read more.

The Columbian – October 22, 2013
Commissioners agree to tie their salaries to Port of Vancouver revenues
The Port of Vancouver’s elected commissioners unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday that provides commissioners salary increases tied to the port’s financial performance. Read more.

The Columbian – October 21, 2013
Port commissioners consider pay increase
Proposal would tie their compensation to port’s financial performance
The Port of Vancouver’s elected commissioners would receive salary increases tied to the port’s financial performance under a proposal to overhaul the amount they’re paid for their work, which includes reviewing and approving leases, budgets and strategic plans, and overseeing the port’s executive director. Read more.

The Columbian – October 21, 2013
In Our View: Port Tries Do-over
Reopening discussion on oil terminal calls for deliberate approach this time
There still are many hurdles to be cleared and many questions to be answered regarding a proposed oil terminal at the Port of Vancouver, but officials are attempting to take a step in the right direction — by stepping backward. The question is whether they will go far enough. Read more.

Northwest Public Radio – October 18, 2013
Oil-By-Rail Terminal Back On The Table For Vancouver, WA
The Port Commission of Vancouver is holding a public meeting on Tuesday to reopen discussion on controversial oil by rail terminal. Environmental groups sued the Vancouver Port Commission earlier this summer, alleging the Port violated rules that required public meetings about the project. Read more/listen.

Vancouver Business Journal – October 18, 2013
Port commission to cast new vote on oil terminal lease
The Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, October 22, to attend to five action items, including consideration of a lease with the Tesoro Savage Petroleum Terminal. Read more.

The Columbian – October 17, 2013
Port of Vancouver to reopen oil lease for new discussion and vote
The Port of Vancouver said Thursday it will reopen its lease for a controversial oil terminal to a new discussion and vote next week in light of concerns that it violated the state’s open public meetings law when it originally approved the $45 million deal in July. Read more.

OPB – October 8, 2013
Port of Vancouver Approves $17M Land Purchase
The Port of Vancouver voted unanimously Tuesday to spend $17 million to purchase 95 acres of land. The plot is made up of four parcels of land that are currently sandwiched between properties the port already owns. Read more/listen.

The Columbian – October 8, 2013
Port of Vancouver approves deal to secure key property
Key property will aid efforts toward westward expansion
The Port of Vancouver Board of Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a deal to bring up to 95 acres under port ownership, opening a path to extend rails and roads westward in a long-term effort to make hundreds of additional acres available to employers and cargo shippers. Read more. 

The Columbian – October 8, 2013
Dockworkers union, grain group set talks
Port of Vancouver says it will pay for local mediator
A softening of the standoff between union dockworkers and grain terminal owners in Vancouver and Portland emerged Tuesday as the parties confirmed they’ll return to the bargaining table in hopes of settling the dispute over workplace hiring and other rules. Meanwhile, the Port of Vancouver said it’s willing to hire a local mediator and pay that person’s costs to help the parties resolve their quarrel. Read more.

The Columbian – October 7, 2013
Oil boom reverberates in Clark County
Crude from bustling North Dakota wells could flow through here if a proposed oil terminal is built at the Port of Vancouver
A proposed terminal at the Port of Vancouver would handle oil drawn from the Bakken formation of North Dakota, where an oil boom has dramatically altered the landscape in the last three years. Former Clark County resident Chris Piche is among those who moved to the region to pursue opportunity. Read more.

The Columbian – October 5, 2013
Public can weigh in on oil terminal
Tesoro-Savage proposal on agenda for Oct. 28-29
The agency reviewing a proposal to build an oil terminal at the Port of Vancouver said Wednesday the public is invited to weigh in on the controversial matter at back-to-back public meetings on Oct. 28 and 29. Read more.

OPB – October 3, 2013
Environmental Groups Sue To Overturn Vancouver Oil Terminal Lease
The Tesoro-Savage terminal would transport up to 380,000 barrels of oil through the Port of Vancouver. The Port Commission approved a lease for the project in July. Read more/listen.

The Columbian – September 30, 2013
Tesoro, Savage explain oil-by-rail plans
Representatives of the two companies that want to build a controversial oil terminal at the Port of Vancouver said Monday night they will operate the facility safely and that they approach doing business in a community as neighbors, bringing charitable and other community-support programs in tow. Read more.

The Columbian – September 29, 2013
Local View: Union, grain firm must seek resolution to conflict
By Todd Coleman
It’s been nearly a year since the contract between the grain handlers and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union expired, and more than six months since United Grain Corp. locked union members out of the grain elevator at the Port of Vancouver. The ongoing labor dispute, which becomes more volatile and dangerous as each day passes, is hurting our community and needs to be resolved. Read more.

The Columbian – September 26, 2013
Maritime unions cry foul on grain companies
Two maritime unions say United Grain Corp. at the Port of Vancouver and Columbia Grain in Portland are employing an unqualified, nonunion tug and towboat operator to move grain amid the companies’ ongoing lockout of union dockworkers, exposing people and the environment to danger on the region’s waterways. Read more. 

Progressive Railroading – September 25, 2013
Washington state port onto second phase of rail entrance project
Construction recently began on a piling-supported, watertight trench designed to support a new grade-separated rail entrance into the Port of Vancouver USA in Vancouver, Wash. Read more.

Railway Track and Structures – September 25, 2013
Port of Vancouver USA begins next phase of rail entrance project
On July 29, 2013, Port of Vancouver USA in the state of Washington began phase two construction of a rail entrance project. This included the construction of a piling supported, watertight trench that will support the new grade separated rail entrance into the port. Read more.

