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IN THIS ISSUE: INTERSTATE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM PG 4 PORT REPORT PG 9 ASSOCIATION UPDATES PG 24

M AY / J U N E

2021

E XCHANGE THE

E XCHANGE

WELCOME TO THE

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2021 is moving along at a rapid pace and it is hard to believe summer is almost upon us. In this issue of The Exchange we highlight the critical work being done throughout the Columbia River District by our regional ports in our annual State of the Ports issue. The Columbia River truly is a Trade Gateway to the world and we look forward every year to highlighting our port members and regional port stakeholders. Updates from five of our regional port authorities are included this year as well as a report from Business Oregon who works with Oregon ports. This issue also includes a spotlight on two important commodities for the Pacific Northwest - Grain and Timber, trade statistics, and association updates. From all of us at the Merchants Exchange, we thank you for your continued support. Stay safe! Liz Wainwright, Executive Director Merchants Exchange

NOTE FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM The Exchange is the bi-monthly newsletter of the Merchants Exchange. We are pleased to share the work being done by staff and the direction we are going, as well as community news and reports from industry stakeholders. Members: If you have an article or an announcement that you would like to be included in future issues of The Exchange, please contact us: newsletter@ pdxmex.com. Editorial Team >> Mary Wiley - wiley@pdxmex.com >> Bekah Canfield - canfield@pdxmex.com >> Anthony O’Reilly - oreilly@pdxmex.com 2

Board of Directors

Membership

Interstate Bridge Replacement Program

Friends of the Exchange

Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund

U.S Coast Guard, Sector Columbia River

The Port Report

Port of Vancouver

Port of Columbia County

Port of Kalama

Port of Longview

Port of Pasco

Commodities Feature

Statistics 22 Association Updates

Clean Rivers Cooperative

Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee

Maritime Fire and Safety Association

Merchants Exchange Grain Committee

Maritime Commerce Club

Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Todd Krout (2023) President Port of Vancouver USA

Roger Hsieh (2024) Treasurer BNSF Railway Company

Chris Cummins (2024) Vice President General Steamship Corp

Alex Scott (2023) Secretary Anchorage Launch Co.

Geoff Doerfler (2024) Tidewater Barge Lines Earl Dixon (2024) United Grain Corp

Eric Kastner (2022) Cascade Marine Agencies LTD William Monroe (2022) Jones Stevedoring Ryan Statz (2022) Columbia Grain, Inc.

Jim Cockrell (Ex Officio) Board President, Clean Rivers Cooperative Owens Corning Mat Cusma (Ex Officio) Board President, Maritime Fire & Safety Association Schnitzer Steel Capt. Jeremy Nielsen (Ex Officio) Columbia River Pilots Legal Counsel: Tyson Calvert, Esq. Lindsay Hart LLP

MEMBERSHIP Our membership makes up the core of the local marine shipping community. Our members include, but are not limited to: steamship operators, admiralty attorneys, customs brokers, tug and barge companies, freight forwarders, stevedores, ship repair service facilities and port authorities. The Exchange is a provider of vessel and cargo information. It serves as a hub for local industry

education as well as association management and networking activities. Our members enjoy a direct relationship with the Merchants Exchange and its services. Each member company is able to vote for Merchants Exchange board of director nominees and is eligible for board membership. All of our services and activities are member focused.

Vessel and cargo information services that are currently offered include: • Vessel Reporting • Communication Support Service • Vessel and Cargo Statistics • Daily Grain Bulletin • Grain Committee Membership • Answering Service • Special Reports and Services

The Merchants Exchange caters its services to the ever-changing needs of local industry. We are constantly working to develop new ways to help our members do business. If the service you need is not listed, ask us and we can work to develop it for you. For more information about membership, visit our website at: www.pdxmex.com THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

TERSTATE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

INTERSTATE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM IS COLLECTING INFORMATION FROM WATERWAY USERS.

If you operate a recreational or commercial vessel on the Columbia River and travel under the Interstate Bridge (river mile 106.5), please take our survey: interstatebridge.org/rivernavigation. Surveys must be complete before June 30, 2021. For more information or for ADA accessible materials: Email: rivernav@interstatebridge.org Call: 888-503-6735 (toll-free), or 711 (ADA) The Interstate Bridge is a vital transportation link for the greater Portland-Vancouver region. The bridge connects tens of thousands of people daily to offices, industries, schools, sporting events, places of worship, stores, restaurants and entertainment venues. It connects families, friends and neighbors. It connects communities. As the only continuous north-south freeway between Canada and Mexico on the West Coast, the Interstate Bridge is part of a critical trade route for regional, national and international commerce. Beyond the concrete, asphalt and steel of the Interstate Bridge is a thriving background of scenic views, natural systems, and a rich history of our region’s national heritage. The states of Oregon and Washington are working together to replace the aging Interstate Bridge with a modern, seismically resilient, multimodal structure that provides improved mobility for people, goods and services well into the next century. Why we need a replacement bridge. The Interstate Bridge is two bridge spans, side by side. The northbound span is over 100 years old, dating back to 1917. The southbound span opened in 1958. The existing structures were not designed to support the needs of today’s transportation system. 4

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FRIENDS OF THE EXCHANGE Highlighting organizations and companies that support Merchants Exchange and the maritime community. Would your organization like to support the maritime industry, too?

