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<< Back E-mail Update – February 2, 2003 – Volume 3, Number 4 President’s Fy2005 Budget Includes Channel Project! President Bush’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 was released today and – for the first time – includes the Columbia River Channel Improvement Project. This major announcement should keep the project on track to begin ecosystem restoration in 2004 and channel deepening in 2005. The President’s budget does not yet include a specific dollar figure because the White House Office of Management and Budget must first complete its administrative review, which is anticipated to take about three months. Upon completion of that review, the President’s budget describes, the Administration will propose FY2005 construction funding for the project to Congress. In addition, the sponsor ports and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must sign the Project Cooperation Agreement, a technical document detailing funding and construction duties, which is expected within the next few weeks. Although this is the first time the project has been included in a President’s budget, the members of the Northwest Congressional delegation – along with the Governors of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana – have been stalwart proponents of the project. Congress appropriated $4.5 million for FY 2001, $2 million for FY 2003, and most recently $3.5 million for FY 2004. In addition, the states of Oregon and Washington have appropriated the full state matching funds of $27.7 million each for the project. The project has also received all state and federal environmental approvals, concluding with the positive Record of Decision just last month. The Corps’ cost/benefit analysis demonstrates that every $1 invested in project construction yields $1.66 in national economic return. Major regional economic benefits are in addition to the national benefits. Northwest port, business, labor, and agricultural leaders commended the President: “This is excellent news for the project,” said Ken O’Hollaren, executive director of the Port of Longview and chair of the Columbia River Channel Coalition. “This is the first time that the project has appeared in the President’s budget and for that we are grateful.” “We greatly appreciate the support of the Northwest Congressional Delegation in bringing the project to this point,” said Bill Wyatt, Port of Portland executive director. “The funds they’ve secured thus far will help us enhance the river’s ecosystem this year, and we look forward to working with them and the administration in securing additional funding in FY 2005.” “The competitive transportation advantage for Northwest wheat farmers has been slipping away as other international ports fully load the deep-draft ships that must leave behind thousands of tons of cargo every week at Columbia River ports,” said Tom Duyck, an Oregon wheat grower. “Funding construction of this deeper channel is a major benefit to wheat growers and other farmers in transporting our products to world markets.” “The International Longshore and Warehouse Union and other labor unions throughout our region celebrate the inclusion of channel deepening in the President’s budget,” said Jeff Smith, Vice President of ILWU Local 8. “Columbia River commerce protects over 40,000 real jobs for men and women throughout our region with an average wage of $46,000 per year, which is so important for a region hard-hit by recession and unemployment.” “On behalf of the 1,000 local businesses that rely on the Columbia River for cost-effective and environmentally-responsible shipping each year, we commend the inclusion of this important project in the President’s budget,” said Jan Mosby, transportation manager for Kalama Export Company. “The Columbia River handles 30 million tons of cargo worth $14 billion each year. We need a 43-foot-deep channel to fully load this cargo and ensure that businesses like Kalama Export will thrive in the years to come.” The Columbia River Channel Improvement Project, sponsored by the Washington Ports of Kalama, Longview, Vancouver, and Woodland and the Oregon Ports of Portland and St. Helens, will deepen the shipping channel between the ocean and Portland/Vancouver from 40 to 43 feet, enabling modern ships to navigate more safely and load Northwest exports more fully. The project will also implement ecosystem restoration measures that go above-and-beyond required mitigation to leave the Columbia River in better environmental condition than it is today. Holznagel Promoted To Assistant Director: Theeme Holznagel, who has served as the Coalition’s Office Manager since 2002, has been promoted to the position of Assistant Director. This promotion recognizes Theeme’s outstanding work in advancing the Coalition’s goals and acknowledges the additional responsibilities she assumes in the absence of Executive Director Dave Hunt, especially during legislative sessions. Congratulations, Theeme! Did You Know? Wheat was first exported through the Columbia River in 1869. That first shipment was loaded on the ocean-going ship Helen Angier, bound for Liverpool. Please contact us with any questions, concerns, or information requests. Thanks for your partnership in building a stronger economy through maritime trade. Dave Hunt, Executive Director Theeme Holznagel, Office Manager Columbia River Channel Coalition (503) 285-6343 (voice), (503) 285-6350 (fax) CRCC@ChannelCoalition.com (e-mail)
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