The Columbian – September 16, 2013
State auditor to review port’s handling of oil terminal meeting
The Washington State Auditor’s Office will examine the Port of Vancouver’s decision to bar the public from a discussion of a controversial oil terminal as part of its next regular review of the port in April 2014. Meanwhile, the port says it has employed a new procedure to ensure it complies with the state’s open public meetings law. Read more.

The Columbian – September 12, 2013
Tesoro-Savage files papers to secure permit for Vancouver oil terminal
If approved, it would be the largest oil-handling operation in the Northwest
In seeking a permit to build an oil terminal at the Port of Vancouver, Tesoro Corp. and Savage Companies want to haul oil by train from the Bakken site in North Dakota to Vancouver. Read more.

The Columbian – September 10, 2013
Grain inspections resume at Port of Vancouver
Vancouver police help insure safety of officials
A situation that had threatened to foul up the movement of grain at the Port of Vancouver has been resolved, for now, thanks to a closer working relationship between the Washington state Department of Agriculture and Vancouver police. Read more.

The Columbian – September 10, 2013
Coast Guard: Barge set adrift on Columbia River
Coast Guard officials say it appears that someone intentionally set a loaded grain barge adrift on the Columbia River. Read more.

Sidney Herald (Richland County, Montana) – September 7, 2013
Williston Summit showcases opportunities in Bakken
The Williston Summit took place this week in Williston, N.D. The invitation-only event was for investors, developers, and businesses, along with real estate, rail, oil, and gas industry representatives. Read more.

The Columbian – September 4, 2013
Should Columbia River be a ‘fossil-fuel superhighway’?
Environmentalist puts different perspective on oil-by-rail facility proposed for Port of Vancouver
A representative of the environmental organization Columbia Riverkeeper said Wednesday the proposal to build the Pacific Northwest’s largest oil terminal at the Port of Vancouver, among other similar fossil-fuel projects, poses an essential question to communities along the river: Do we want the Columbia River to become a “fossil-fuel superhighway” or a destination waterfront? Read more.

The Columbian – September 3, 2013
State grain inspectors balked at port gate
Matters related to United Grain must pass pickets or facility could be shuttered
A gate is a simple tool, flung open or shut depending on the circumstances. But the Port of Vancouver’s main gate, at West 26th Avenue, is an entirely different matter. Who gets to use it is fraught with potential for significant economic repercussions for Clark County and international trade. Read more.

The Columbian – September 1, 2013
Clark County in national spotlight in fight over coal and oil terminals
To hear Ken Miller tell it, coal’s rise as an export commodity in Southwest Washington is unstoppable. “There is no local, state or federal regulation that this project can’t meet or exceed,” Miller, president and CEO of Millennium Bulk Terminals-Longview, said of his company’s plan to export up to 44 million metric tons of coal annually to slake Asia’s thirst for energy. Read more.

The Columbian – August 29, 2013
In our view: Intimidation Must Not Win
Labor dispute at port should not be reduced to thuglike tactics
As the months-long dispute between local longshore workers and United Grain continues to fester at the Port of Vancouver, intimidation tactics must not be allowed to influence the standoff. Read more. 

The Columbian – August 27, 2013
State grain inspectors warn they’ll leave port
Workers say they feel unsafe when crossing longshore picket lines
The Washington state Department of Agriculture says it will soon stop providing grain inspection services at United Grain Corp.’s facility at the Port of Vancouver unless steps are taken to make it safer for its inspectors to cross picket lines to conduct their work. Read more.

Vancouver Business Journal – August 23, 2013
Federal grants to help Port of Vancouver build new bike path
The Port of Vancouver has been awarded two grants from the Federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), which funds projects that support safe and efficient alternative transportation. These grants total approximately $350,000 and will allow the port to accelerate plans to provide safe bike and pedestrian access along port property on Northwest Lower River Road. Read more.

Friday, August 23, 2013
New bike/pedestrian trail is coming, but slowly
Aficionados lead officials on first piece of a planned 3.7-mile path
Wheels of different sizes and speeds took to Lower River Road on Friday afternoon. Some of them were huge, hauling freight and racing along in groups of 18 at 50 mph. Read more.

The Globe and Mail – August 22, 2013
BHP’s sales plan latest blow to Canpotex pricing power
BHP Billiton Ltd. is honing its strategy to sell Saskatchewan potash on its own to Asian customers, sidestepping Canada’s export marketing agency for the farming commodity. Read more.

The Columbian – August 22, 2013
BHP signals commitment to Port of Vancouver project
Mining giant’s $2.6B investment bodes well for potash export facility
Global mining giant BHP Billiton says it will spend $2.6 billion over the next several years to complete work on a portion of its Jansen mine in Canada’s Saskatchewan province. It’s a step, the Port of Vancouver said Wednesday, that indicates the company’s commitment to building an export facility at the port’s Terminal 5 to ship potash — a crop nutrient — primarily to Asian markets. Read more.

MarineLink.com – August 20, 2013
Port of Vancouver Welcomes Maiden Voyage Car Carrier
The Port of Vancouver USA welcomes the ‘Metis Leader’ commanded by Capt. Nicanor V. Alcala of the Philippines on her maiden voyage to the United States, informs Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS). Read more.

The Columbian – August 20, 2013
Port to extend Lower River Road bike path
The Port of Vancouver has received two federal grants totaling about $350,000 to improve bicycle and pedestrian paths along port property on Northwest Lower River Road. Read more.

The Oregonian – August 19, 2013
Port of Vancouver to extend multiuse path that will eventually connect downtown to Vancouver Lake
The Port of Vancouver is slowly piecing together a 3.7-mile path that will connect the city’s downtown and popular recreation spots, taking bicycle commuters and recreational cyclists off a heavily trafficked freight corridor. Read more.