FRIENDS OF THE EXCHANGE The Merchants Exchange is proud to be a cornerstone of the maritime industry with over 140 years of service to the Lower Columbia Region. We would like to invite our community partners along the River to join in our mission to support and promote the maritime industry with our “Friends of the Exchange” program. As a Friend of the Exchange, you are showing your support to our maritime industry and raising awareness within our community. Friends of the Exchange are offered the following benefits with their annual support of $150:

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Become a FRIEND OF THE EXCHANGE

• Invitations to our Member/Networking Events: Open House, Annual Bocce Tournament, Shipping Education Series, and other special events throughout the year • Discounted Member Rate for our Shipping Education Series * • Subscription to “The Exchange,” bi-monthly newsletter, Daily News Bulletin, and industry email updates • One (1) feature article in our newsletter and three (3) social postings featuring your organziation • Service Directory listing, career opportunity postings and recognition on our website and newsletter • Sponsorship opportunities * Please note: Friends of the Exchange are not members of the Merchants Exchange and therefore are not eligible to receive member rates for any services or reports associated with membership, with the exception of the member rate to the Shipping Education Series. For more information contact: Mary Wiley, Marketing and Membership Manager at Wiley@pdxmex.com or call (503) 220-2515 or online at www.pdxmex.com/about-member/friends.

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MERCHANTS EXCHANGE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

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MERCHANTS EXCHANGE WELCOMES NEW MARINE OPERATIONS MANGER Merchants Exchange is very pleased to announce Carl Bertapelle as the new Marine Operations Services Manager. Bertapelle will be responsible for the overall management of the Marine Operations Services department, staff and programs. “Carl will be a welcome addition to our executive management team. He brings an extensive knowledge of the Lower Columbia River gleaned from over 15 years working in marine operations on the River. This knowledge and experience, combined with his vision for developing Merchants Exchange services, will be a tremendous asset for the Merchants Exchange and our Marine Operations Services.” Executive Director, Elizabeth Wainwright. Merchants Exchange has provided maritime intelligence services, and accurate, timely and detailed vessel information to our members for over 142 years through our Marine Operations Services Department (MarOps). MarOps operates 24/7/365 with a staff of four MarOps Specialists, one MarOps Supervisor and one MarOps Manager. Bertapelle will oversee this legacy of service to our members and maritime industry stakeholders. Carl Bertapelle began his maritime career during the Exxon Valdez oil spill, sailing aboard a U.S. government research vessel in Kodiak, Alaska. He later obtained his USCG Merchant Marine Officer License and began a seagoing career that spanned over a decade. During his career, he sailed on many types of vessels and visited all seven continents. Carl came ashore to Portland, OR in 2006 and joined a cargo inspection and testing company as Branch Manager. After a brief stint with a local stevedoring company, Carl joined Talon Marine Services in 2014 as District Manager of Columbia River Operations. During his time with Talon Marine Services, Carl also served several terms as a Board Member and Officer of the Merchants Exchange Board of Directors, including a term as Board President. Please reach out to Carl and welcome him aboard at bertapelle@pdxmex.com or 503-220-2090.

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U.S COAST GUARD, SECTOR COLUMBIA RIVER Area of Responsibility: 420 nautical miles of Washington and Oregon coastline, 33 ports, 465 miles of navigable rivers throughout WA, OR, and ID, including the Columbia River, Salmon & Snake Rivers in the east (Idaho).

OREGON – CAPE BLANCO TO COLUMBIA RIVER – Ocean research operations Oregon State University will be operating the research vessel Oceanus conducting ocean research operations to deploy and recover ocean bottom instruments, commencing 23 May 2021 through 21 Jun 2021. Operations will be conducted 24 hours a day. Mariners are requested to keep a one nautical mile distance from the R/V Oceanus, which will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. For additional information, contact J. Pablo Canales at (508) 2892893 or email jpcanales@whoi.edu. COLUMBIA RIVER – PACIFIC OCEAN TO HARRINGTON POINT - Mouth of the Columbia River Jetty System Major Rehabilitation

“Guardians of the Pacific Northwest” To ensure the safety, security, environmental protection and efficient flow of commerce affecting a $20B maritime transportation system, 8.5M ton grain export, 1500 foreign vessel arrivals, 50K cruise passengers, 290K recreational boats, 2K commercial fishing vessels, and 52 Maritime Transportation Safety Act facilities. Sector Columbia River Response Missions (search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental protection, and support for other units) are carried out from Warrenton, OR. Sector Columbia River Prevention Missions (marine safety, vessel inspection, aids to navigation support, and waterways management) are managed by Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Portland located in Portland, OR.

