Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she is proposing a $40 million state investment to allow container service to continue at Port of Portland’s Terminal 6.
Of the total $40 million proposed, $35 million will come from the Governor’s 2025-2027 recommended budget, and $5 million will be requested from the legislative Emergency Board during its September meeting.
“After the Port of Portland’s April announcement that container service would end this October, I heard from scores of producers throughout Oregon that relied on Terminal 6 to ship their goods,” Governor Kotek said. “Having represented the Port’s home district in the Oregon Legislature for many years, I understand that the terminal’s location makes container operations at Terminal 6 economically challenging. In response, I am proposing to invest $40 million in state funds to allow container service to continue and communicate my expectations for reliable and sustainable service moving forward.”
“We’re grateful for Governor Kotek’s declaration of support, and her commitment to maintaining this important piece of our economy,” Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold said. “We are also extremely grateful for the strong backing from a bipartisan group of legislators who recognize the value of trade to businesses and communities throughout our state. With the support of the Oregon Legislature, container shipping at Terminal 6 will continue, along with the benefits it provides for Oregon businesses and the quality jobs it provides for our community. This level of government and community support is something Oregonians should be proud of.”
Of the $35 million that will be proposed in her 2025-2027 budget, $20 million will be invested into a capital program that supports ports with active container service and $15 million will be dedicated to initial state funding for costs associated with the Lower Columbia River Channel Management Plan. The $5 million request she is making of the legislative Emergency Board will go toward T6 operations.
The Governor has also requested a report from the Port of Portland about ongoing Terminal 6 operations and progress by August 23, 2024. This report must comprehensively address what steps that the Port of Portland has taken and will take to reach out to impacted stakeholders, implement a business plan that reduces losses in the 2025 budget year and increase the number of containers moving through the terminal.
The full text of the letter can be found here.
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