Fox News – August 16, 2013
Environmental activists locked in battle over oil trains – VIDEO
Click to view video coverage which includes comments by Commission President Jerry Oliver.

The Columbian – August 16, 2013
Cantwell stumps for U.S. farm bill
Congress’ inaction is threat to trade, the senator says
Sen. Maria Cantwell said Friday that a failure by Congress to pass a long-overdue farm bill would amount to a huge lost opportunity for Washington’s agricultural industry and Clark County’s exporters to tap Asia’s rising demand for Northwest food products. Read more.

World Maritime News – August 16, 2013
Port of Vancouver USA Welcomes ‘Metis Leader’ on Her Maiden Voyage
The Port of Vancouver USA welcomed the Metis Leader commanded by Capt. Nicanor V. Alcala of the Philippines on her maiden voyage to the United States on August 14, 2013. Read more.

The Columbian – August 15, 2013
Inflatable rat joins Longshore picket line
Local members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, locked out by United Grain Corp. at the Port of Vancouver for more than five months, have introduced a new prop in their battle over a new contract with the company: a 12-foot-tall rat. Read more.

The Columbian – August 14, 2013
Executive discusses oil-terminal plan, says safety a top priority
Savage senior vice president speaks at Vancouver Rotary luncheon
A representative of the joint venture to build the biggest oil terminal in the Pacific Northwest at the Port of Vancouver said Wednesday his team expects to file the construction permit application to a state regulatory body by the end of this month. Read more. 

The Columbian – August 12, 2013
Port of Vancouver’s actions at meeting spur complaint
Auditor reviewing concerns over barring of public from discussion
The Washington state Auditor’s Office is reviewing a complaint filed by a Vancouver resident about the Port of Vancouver’s decision to bar the public from a discussion of a controversial proposal to build the Pacific Northwest’s biggest oil terminal. Read more.

Sustainable Business Oregon/Portland Business Journal – August 9, 2013
To Vancouver oil facility developers, it’s all about the jobs
Editor’s note: The following is a response to a recent blog that criticized an incoming oil facility at the Port of Vancouver.
The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful and unique regions in the world. It’s an area of great social consciousness, with a strong culture of citizen involvement in shaping the laws and policies that protect us from harm, while creating the potential for growth and prosperity. Read more.

The Columbian – August 9, 2013
In Our View: Valid Visions of Grandeur
Project plans show Clark County poised for bright future, but challenges remain
These are heady times for Vancouver, a period of endless possibility and visions of grandeur. Why, a quick scan of The Columbian in recent days shows the following… Read more.

The Columbian – August 7, 2013
Oil plan prompts waterfront worries
Safety concerns could scare off financing, tenants says project developer
A real estate developer charged with remaking Vancouver’s waterfront is warning that safety concerns surrounding a proposed oil terminal at the Port of Vancouver might make it tougher for him to pull off the showcase project that has attracted millions of dollars in public investment. Read more. 

The Columbian – August 7, 2013
Port of Vancouver’s potash future uncertain
Collapse of cartel has potential to push down prices
Becoming home to the Pacific Northwest’s largest oil-handling terminal isn’t the only goal on the Port of Vancouver’s to-do list. The port also wants to land a potash export facility, but its hope in that regard is running into global market headwinds. Read more.

DJC – August 5, 2013
Engineers should be more visible publicly
Unlike kids of old at the dinner table, engineers should be heard as well as seen. When there are opportunities to be heard, engineers should be there. The Port of Vancouver USA recently held a public hearing on a $100 million oil transshipment project. This is a significant investment for the port, and will be an important economic development project for the region. Read more.

The Columbian – August 5, 2013
Clark County freeholder races draw some veterans of local politics
34 candidates file for 15 positions
Monday was the first day to file as a Clark County freeholder candidate, and at least 34 residents, many of them familiar political figures, have already thrown their hats in the ring. Read more.

The Columbian – August 4, 2013
In Our View: Govern in Full View
Battle Ground schools, Port of Vancouver forget the value of public involvement
It should, it seems, be fairly simple for public officials to comply with the law when it comes to conducting the people’s business. Open-meeting laws have been in existence for decades, providing common-sense guidelines for elected officials. To summarize those laws: The public is your boss; it should know what you are doing when you’re on the job. Read more.

The Columbian – July 30, 2013
Port of Vancouver runs afoul of meetings law (with video)
Commissioners apparently committed violations when they met in private on oil terminal lease
Facing the opportunity to land the biggest oil terminal in the Pacific Northwest, the Port of Vancouver wanted to manage a highly lucrative lease deal with Tesoro Corp. and Savage Companies as smoothly as possible. The port settled into exclusive negotiations with the companies and moved the controversial project through public meetings. Read more. 

The Columbian – July 29, 2013
Port of Vancouver releases Tesoro-Savage lease
It requires firms to have $40 million in liability insurance
The Port of Vancouver on Monday released a copy of the lease it approved for 42 acres last week with Tesoro Corp. and Savage Companies to build the largest oil-handling terminal in the Pacific Northwest. The 429-page document shows the companies are required to maintain $25 million in “pollution legal liability insurance,” which would cover, among other things, claims for “bodily injury, property damage (including third-party claims)” and “natural resources damages.” Read more.

The Oregonian – July 29, 2013
Port of Vancouver unveils oil terminal lease approved last week
Six days after it was approved, the Port of Vancouver released a 42-acre lease with Tesoro-Savage for an oil terminal that could process up to 360,000 barrels a day of North Dakota crude. Read more. 