Scheduled repairs of the South Jetty have commenced and are planned to continue through 2024. The 2021 seasonal operations resumed on 05 Apr 2021, and continue into October. The equipment will be working near the observation tower that is located near the root of the jetty. Equipment will be running daylight hours only. A material off load facility has been constructed at the east end of the park; along the Columbia River, near Trestle Bay. The offload mooring barge is in place and has resumed receiving barges. The offload facility has an aerial clearance of approximately 60 ft above the water line. When there is a barge being unloaded a crane will be utilized, the aerial clearance is about 140 ft. The ends of the spuds are painted white for visibility. For questions or additional information please call or email Sherri Brenner at (503) 550-6743 or email Sheri@jemcamis.com, or the project superintendent, Aaron Anderson at (503) 791-2161 or email AAnderson@jemcamis.com. The jetties at the Columbia River Entrance have suffered severe deterioration and may no longer be correctly represented upon the nautical charts of the area. Mariners should use caution when transiting in the vicinity of the jetties and the river entrance. Repairs of the North jetty were completed in 2019. More information may be found at the USACE Portland District web site: http://www. nwp.usace.army.mil/jetties/ . COLUMBIA RIVER – ST. HELENS TO VANCOUVER – Vancouver Railroad Bridge deviation notice The Coast Guard has to approved a temporary deviation request that governs the operating schedule for the Vancouver Railroad Bridge (AKA BNSF Bridge 9.6) (LLNR 11250) across the Columbia River, RM 105.6, at Vancouver, WA. This deviation is necessary to accommodate rail joint replacements. The deviation authorizes the swing span of the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position, from 0700 until 1900 on 20 May 2021. The Vancouver Railroad Bridge provides 37.0 feet of vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position. The bridge may be opened for emergencies if a one-hour notice is given. If the bridge opens for an emergency, the deviation will be extended past 1900. Vessels that do not require a bridge opening may continue to transit beneath the bridge during this closure period. The bridge shall operate in accordance to 33 CFR §117.5 at all other times. For more information, contact Jeff Swanson at (425) 304-6663. OREGON – WILLAMETTE RIVER – PORT OF PORTLAND – Morrison and Hawthorne Bridge deviation The Coast Guard intends to approve a temporary deviation from the operating schedules that govern the Morrison Highway Bridge (LLNR 14955.5) across the Willamette at mile 12.8, and the Hawthorne Highway Bridge (LLNR 14955.6) across the Willamette at mile 13.1, wherein on 08 Aug 2021, from 0630 – 1130, the bridges need not open for maritime traffic. This deviation is necessary to accommodate the Providence Bridge Pedal event, and authorizes the bridges to remain in the closed-to-navigation position to allow safe and timely movement of event participants during this period. The vertical clearances for these bridges, in the closed-to-navigation position, are: 69 ft for the Morrison Highway Bridge, and 49 ft for the Hawthorne Highway Bridge (all clearances are referenced to the vertical clearance above Columbia River Datum 0.0.) Vessels which do not require a bridge opening may continue to transit beneath the bridges during this closure period. The bridges will be able to open for emergencies, and there is no immediate alternate route for vessels to pass. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridges must return to their regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the effective period of this temporary deviation. If anyone cannot support this closure, please submit your comment by 18 May 2021 to d13-smb-d13-bridges@ uscg.mil.

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THE PORT REPORT The Columbia River Maritime Transportation System has 23 Ports over the course of 3 waterways. We are pleased to provide an outlet for local ports to share their news with our membership.

Will Isom Executive Director Port of Astoria

Juliana Marler Chief Executive Officer Port of Vancouver USA

Curtis Robinhold Executive Director Port of Portland

Dan Stahl Chief Executive Officer Port of Longview

Mark Wilson Executive Director Port of Kalama

Doug Hayes Executive Director Port of Columbia County

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ORT OF VANCOUVER

PORT OF VANCOUVER COMMISSIONERS APPROVE NEW LEASE AT TERMINAL 1

NEW LEASE DEMONSTRATES THAT THE T1 PROJECT IS MOVING AHEAD On Tuesday, April 6, 2021, the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a ground lease agreement for a mixed used development at Terminal 1 between BOZ PORT OF VANCOUVER OWNER LLC (a joint venture of Lincoln Property Company and Bridge Investment Group) and the Port of Vancouver. Terminal 1 is the port’s 10-acre waterfront development along the Columbia River. The current conceptual design of the project includes office, residential and retail space as well as associated parking facilities. Terms of the deal for Blocks A and C includes a ground lease for 50 years, with two options to extend the lease after that time.

“This is a significant step in the development of Terminal 1,” said Julianna Marler, CEO of the Port of Vancouver USA. “The approval of this lease moves the entire Terminal 1 project forward and demonstrates that the port is committed to creating a beautiful and thriving development. This project, along with the rest of the Terminal 1 project, will be a vibrant place the entire community can be proud of.”

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Groundbreaking and construction is expected to begin in late fall of 2021 with an anticipated completion date of early 2024.

second and third level outdoor communal space capturing the views of the Columbia River.

The development, which is part of the port’s Master Plan, will be constructed in alignment with the port’s Terminal 1 design and sustainability standards, which follow the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) framework. Under the port’s design standards for the project, individual buildings are required to earn at least a LEED Gold level of certification or an equivalent independent rating system.

“In addition to boosting jobs and economic development in Vancouver, this project will be built to minimize its environmental footprint with a LEED Gold-level design, ” said Patrick Gilligan, Executive Vice President with Lincoln Property Company. “We are looking forward to a long and beneficial partnership with the port.”

