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Port of Vancouver Expects Growth in 2010, Executive Director Says by Allan Brettman The Oregonian, February 5, 2010

VANCOUVER -- Several construction projects at Port of Vancouver offer the promise of future economic growth, Port executive director Larry Paulson said today.

"It is currently a beehive of construction activity," Paulson said in a speech at the annual State of the Port Address at the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay.

More than 100 construction workers are building a rail project at the Port's new Terminal 5 and another 10 to 15 workers are installing fencing and utilities, Paulson said. Another 15 to 20 workers are taking apart buildings on the former Rufener Farm, a likely site for future development.

"I'm particularly appreciative that all of the contractors on these port projects are from the Vancouver/Portland region, keeping these jobs local," Paulson told the sold-out audience.

Paulson and Port Commission president Jerry Oliver, who earlier presented the commission's perspective of the port's status, talked about a light at the end of the tunnel - marking the end of the recession.

"As sure as I am standing here this morning, I believe it has (ended)," Oliver said. "I am proud to report to you this morning that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and the Port of Vancouver will be one of the first to make it out."

Paulson said that the port, equipped with two cranes designed to lift heavy cargo, expects to see continued growth in wind energy imports this year. Wheat exports are expected to remain solid for the coming year and Subaru is consistently stable in its import of vehicles.

Some numbers shared at this morning's presentation:

• Total Tonnage: In 2009, the port handled more than 4.8 million metric tons of cargo, down from 5.5 million tons in 2008
• Vessel calls: 403 vessels called on the Port, down from 503 in 2008
• Wind turbine imports: 2,700 pieces of wind energy cargo
• Import tonnage: In 2009, the port handled 715,808 metric tons of import cargo. A year ago, that number was more than 900,000 metric tons
• Wheat exports: United Harvest still exported nearly 3.2 million metric tons of wheat, down from 3.6 million tons in 2008
• Copper concentrate exports: Nearly 345,000 metric tons of copper concentrate exported in 2009, down slightly from 2008
• Steel scrap and malt exports: Nearly 318,000 metric tons exported in 2009, a leap from the nearly 233,000 metric tons in 2008
• Great Western Malting exported 38,000 metric tons of malt barley in 2009, up from 28,000 the previoius year
• Subaru, with its West Coast port of entry, handled 53,965 vehicles in 2009, a slight decline from the 58,000 handled a year ago