KOIN Local 6 – July 28, 2013
Anti-fuel activists rappel off I-5 bridge
A group of activists rappelled off the I-5 bridge to hang a sign protesting the proposed fossil fuel terminal at the Port of Vancouver. Hundreds of people gathered to protest a plan to bring oil, coal and gas through the Port of Vancouver. Read more.

OPB – July 27, 2013
Oil Terminal Fuels Vancouver Protest
Hundreds of people came to Vancouver’s waterfront today for a sun-baked demonstration against the fossil fuel industry, and its projects in the Northwest. The rally and march, organized by Portland Rising Tide, drew marchers from as far away as Benton County, Oregon and Olympia, Washington, with concerns about a range of processing and transportation projects. Read more. 

KOIN Local 6 – July 27, 2013
Inslee: ‘need process followed on oil port’
This week the Port of Vancouver commissioners approved a $45 million lease for slightly more than 40 acres of oil terminal facilities. Supporters say it will create 200 good-paying jobs, while opponents are concerned about the environmental impact. Read more.

Vancouver Business Journal – July 26, 2013
Port of Vancouver approves 10-year lease for oil export facility
The Port of Vancouver USA announced this week that its Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a 10-year lease with the Tesoro-Savage Joint Venture (TSJV) for a crude oil handling facility at the port. The project will bring North American crude oil to the port by rail where it will then be transferred to marine vessels for transport to refineries in California, Washington and Alaska. Read more. 

Petroleum News Bakken – July 26, 2013
Vancouver port OKs train terminal
A partnership of Tesoro and Savage has received a green light to take the next step towards shipping Bakken crude through the Port of Vancouver at the same time environmentalists are mounting opposition to the plan, building their case on this month’s Quebec rail disaster. Read more.

The Columbian – July 24, 2013
In Our View: A Difficult Balancing Act
Port commissioners’ decision is not the final call on oil terminal
For many years, Port of Vancouver commissioners have performed reasonably well in balancing the difficult demands of environmental concerns and economic development. We see no departure from that rational approach in the commissioners’ unanimous approval Tuesday of an oil terminal lease. Read more. 

Progressive Railroading – July 24, 2013
Washington state port approves lease for crude oil handling facility
The Port of Vancouver USA’s board yesterday approved a 10-year lease with the Tesoro-Savage Joint Venture (TSJV) for a proposed crude oil handling facility at the Washington state port. Read more. 

Maritime Executive – July 24, 2013
Port Commission Approves Lease with Tesoro-Savage
The Port of Vancouver USA announced that its Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a 10-year lease with the Tesoro-Savage Joint Venture (TSJV) for a crude oil handling facility at the port. The project, proposed by the port’s longtime tenant Tesoro in partnership with the logistics company Savage, will bring North American crude oil to the port by rail where it will then be transferred to marine vessels for transport to refineries in California, Washington and Alaska. Read more. 

Bellingham Herald – July 23, 2013
Vancouver oil port could help Whatcom refineries
Port of Vancouver commissioners voted Tuesday, July 30, to approve a lease for a Columbia River terminal that would take in crude oil by train from North Dakota and ship it to West Coast refineries. Read more.

The Columbian – July 23, 2013
Port of Vancouver unanimously approves oil terminal lease
State will still have to consent to plan
Port of Vancouver commissioners today unanimously approved leasing land for a controversial oil terminal despite overwhelming public testimony against the plan by Tesoro Corp. and Savage Companies to build the largest such facility in the Pacific Northwest. Read more. 

The Daily News – July 23, 2013
Port of Vancouver commissioners approve $100 million oil shipping terminal
Port of Vancouver commissioners approved Tuesday morning a controversial lease for a $100 million oil shipping terminal to export North Dakota crude. Tesoro Corp. and Savage Companies were seeking approval to build the facility to handle 380,000 barrels daily on a 42-acre site, the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. Read more.

The Oregonian – July 23, 2013
Largest crude terminal in Northwest gets nod from Port of Vancouver commission
The Port of Vancouver’s commission this morning endorsed building the largest crude oil terminal in the Northwest this morning. The vote was 3-0. Read more.

Sustainable Business Oregon (PBJ) – July 23, 2013
Vancouver Port greenlights oil facility
The Port of Vancouver USA approved a request to build a facility at the port to handle crude oil. The commission that leads the Port of Vancouver has OK’d a lease for an oil terminal that sparked strong opposition from environmental groups. Read more. 

KOIN 6 News – July 23, 2013
Vancouver port OKs oil train terminal
Port of Vancouver commissioners approved a 10-year, $45 million lease for 41 acres of oil terminal facilities at the port, a plan supporters say brings jobs while opponents worry about the environmental impact. Read more.

Bloomberg – July 23, 2013
Tesoro Rail Project in Washington Gets
Tesoro Corp. (TSO)’s proposal to build a 120,000-barrel-a-day crude-by-rail complex at the Port ofVancouver in Washington received approval by the port’s board of commissioners today. Read more.

OPB – July 23, 2013
Port of Vancouver Commission Approves Oil Terminal Lease
The Port of Vancouver Commission voted unanimously today to approve a lease for a controversial oil terminal proposed by Tesoro Corp. and Savage Companies. Commissioners said the benefits of the project outweigh the risks, and that if the terminal isn’t built at the Port of Vancouver it will be built somewhere else. Commissioner Brian Wolfe said it was “probably the hardest decision I’ve made as port commissioner” but that in the end, he saw more pros than cons. Read more.