Design elements of the new development will include such amenities as a grand outdoor staircase, inspired by the Harbor Steps in Seattle, with native landscaping interspersed among the steps. Retail space will be located street-side, with office and residential space located on the floors above. The design will also incorporate

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Construction of the Terminal 1 Waterfront development has already begun with the AC Marriott Hotel scheduled to open in the Spring of 2022 and construction of the Vancouver Landing project finishing in late 2021. For more information about the Terminal 1 Waterfront development project, please visit www.discoverterminal1.com.

ORT OF COLUMBIA COUNTY

PORT OF COLUMBIA COUNTY SEES ECONOMIC GROWTH AHEAD

The Port of Columbia County plays an important role in the attraction, retention, and expansion of businesses in the port district, which spans the entire 51-miles of Columbia River frontage of Columbia County, Oregon. The top priority for the Port in 2021 continues to be economic growth, specifically development at the Scappoose Airport, McNulty Creek Industrial Park in St. Helens, and Port Westward Industrial Park in Clatskanie.

The Port intends to develop a portion of the 47-acre, certified shovel-ready site at McNulty Creek for Composites Universal Group (CUG), a longtime tenant of the Port’s at Multnomah Industrial Park. CUG signed a letter of intent for a built-to-suit, 48,000-square-foot building of production, warehouse, and office space. CUG currently employs 60 workers in St. Helens and is looking for a new space where they can continue to expand their growing business.

The Port recently completed a 31,500-squarefoot building at Scappoose Airport that is currently available for lease to a light industrial tenant for aviation uses. The building includes 27,000 square feet of clear-span hangar space with complete fire protection and 4,500 square feet of office space. The Port worked closely with local and State Fire Marshal’s offices, State Building Codes Division, and other key stakeholders to implement a suitable and affordable fire protection solution for this project, possibly making it a model for new airport projects statewide.

The Port is also in negotiations to build an additional 32,000-square-foot building at McNulty Creek. A new commercial tenant has signed a letter of intent for 16,000 square feet of the space, while the other half of the building will be available for commercial or industrial lease. The Port will soon start the bidding process for the design and engineering phase for both projects.

The Port has completed additional projects at the airport in recent years, including the Taxiway-B Relocation Project and the Airpark Water/Sewer Project that brought sanitary sewer service to the west side of the airport. These capital investments provide capacity for future growth, both inside and outside the airport fence. New 31,500-square-foot hangar building at Scappoose Airport 12

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Ship at Port Westward Industrial Park in Clatskanie

At Port Westward, Global Partners received and shipped their first load of renewable diesel in February of 2021. Global Partners plans to transload renewable diesel for a minimum of five years. Renewable diesel is a cleaner fuel derived from plant and animal byproducts and can be used in any diesel engine. It can help reduce greenhouse emissions and help meet state and federal climate standards. There is huge demand for renewable diesel, driven in part by government climate policy. Additionally, the Port is working with NEXT Renewable Fuels to build a $1.6 billion renewable diesel production facility at Port Westward. When complete, the NEXT Renewable facility will have capacity to produce approximately 50,000 barrels a day of renewable diesel fuel. Renewable diesel is

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different than other biofuels because it is a fully replaceable product to current diesel fuel and based on initial production, the net emissions savings will be equal to removing 1 million vehicles from the road. The facility will position Oregon—and Port Westward—as a leader in advanced biofuels production. Currently in the permitting phase, NEXT hopes to have approvals on a timeline to begin construction in the first quarter of 2022. Based on this timeline, it is scheduled to open at Port Westward in 2024. More than 800 jobs will be created during the construction phase and more than 200 full time, highly paid and skilled jobs will be created once it is operating. For more news and information about the Port see www.portofcolumbiacounty.org.

ORT OF KALAMA

PORT OF KALAMA BEGINS DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PEDESTRIAN OVERPASS ADA-Compliant ‘Kalama Crossing’ will highlight the beauty of the waterfront, the Port and the City of Kalama. Since the 1960s, Interstate 5 and BNSF railroad tracks have divided the Port of Kalama and the downtown core. A solution was designed and constructed in the 1970s, when a simple footbridge was constructed as a means of bypassing a nearly twomile long walk. However, the structure was never designed to be ADA-compliant, cannot accommodate bicycles and has been described by many residents as difficult—even disorienting. The Port of Kalama’s waterfront has become a destination with parks, walking paths, amphitheater, marina, interpretive center and McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge—nearly $20 million in Port investment in the last six years alone. The only thing missing? A safe and userfriendly means of connecting the Port and its amenities to the City of Kalama and its downtown core of small businesses. Along with the improved accessibility an updated bridge can provide, the economic opportunities for local businesses could 14

be tremendous. Patrons of McMenamins, along with future visitors to the Port’s tourism facility and ACL’s cruise passengers, have the potential to bring a wealth of new spending into the area. Bridging the gap between the Port of Kalama and the city with a fully-functional, aesthetically pleasing pedestrian overpass is not only needed, but is necessary for continued growth. Parking has also become an issue in recent years. Simply

put, there just aren’t enough spaces to accommodate new visitors to our area. To that end, the overpass proposal includes plans for an additional 100 parking spaces and renovated streetscapes on the downtown side of the structure. These new spaces will allow use for both City and Port events, boosting the economic activity in the region. As you can see from the concept art above, the new span will feature elevators on each side as well as shorter WWW.PDXMEX.COM | THE EXCHANGE