KOMO News/Associated Press – July 23, 2013
Vancouver port commission OKs oil train terminal
Port of Vancouver commissioners voted Tuesday to approve a lease for a Columbia River terminal that would take in crude oil by train from North Dakota and ship it to West Coast refineries. Read more.

KOIN 6 News – July 22, 2013
SW Washington residents protest oil train plan
Dozens showed up in Vancouver Monday night to pay tribute to the victims of a fuel train that exploded in Quebec weeks ago. This comes after oil refinery Tesoro broached plans to bring fuel trains just like the one that exploded in Canada into downtown Vancouver. Those at Monday’s vigil also protested the proposal for the new Portland of Vancouver oil terminal. Read more.

The Columbian – July 22, 2013
Foes fill meeting on Port of Vancouver oil plan
Commissioners may take action or delay decision on proposed terminal today
In a high-stakes situation and under a national spotlight, Port of Vancouver commissioners are expected to take action this morning on a controversial proposal to build the largest oil terminal in the Pacific Northwest. Read more.

The Oregonian – July 22, 2013
Waterfront developer raises concerns about Port of Vancouver’s proposed oil terminal
The developer who wants to revive 32 acres along Vancouver’s waterfront urged the Port of Vancouver’s commission Monday night to delay plans for a train-fed crude oil terminal nearby. Read more.

The Columbian – July 22, 2013
Climate Parents, Columbia Riverkeeper plan protests of Tesoro, Savage port plan
The national group Climate Parents said Friday that local members will attend a Port of Vancouver commission meeting tonight to present commissioners a petition with 14,000 signatures demanding they reject the oil-by-train proposal by Tesoro Corp. and Savage Companies. Read more.

Port Finance International – July 22, 2013
Port of Vancouver USA to consider oil facility this week
The Port of Vancouver USA has said that its Board of Commissioners will meet on Tuesday to consider a lease with the Tesoro-Savage Joint Venture (TSJV) for a crude oil handling facility. Read more.

Portland Business Journal – July 22, 2013
Port of Vancouver sets stage for oil debate
The Port of Vancouver this evening will discuss leasing space for an oil-handling operation while opponents prepare new strategies to challenge the issue. Read more.

The Columbian – July 21, 2013
Protecting people, environment key in oil plan – Guest Editorial by Dan Riley and Kelly Flint
For Tesoro and Savage, partners in the proposed Vancouver crude oil terminal, safety and environmental stewardship are deeply ingrained in our culture, and we continuously work to keep our neighbors, employees and customers safe. Read more. 

The Oregonian – July 21, 2013
Amid safety concerns, big Port of Vancouver oil shipping terminal is up for approval this week
The Port of Vancouver’s commission could endorse building the largest crude oil terminal in the Northwest this week, though concerns about the safety of oil trains after a deadly accident in Quebec may delay the vote. Read more. 

The Columbian – July 19, 2013
Tesoro-Savage proposal opponents prep for fight at port
Commissioners to meet Monday, Tuesday on planAs the Port of Vancouver prepares next week to take action on a proposed oil-handling operation, opponents of what would be the largest such facility in the Pacific Northwest are rolling out new efforts to defeat it. Read more.

Earthfix/OPB – July 19, 2013
SW Washington Port Set For Crude Oil Vote
The Port of Vancouver Commission is scheduled to hold a workshop and a vote on a controversial oil terminal lease this week. The workshop is scheduled for Monday night, and the vote is on the commission’s agenda for Tuesday morning. Read more.

The Columbian – July 19, 2013
Gov. Inslee urges ILWU, United Grain to resolve dispute
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is urging the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and United Grain Corp. at the Port of Vancouver to settle their monthslong dispute, saying the bitter battle “has the potential of damaging the long-term reputation of Washington ports and has negatively impacted both the workers and the company.” Read more.

The Oregonian – July 18, 2013
Activists plan to take a stand against fossil fuel exports in Summer Heat protest
Climate activists will gather on the Vancouver Landing on the Columbia River Saturday in a stand against the fossil fuel industry. Read more.

KGW – July 17, 2013
Crude oil facility proposed in Vancouver
VANCOUVER — There is growing concern over a proposed crude oil terminal in Vancouver. Under the proposal, the facility would be built at the Port of Vancouver’s Terminal 5. If approved, up to 360,000 barrels of oil would eventually be hauled by train from North Dakota through the Gorge to the dock. That oil would then be loaded onto tankers and shipped down the Columbia River. Read/view more.

KOIN 6 – July 17, 2013
Port of Vancouver eyed for oil train route
Could plans to build an oil terminal on the Columbia River mean environmental disaster? That’s what critics of a proposed oil terminal said Wednesday night at a meeting in Vancouver at Clark College July 17, 2013. Read/view more.

The Columbian – July 17, 2013
Vancouver oil terminal plan draws attention of prominent environmentalist (with video)
Bill McKibben will speak tonight at Clark College
The proposal to build the largest oil terminal in the Pacific Northwest at the Port of Vancouver is no mere local controversy. Nationally known environmental activist Bill McKibben’s decision to tour the Columbia River on Wednesday morning put an exclamation point on that fact. Read/view more.

Earthfix/OPB – July 16, 2013
Could Coal Exports Run Through Vancouver Port?
U.S. coal exports are up, but the coal isn’t leaving the country through Pacific Northwest ports. Not yet. To date, Washington and Oregon have fielded six proposals for coal export terminals. Three of the projects are still active and moving through the environmental permitting process. Read more.

The Columbian – July 16, 2013
Documents reveal effort to reduce opposition to port oil plan
Companies spelled out approach prior to announcing project
The proposal to build the largest oil terminal in the Pacific Northwest in Vancouver stretches back to January, when Tesoro Corp. and Savage Companies presented the Port of Vancouver with a highly lucrative deal and a plan to win political support and deflect critics. Read more.

The Columbian – July 15, 2013
Longshore union objects to Coast Guard plan
It says expansion of safety zones would interfere with on-water picketing
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union is objecting to the U.S. Coast Guard’s expansion of safety zones around certain vessels on the Columbia and Willamette rivers. The union says the new temporary zones would encroach on its free speech rights and hand grain terminal operators, including United Grain at the Port of Vancouver, an “undue advantage” in their dispute with the ILWU. Read more.

The Columbian – July 14, 2013
Port must get tough with Tesoro – Guest Editorial by Brett VandenHeuvel
Tesoro wants to turn Vancouver into one of the nation’s largest oil exporting ports, sending up to 1,460 full trains per year through Vancouver neighborhoods to a new terminal at the Port of Vancouver. Read more. 

The Columbian – July 11, 2013
In Our View: Tragedy Seems Not So Distant
Deadly Canadian oil train carries special meaning in Clark County
Last week, any warning that “we don’t want to become another Lac-Mégantic” might have raised little more than a few eyebrows in Clark County. Today, that statement is as haunting as it is real, in our community and around the world. Read more. 

Puget Sound Business Journal – July 10, 2013
Oil train dangers spur debate in Seattle, Vancouver
Politicians along Western Washington’s rail corridor suddenly find themselves weighing the hazards and benefits of oil-carrying trains in the wake of Saturday’s disaster in Quebec that has resulted in 15 deaths. Read more.

KUOW, Seattle News & Information – July 10, 2013
Port of Vancouver Reconsiders Proposed Oil Terminal
There are now 15 confirmed deaths in the oil train explosion that rocked a small town in Quebec Province over the weekend. The tragedy has given the commissioners of the Port of Vancouver in Washington pause as they consider a proposal for a terminal to move oil from trains onto ships. Read more.

Earthfix/OPB – July 10, 2013
Vancouver Port Hesitating On Proposed Oil Train Terminal
A deadly oil-train explosion in Quebec has given pause to Port of Vancouver commissioners in southwest Washington. They want to rethink their next move with a proposal for a terminal to move oil from trains onto ships. Read more.

The Columbian – July 9, 2013
Port of Vancouver commissioners may delay oil terminal vote
Environmental group urges more thorough safety analysis in wake of Canada disaster
It appears the three-member Port of Vancouver Board of Commissioners has pulled back from approving a lease for a proposed crude oil terminal this month in light of the derailment and explosion of a train hauling crude oil in a small town in the Canadian province of Quebec. Read more.

The Columbian – July 9, 2013
Longshore workers ask Port of Vancouver to take a stand
Commissioners have been neutral during United Grain lockout
Local members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, locked out of United Grain Corp. at the Port of Vancouver for nearly five months, took their protest to port commissioners Tuesday. A union leader urged the port to stop being neutral in the dispute and to explain its recent actions, including having workers “that they have known for 20 years” arrested “for standing quietly outside a gate holding a picket sign.” Read more. 

The Columbian – July 8, 2013
Environmental group pushes Port of Vancouver on safety information
It says more details on proposed oil by rail project needed in light of explosion in Quebec
A nonprofit environmental group on Monday urged Port of Vancouver commissioners to request more public safety information about a proposed oil-by-rail project in light of Saturday’s derailment and explosion of a train hauling crude oil in a small town in the Canadian province of Quebec. Read more.

The Columbian – July 7, 2013
CRC and Industry: Failure seen as opportunity lost for county
It’s a sun-dappled Tuesday morning, and Thompson Metal Fab’s cavernous facilities thrum with the sounds of overhead cranes and computer-programmed saws that cut through steel like butter. It’s music to the ears of John Rudi, president of the Vancouver-based company that rises where the Kaiser Shipyards shaped and launched Liberty vessels during World War II. Read more.

The Columbian – July 7, 2013
Life after the CRC’s demise
Businesses both welcome, lament project’s end, look to future
The Columbia River Crossing’s spectacular flameout came just in time for Vancouver’s July 4 fireworks extravaganza, when bursts of bright light disappear into the black night sky. And, as in a fireworks display, the CRC’s disappearance has left the city’s business leaders, economic development officials, property and shop owners wondering: “Is there anything else?” Read more.

The Columbian – July 3, 2013
Union dockworkers protest outside Port of Vancouver’s administrative building
More than 20 union dockworkers gathered outside the Port of Vancouver’s administrative offices early Wednesday morning to protest what they view as an unfair decision by the port to get police involved in an incident that occurred last week. Read more.

Oregon Public Broadcasting – June 28, 2013
Huge Rail-To-Ship Crude Oil Terminal Proposed For Vancouver, Wash.
Oil refiner Tesoro and a terminal operating company named Savage detailed plans Thursday for the biggest crude oil shipping terminal to be proposed in the Northwest. It would be located on the Columbia River at the Port of Vancouver, Washington. Read more/Listen to the story.

The Columbian – June 28, 2013
Former ILWU president jailed
Clark arrested for allegedly trespassing at port grain terminal
Brad Clark, former president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 4, was arrested Friday on suspicion of trespassing outside the United Grain terminal at the Port of Vancouver. The ILWU has picketed the terminal since the union was locked out on Feb. 27 as part of a larger dispute between the union and grain terminal operators in Washington and Oregon. Read more. 