SURGE OF SOYBEAN EXPORTS AT PORT OF KALAMA SETS NEW RECORD The Port of Kalama recently added another impressive milestone to its resume as it exported more soybeans than any other west coast port in the U.S. last year, according to a recent report from the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association. Combining totals from the Port’s two grain elevators, TEMCO and Kalama Export, the Port of Kalama exported nearly 5 million metric tons of soybeans, or 33% of all U.S. west coast soybean exports— edging out the Northwest Seaport Alliance Ports of Tacoma and Seattle (32%). “Both TEMCO and Kalama Export are the absolute workhorses of the Port,” said Port Commission President, Randy Sweet. “Every year we continue to be amazed at how well they perform, and it speaks volumes about their operations and hardworking employees.” Even more impressive, the Port of Kalama exported a total of 15 million metric tons of cargo last year, the majority of which were agricultural products. This is nearly 15% more than 2019 totals and 50% more than just ten years ago. Despite the pandemic, the Port’s successes in 2020 once again earned it the title of third largest exporter on the west coast (just behind the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, California) according to the latest figures from the US Census Bureau’s USA Trade Online. staircases. Estimated costs of the new pedestrian overpass total $5 million, and the Port has requested $2.2 million in state funding for the project. When complete, the new overpass will better integrate the downtown core with the Port, provide a safe means of crossing, beautify the area and provide lasting benefits for all. Stay tuned for more on this exciting project!

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Operating at the Port since the 1960’s, the privately-owned TEMCO grain elevator is a joint venture of Minnesota-based agricultural companies CHS Inc. and Cargill. Kalama Export is also privately owned and is a joint venture of Illinois-based Archer Daniels Midland Company and ConAgra, Inc. Both grain elevators at the Port of Kalama have seen a surge in exports due, in part, to major upgrades of their facilities in 2014 and 2010, respectively.

ORT OF LONGVIEW

PORT OF LONGVIEW FOCUSES ON JOBS, REDEVELOPMENT, RAIL, AND ROADWAYS

2020 brought reduced volumes in Q1 and Q2 as the pandemic caused uncertainty in the market and a tightening of bank lending for capital projects. The Port witnessed many customer projects go into a hold status based on COVID-19 labor precautions and market uncertainty. Q3 and Q4 brought a large increase in business as more was known about the pandemic and projects were moved back to active status. During this time, the China – USA trade agreement started to positively influence purchases for the 2021 agricultural cycle which greatly increased volumes through the Port. The Port also brought in a wind project in Q3 which kept the Port very busy throughout the end of 2020. Q1 and Q2 of 2021 have brought increased volumes across the board. The Port is actively working on a wind project and has another wind project scheduled for Q3/Q4. Grain, steel, soda ash, calcined coke, magnetite, and project cargos are all significantly up in volume and likely to surpass the levels seen in the last few years.

The Port of Longview continues to focus on direct and indirect jobs at the Port, the redevelopment of berth 4, the Industrial Rail Corridor Extension (IRCE), the North Rail Connection Project (NRCP), an overpass to grade separate critical roadway from rail, and the extension of Panel Way to stretch east to west across the port.

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PORT OF PASCO

CAPITAL BUDGET INCLUDES $7.5 MILLION FOR REIMANN INDUSTRIAL CENTER The Capital Budget, approved late last week by the Washington State Legislature, will deliver $7.5 million in funding to construct infrastructure to serve the Port of Pasco’s new Reimann Industrial Center.

The 300-acre Reimann Industrial Center is the Port’s newest development area. Currently undeveloped, the Reimann is on the East side of Railroad Avenue between Foster Wells Road and Vineyard Avenue.

A large allocation for infrastructure, the funding will make it possible for the Port and its community partners to begin Phase 1 of development. When complete, the Reimann Industrial Center is expected to create more than 1,000 manufacturing jobs and inject over $10 million in new property taxes into Franklin County. The state Capital Budget funding is contingent upon a new large ag processor officially committing to locate at the Reimann Industrial Center.

State funds will be combined with the Port’s own investment from its Economic Development Opportunity Fund as well as support from other local partners. The Phase 1 project will cost an estimated $15.8 million. The funds will install a water main, sewer main, railroad crossing and rail spur, broadband, and improvements to a portion of Railroad Avenue to include left-hand turn lanes into the Reimann.

“Port of Pasco’s Commissioners are pleased and grateful for the Washington Legislature’s funding of the Reimann Industrial Center project,” said Commission President Jim Klindworth. “We appreciate their vote of confidence in the Port, and its ability to create successful economic development projects.” The port district received support from all local legislators in the 8th, 9th, and 16th Districts. Klindworth also acknowledged the support of the Senate and House Capital Budget Committees and leaders of those committees.