The Columbian – June 27, 3013
Port of Vancouver weighs testimony from backers, opponents of planned oil facility
The Port of Vancouver got an earful Thursday from backers and opponents of a proposed crude-oil transfer terminal who packed the Board of Commissioners’ hearing room to trumpet their arguments. Read more. 

The Columbian – June 24, 2013
Report: Nearly a dozen oil-by-rail projects operating, planned in Northwest
List of planned or built oil-train operations includes one proposed at the Port of Vancouver
A Seattle environmental research group issued a report Monday showing that nearly a dozen plans have emerged to haul crude oil by rail to refineries and port terminals in the Pacific Northwest. “Moving large quantities of oil by rail would be a major change for the Northwest’s energy economy, but so far the proposals have largely escaped notice,” according to Sightline Institute, a nonprofit that focuses on sustainability issues. Read more.

The Columbian – June 23, 2013
Port of Vancouver jockeys for oil transfer terminal
A distant U.S. oil boom is creating an opportunity for the Port of Vancouver to fill its expanding rail tracks, pump up revenues and create jobs. But the opportunity, in the form of a crude oil transfer terminal, comes with risks to the environment. And, for the first time, the final go-ahead would have to come from Washington’s governor instead of the port’s Board of Commissioners. Read more.

The Daily News – June 22, 2013
Oil superhighway? Trains full of fracked N. Dakota oil are heading our way
Each week, more and more mile-and-a-half long tanker trains filled with oil travel into the Pacific Northwest. The sweet crude — sucked from deep under North Dakota — brings opportunity for business and jobs in the Lower Columbia region and stirs fears the river will become a fossil fuel highway. Read more.

North American Windpower – June 20, 2013
Port Operator: U.S. Wind Market Beginning To Resurrect Following PTC Extension
The late extension of the production tax credit (PTC) has certainly crimped wind development activity this year. However, Washington-based Port of Vancouver USA says it is beginning to see some rumblings of activity regarding turbine component shipments slated for U.S. projects. Alastair Smith, the POV’s senior director of marketing and operations, tells NAW that by the time the PTC was extended in early January, turbine original equipment manufacturers were long out of their production cycle. Read more. 

The Columbian – June 14, 2013
Japanese union leader lends support to ILWU
He joins picket line at port, donates $10,000
Fusao Ohori, a Japanese union leader who’d flown from Tokyo to support locked-out union dockworkers in Vancouver and Portland, leaned in Friday to answer a reporter’s questions when the gray van, its windows obscured, suddenly reappeared at the metal gate. The vehicle had delivered non-union workers to the United Grain Corp. export terminal at the Port of Vancouver a few minutes earlier. Read more.

The Columbian – June 13, 2013
Pro-CRC group spends $30,000 on ads
Its focus is to convince lawmakers project is needed now
Columbia River Crossing supporters have increased efforts in recent months to convince legislators in Olympia, and residents in Clark County, that a plan to replace the Interstate 5 Bridge needs funding now. The Columbia River Crossing Coalition, a pro-CRC group, spent more than $30,000 on ads aimed at spurring action on the controversial project. Read more.

San Antonio Business Journal – June 12, 2013
Port of Vancouver officials studying Tesoro rail proposal
The Port of Vancouver — weighing a Tesoro Corp. proposal to build a crude-oil shipping facility — held a workshop Tuesday to educate its board on potential risks of shipping crude by rail, The Columbian reported. San Antonio-based Tesoro wants to build a $75 million to $100 million rail complex at the port to ship Mid-Continent crude to its West Coast refineries. Read more.

 The Columbian – June 11, 2013
Port of Vancouver holds workshop as it weighs Tesoro plan
Expert says oil leaks not a major worry
In the past two years, crude oil has become the top problem in terms of hazardous materials seeping from rail cars as trains haul commodities across U.S. and Canadian railroads, a federal official told the Port of Vancouver on Tuesday. However, the frequency of oil spills along railways remains very low, according to William Ellings, a hazardous materials specialist with the Federal Railroad Administration. While no one is happy with any discharge of hazardous material, Ellings said, “we’ve got a good handle on it.” Read more.

Progressive Railroading – June 10, 2013
Washington state port schedules workshop on proposed crude oil facility
The Port of Vancouver USA plans to hold a rail operations and safety workshop tomorrow immediately after a regular board meeting. The workshop will update port commissioners on rail operational issues, including the roles and responsibilities of various entities associated with transporting hazardous materials. Representatives from the Federal Railroad Administration and BNSF Railway Co. will be on hand to discuss the issues. Read more.

The Columbian – June 10, 2013
Audit gives Vancouver port good marks
Reports focus on performance of finance department
As a local government with a mission to create jobs, the Port of Vancouver counts both taxpayers and businesses as investors, handling millions of dollars connected to a variety of transportation and other projects. But is it protecting public assets? Does it keep its financial house in order? The answers: Yes and yes, according to the Washington Auditor’s Office, the watchdog of state and local governments. Read more.

 The Columbian – June 9, 2013
Local View: Trade vital to Washington
Elected officials must do more to promote, enhance largest driver of the state’s economy
Why aren’t our state’s elected officials doing more to promote and enhance the single-largest economic driver of our state’s economy? A recent report from the Washington Council on International Trade and the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle found that 40 percent of all jobs in Washington are tied to trade. But rather than focusing on initiatives to make our state more internationally competitive, state and local leaders are supporting a number of policies with the opposite impact. Read more.

The Columbian – June 6, 2013
Union, grain firms remain deadlocked
Vancouver, port leaders urge labor group, terminal operators to end battle
More than three months in, the standoff between union dockworkers and United Grain Corp. at the Port of Vancouver shows no signs of letting up, even as Vancouver political leaders urge both parties to end the bitter battle. Read more.

The Columbian – June 5, 2013
Hazardous materials by rail topic of Port of Vancouver meeting
The Port of Vancouver Board of Commissioners will convene a public workshop next week to learn about who’s responsible for handling hazardous materials by rail. Read more.

Pacific Maritime – June 2013
New Bulk Carrier
Germany’s Nord Klaus Oldensorff Reederie of Hamburg has taken delivery of the 37,202-dwt bulk carrier N Schelde from China’s Zhejiang Ouhua Shipbuilding at Zhousan. Read the Pacific Maritime article.

Breakbulk News – May 30, 2013
Saga Fram Calls Port of Vancouver
Loaded with steel, the Saga Fram made its maiden voyage to the U.S. and called at the Port of Vancouver. Read more.

Maritime Executive – May 30, 2013
Port of Vancouver USA Welcomes the Saga Fram on her Maiden Voyage
The Port of Vancouver USA welcomed the Saga Fram commanded by Capt. R.D. Pacoma of the Philippines on her maiden voyage to the United States on May 24, 2013. Read more.

The Columbian – Tuesday, May 28, 2013
In Our View: Bridges Are Vital to Ports – Here, in Mount Vernon, and in B.C. congestion in commercial trade is costly
Many Clark County residents might not know much about Prince Rupert, B.C., and for good reason. It’s a city of only about 13,000 people. But the more you learn about Prince Rupert, the easier it is to understand why the Port of Vancouver and the Port of Portland avidly support the Columbia River Crossing and the commercial trade improvements the project offers. Read more.

The Oregonian – May 28, 2013
Coast Guard referees as longshore union members protest grain lockout in boats
Engines rumbling, two tugboats waited last week at an inconspicuous moorage off Hayden Island, their non-union crew watching warily for protest boats. A small white launch approached, carrying river pilots highly trained and paid to captain cargo vessels on the Columbia and Willamette rivers. Read more. 

The Columbian – Sunday, May 19, 2013
Strictly Business: Asking the big questions
It’s a reflection of the Port of Vancouver’s desire to do the right thing that it held a public workshop last week to discuss how to handle crude oil safely, including how to clean up potential oil spills in the Columbia River. Read more.

The Columbian – Saturday, May 18, 2013
In Our View: Cheers & Jeers – Think now to prevent oil spills later; don’t shortchange Hanford cleanup
Cheers: To early consideration of the consequences of a possible environmental accident on the Columbia River. Recently two firms — Tesoro Corp. and Savage Companies — proposed to build and operate an oil shipping terminal on the river at the Port of Vancouver. Read more.

The Columbian – Monday, May 13, 2013
Port of Vancouver commissioners will discuss safety, preparedness for oil spill
The Port of Vancouver Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday for its regular meeting and a workshop to discuss marine safety issues, including emergency response capabilities in the event of oil spills on the Columbia River. Read more.

The Columbian – Tuesday, May 7, 2013
In Our View: Port Pursues Missing Link
Forward-thinking commissioners right to seek deal to buy crucial property
For one aspect of the local economy, this could be considered the missing link. While the Port of Vancouver has been aggressively pursuing development in recent years, a key part of its long-range plans has been inaccessible. A large parcel of land that is not owned by the port sits nestled between two port-owned properties — Terminal 5 and Columbia Gateway. Read more.

Progressive Railroading – May 7, 2013
Washington State port’s freight access project reaches halfway mark
Port of Vancouver USA Commission President Jerry Oliver recently highlighted the port’s $275 million West Vancouver Freight Access project at an annual “Port Report” event held in Vancouver, Wash. Read more. 

The Columbian – May 4, 2013
Grain lockout expands to Port of Portland – Columbia Grain accuses workers of ‘inside game’ tactics
A labor dispute between grain handlers and longshore workers expanded Saturday when Columbia Grain Inc. announced it had imposed a lockout at its terminal in Portland. The action against members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union follows a lockout already under way at the Port of Vancouver by United Grain since Feb. 27. The number of workers impacted by this latest lockout was not available. Read more.

The Columbian – May 2, 2013
United Grain, union trade charges – Company acknowledges that replacement workers are being used
As union dockworkers and United Grain Corp. square off at the Port of Vancouver, both parties also are lobbing unfair labor practice charges at each other to the National Labor Relations Board. Read more.

The Columbian – April 30, 2013
Port of Vancouver pursuing purchase of crucial parcel – It would pave way for development of another property
It’s no secret the Port of Vancouver wants to move westward, expanding, installing more rail and inviting additional employers to set up shop. Over the next several months, the port hopes to implement a key piece of that plan by finalizing the purchase of 94 acres of heavy-industrial land sandwiched between two other port-owned parcels — Terminal 5 and Columbia Gateway. Read more.

The Columbian – April 25, 2013
Port of Vancouver report: Transportation = jobs
Event touts importance of trade; union airs grievances
There’s a chance your job exists because of Washington state’s strong links to international trade — built on road, river and rail connections. And if you think moving goods and services regionally and around the world just adds to the traffic jam during your morning commute, think again. Read more. 

The Columbian – April 17, 2013
The Big Divide, Day 3: The Road Ahead
Growth prospects promising, with or without the Columbia River Crossing
Earth movers trundle over mounds of dirt where roads and utilities will open the way for new businesses at the Port of Vancouver. By the end of August, the port’s $5.3 million investment on this long-dormant 108 acres will have bought infrastructure for about half of the new Centennial Industrial Park. The goal: attract businesses that will provide 500 family-wage jobs. Read more.