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“This has been a coordinated team effort over several months,” said Executive Director Randy Hayden. “The Port appreciates all the hard work and effort by our state legislators, the City of Pasco, Franklin County, Franklin PUD, TRIDEC and many others.” Developing the Reimann will continue the Port’s successful tradition of establishing industrial development projects that have historically attracted food processing, cold storage, and distribution facilities.

SERVING OREGON PUBLIC PORT DISTRICTS AND COLLABORATING WITHIN THE PORT COMMUNITY ABOUT BUSINESS OREGON: Business Oregon is the state’s economic development agency. The Department staffs several boards and commissions, which oversee various agency activities to ensure a coherent and integrated approach to economic development across regional service areas. A significant part of this mission involves financing and managing the state’s infrastructure needs to ensure the best use of the public resources.

responsible for supporting a variety of essential business models at market rates – port districts revenue streams are not based on traditional local government sources (e.g. property tax). Yet districts manage administration publically, therefore are responsible for personnel, budget and reporting in accordance with local government law. Core values are leadership, inclusion and service.

Business Oregon has been home to Ports Programming since the 1970’s. By law, the agency serves as the statewide coordinating, planning and research entity for all twenty-three (23) public ports, which supports the state’s policy of including Oregon’s ports in planning and implementing economic development. At a high level, this agency works with ports over strategic business planning, grants and loans for infrastructure planning and projects and management of the state’s dredging equipment. Technical assistance is also provided in navigating federal and state government, business recruitment and global trade.

Ports are economic drivers, providing gateways to the multi-modal freight network, meaning goods are transferred between ships, barges, trains, aircraft and trucks on their way from production facilities to regional, national and international markets. Exports through Oregon’s ports literally feed the world.

ABOUT OREGON’S PUBLIC PORTS: Oregon's 23 public ports are special districts, distinct from city or county government. Ports are formed by state statute (ORS Chapter 777 and 778), with leadership provided by elected Port Commissions1 and day-to-day operations facilitated by Port Managers and their staff. Ports serve a dual [public-private] mission, 1 The Governor appoints the Commissioners for the Port of Portland and the Port of Coos Bay.

In addition to maritime, aviation and rail business models, port districts own industrial lands, upon which they build and maintain commercial infrastructure, leasing space to tenants within industrial parks. Industrial lands are one of the state’s most valuable resources in terms of net contributions to the economy and tax bases. Traded sector firms that locate within port districts are an engine of economic recovery, stability and expansion, spurring growth in the service sector and paying family wages (or better) to a broad spectrum of workers. The working waterfronts at ports are important to state tourism, as public marinas support sport and commercial fishing fleets and seafood processing, cruise line vessels, boatyard repairs, as well as recreational fishing and boating. Ports serve as safe harbors for all. WWW.PDXMEX.COM | THE EXCHANGE

Oregon’s public port districts are closest to business, therefore the most accessible and responsive economic development actors, making ports foundational to Oregon’s economy and quality of life. Port districts are embracing this time of challenge and transformation as an opportunity to reflect on current practices, reaffirm their commitments, quantify their importance to the local economy and reimagine the future role of ports. Maintaining port infrastructure and investing in the modernization of ports is key to economic recovery and future growth.

COLLABORATING WITHIN THE PORT COMMUNITY:

without the vision and effort of the extended ports community. Because Merchants Exchange readers and Business Oregon have ports in common, the agency wanted to extend Ports Programming as a resource to you. If you want to learn more about ports, have a need to share information with port districts, or coordinate over an initiative, please reach out. By working together, we may find a better way of meeting our shared mission and delivering services. If you have questions or comments, please contact Stephanie Prybyl, Ports Programming, at Stephanie.prybyl@oregon.gov.

Business Oregon is interested in collaborating within the port community over matters of interest to port districts and their diverse business models. This represents an impressive array of valuable stakeholders, including, but not limited to: public/business administration, economic analysis, freight logistics, green or built infrastructure, marketing, maintenance operations, public safety, strategic planning and more. Oregonians could not enjoy the estimated $28B in produced and exported goods and services, making up approximately 12% of the state’s gross domestic product (GDP),

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OMMODITIES FEATURE

THE COLUMBIA RIVER RUNS ON GRAIN

Over the last five years, grain vessels calling on the Columbia River accounted for more than a third of the total traffic on the river system. In 2020, 563 of the 1,488 vessels recorded were grain vessels. Over 50% of United States grain exports leave out of the Columbia River, totaling over 63.4 billion pounds in 2020 alone. The Columbia River region remains competitive with other terminals on the coast because of a proven intermodal transportation network including robust barge and rail connections. Historically, the distance from the Ports was one of the main issues facing wheat growers seeking to get their product to market or for export trade. Before implementing the Columbia River Dam system, transportation by river meant a stop to unload and reload at the site of the Cascade Rapids. Today, grain from the Western United States is moved efficiently and cost effectively by barges.

single tug boat can easily handle moving 4 barges of grain, each barge can hold 122,500 bushels of grain — that’s 490,000 bushels on a 4-barge tow! In comparison, to move the same amount of grain via truck or rail would take 538 semi-trucks or 140 rail jumbo hoppers; thus, increasing the traffic load, labor and fuel consumption required to transport the grain to a port. The Merchants Exchange offers specialized reporting via cargo type, including a monthly Grain Report and a Daily Grain Bulletin. The Daily Grain Bulletin provides a snapshot of prices in Portland along with the Chicago, Kansas City and Minneapolis futures. Fields of data for Columbia River grain facilities is available for custom reports including: vessel information, export date, berth, destination, commodity type and weight.

There are over 30 grain elevators along the Columbia and Snake Rivers which supply the barges that traverse the Columbia River and its dam systems. Grain barges can be seen all along the Columbia-Snake-Willamette River System from the mouth of the Columbia in Astoria, to the Port of Lewiston in Idaho. Transportation of grain along the river by barge is more fuel efficient and better for the environment than train or truck methods. A 20

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TIMBER INDUSTRY IS THE HEART OF THE COLUMBIA RIVER

The timber industry has been an integral part of the fabric of Columbia River commerce and trade for well over a century and continues to play an important role in Oregon and regional economic health. Timber from the Pacific Northwest is consistently in high demand worldwide and many of our exports originate out of the Columbia River or from Oregon Coastal Ports.

The log flume coming from the mill in Palmer toward Bridal Veil, c. 1896 United States Census Bureau. 2021. “Monthly New Residential Construction, March 2021” Release number CB21-61: newresconst.pdf (census.gov)

From the early days of floating logs down the river in log flumes to the modern timber operations at ports, transporting PNW timber to market is a priority for the maritime industry of the Lower Columbia River. Over the last five years, log exports made up 5% of the total vessel calls on the Columbia River. In 2020, more than 75% (43) of these vessels were heading for Japan. According to vessel data collected by the Merchants Exchange on next-port-of-call, Japan has consistently remained the top destination for PNW logs transiting the Columbia River for export. China remains a close second. Domestic demand for PNW lumber saw a marked increase during 2020. Lockdown renovation projects, a soaring housing market and new home building, and a devastating 2020 fire season have all contributed to recordbreaking highs in prices.

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Demand has continued to be strong in 1Q 2021 with no sign of slowing. As of March 2021, figures on new housing starts show an increase by 37% over 2020 figures. The Exchange tracks, records and reports on every vessel that enters the Columbia River waterway. As the leading provider of information related to the intermodal transportation system, we maintain over 110 years of historical data from which we can develop custom real-time reports and historical custom reports. All reports are available by mail, email, and/or online to our member subscribers. For more information on vessel tracking, marine intelligence, or report services, please contact Jonathan Nichol: nichol@pdxmex.com 21

STATISTICS Looking at data over the last five years, the top destinations for grain exported out of the Columbia River has been China, Japan, and South Korea. China has consistently topped the charts as the leading grain export destination. In 2018/2019, a dip in total tonnage exported to China occurred because of tariffs and trade disputes. Since then, China’s need for grain has steadily increased seeing them return to the top destination for grain in 2020.

GRAIN REPORT

China

Japan

South Korea

Philippines

Taiwan

2016

156

147

1489

2017

145

130

574

1643

2018

189

104

2017

520

1534

2019

107

124

2016

550

1586

2020

179

138

Grain

Total Vessels

2020

563

1488

2019

477

2018

TIMBER REPORT

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STATISTICS

20 Year Summary - Vessel Calls by Cargo 2500

2000

1500

1000

500

2000

2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018

2020

Other

182

141

107

103

Petroleum & Fuels

392

351

377

368

237

180

168

250

159

198

171

Clay, Cement, Limestone

Pot Ash

100

Soda Ash

105

Chemicals & Minerals

124

102

126

120

108

Metals/Metal Ore & Steel

152

118

125

130

118

142

126

104

112

Forest Products & Logs

179

171

137

135

106

139

129

160

134

Grain

431

381

470

432

508

490

446

469

550

574

563

Containers

278

187

193

143

129

104

108

Autos

285

283

252

343

295

170

185

178

198

183

140

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ASSOCIATION UPDATES Clean Rivers Cooperative Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee Maritime Fire and Safety Association & FPAAC Merchants Exchange Grain Committee Maritime Commerce Club

CLEAN RIVERS COOPERATIVE

CLEAN RIVERS COOPERATIVE HOSTS SWIFT WATER TRAINING Clean Rivers Cooperative had the opportunity to host swift water training, provided by Whitewater Rescue Institute in April. This training was focused on safe operation of jet boats, safety of personnel, understanding water hydrology, practice loss of power and man overboard in a swift water environment. Participants engaged in classroom training to explore the complexities of these situations before applying these learned skills in the field. Coordination with Clackamas River Water Providers and Clackamas River Water provided the ability to test two Geographic Response Plans (GRP) on the Clackamas River to protect water intakes. They were, CR-3.3R and CR-0.8R. Trainings such as this one are critical to continue the readiness to respond for Clean Rivers staff and its partners.

For more information, please visit our website: www.cleanriverscooperative.com Curtis Cannizzaro, General Manager: cannizzaro@pdxmex.com Carl Boelter, Operations Manager: boelter@pdxmex.com Mason Sullivan, Administrative Coordinator: sullivan@pdxmex.com THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

LOWER COLUMBIA REGION HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEE 2021 Meeting Calendar a

January 13: Virtual Meeting March 10: Virtual Meeting May 12: Virtual Meeting July 14: TBD September 1: TBD November 10: TBD a

Board of Directors: 1330-1405 hrs General Membership: 1415-1530 hrs www.lcrhsc.org

The recent Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee held May 12th via virtual meeting included presentation topics: vessel traffic updates from the Merchants Exchange and project/industry updates from State and Federal Agency partners. Local Notice to Mariners, District 13, Week: 18/21

COLUMBIA RIVER – ST. HELENS TO VANCOUVER – I-5 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT: All Columbia River users and stakeholders please be advised the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) program, is developing a Navigation Impact Report (NIR) to develop and plan construction of a replacement bridge for Interstate 5 (I5) between Oregon and Washington. The U.S. Coast Guard Bridge Permit Application Guide requires preparation of the NIR to assess the navigation impacts of the proposed bridge design. The NIR needs to include an accurate picture of current and prospective needs of navigation on the waterway, which requires the collection of data from waterway users. This notice is to inform river users and stakeholders about the IBR program and solicit marine navigation user data for the Columbia River and the Oregon Slough (or North Portland Harbor) at the current bridge location (river mile 106.5). User data will be collected and considered prior to submitting a bridge permit application package to the Coast Guard. Please submit information before 30 June 2021 by completing a waterway user survey available at: interstatebridge.org/ rivernavigation. Send questions to: rivernav@interstatebridge.org, 360-8590494 (Washington), (503) 897-9218 (Oregon), (888) 5036735 (toll-free), or Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, 11018 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver, WA 98682-6686For more information about the IBR program, please visit the program website: https://www.interstatebridge.org

Questions regarding the LCRHSC or how to get involved can be directed to lcrhsc@pdxmex.com THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

MARITIME FIRE AND SAFETY ASSOCIATION

MFSA HELD ANNUAL TABLETOP EXERCISE MFSA held its annual tabletop exercise on March 25, 2021. This was done in conjunction with Fire Protection Agnencies Advisory Councial (FPAAC) as a Multi-Hazard Exercise. This virtual and in-person hybrid exercise was based on a scenario developed in 2020 for a largescale exercise that was postponed due to the pandemic. Participants included various FPAAC agencies, US Coast Guard, Washington Dept. of Ecology, Oregon Dept of Environment Quality and various response contractors. MFSA held its first of two annual equipment deployment exercises on April 22, 2021. Clean Rivers and U.S Ecology deployed a previously untested Geographic Response Plan (GRP) on Puget Island near Cathlamet. The deployment went well and the GRP was able to be deployed as written. Information from these types of deployment used by the state agencies to confirm and further develop GRPs throughout the region. An exciting upcoming event, the Non-Floating Oil (NFO) Spill Response Workshop, is in the planning stage with Oregon DEQ, Washington DOE, USCG (D13 and Sector Columbia River) and the EPA. This virtual event will be held on June 16th and 17th and members are invited to attend. Information can be found on our website at https://mfsa.com/nfo-workshop-2021/ The FPAAC Annual Summit was held virtually on April 6, 2021. In all, over 30 attendees and presenters covered a variety of topics focused on shipboard firefighting, including recent reallife incidents and an overview of Seattle Fire Department’s Marine Unit. 26

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FPAAC held two Technician Level Trainings on April 14 & 15 at the Marine and Environmental Research and Training Station (MERTS) in Astoria, Oregon. The first of these trainings was originally scheduled to occur in 2020, but was delayed due to COVID-19. Each day consisted of the same

curriculum, with Technician Level Firefighters leading Operations Level Firefighters and Company Officers in live fire exercises, advising Command Officers in support of the appropriate operational strategy, and responding to incident obstructions as they arose.

For more information, please visit our website: www.mfsa.com Holly Robinson, General Manager: robinson@pdxmex.com Curtis Cannizzaro, FPACC Program Manager: cannizzaro@pdxmex.com Mason Sullivan, Administrative Coordinator: sullivan@pdxmex.com THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

MERCHANTS EXCHANGE GRAIN COMMITTEE

The Merchants Exchange Grain Committee 36th Annual Invitational Golf Tournament Monday, June 7th, 2021 Riverside Golf & Country Club * Start Time 12:00 pm ** Shotgun Scramble (please note format change!) Due to COVID, boxed lunches will be served prior to tee time. No banquet will follow the event. Contact Margerie for sponsorship opportunities! (503) 227-0234 Tournament to benefit the Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund

Riverside Golf & Country Club 8105 NE 33rd Drive Portland, OR 97211 (503) 288-6468

ADD YOUR NAME HERE!

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

MARITIME COMMERCE CLUB

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WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET AT WORK DAY

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200 SW Market Street Suite 190 Portland, OR 97201

STAFF

Aaron Garber-Paul

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Anthony O’Reilly

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Bekah Canfield

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Carl Bertapelle

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Carl Boelter

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Chann Noun

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Curtis Cannizzaro

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Dayle Brinton

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Ellen Wax

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Holly Robinson

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John Cordasco

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Jonathan Nichol

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