Channel Deepening Construction Begins–Let’s Celebrate:

On June 25 th, at 10:14 p.m. channel deepening construction for the Columbia River Channel Improvement Project began to deepen the navigation channel from 40 to 43 feet from river mile (RM) 3 to RM 16 near Astoria.  The Corps’ contractor, Great Lakes Dredge & Docks, completed deepening of the first seven miles to date.  They are utilizing a hopper dredge named Sugar Island.    

After 16 years of successfully planning and defending the project, this is the most important milestone that has occurred thus far.  In order to properly commemorate this event, the Coalition would like to invite you to be our guest a t this special celebration:

When: Thursday, August 4 th from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Where: Vancouver Landing (west of the Red Lion in at the Quay in Vancouver, WA)

Please join federal and state legislators , other special guests, and many Coalition members from Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington for this memorable occasion.  The Coalition thanks everyone that has supported the Columbia River Channel Improvement Project for helping to build a stronger Northwest economy through maritime trade. 

Please RSVP by July 29, 2005 , by responding to this email or contact Theeme Holznagel at #503-285-6343.

CHAIRMAN HOBSON & CONGRESSMAN SIMPSON MEET WITH COALITION:

Last week, Congressman David Hobson, Chairman of the U.S. House Energy & Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee , and Congressman Mike Simpson (ID), a member of the subcommittee, met with leaders of the Coalition and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to exchange pivotal information regarding the current status of the Columbia River Channel Improvement Project .  Th is subcommittee plays a major role in allocation of federal funding for public works project s.

To date, Congress has appropriated a total $19 million for channel deepening.  In addition, both the House and Senate have included $15 million is in the ir versions of the Energy & Water Development Act for Fiscal Year 2006.  The funding amount will become final once the House -Senate conference committee completes action. 

Additionally, Congressman Simpson met with several members of the Coalition for a roundtable session, during which he was able to receive an in-depth look at the major aspects and importance of channel deepening.  He was able to hear directly from leading constituencies involved in agriculture, business, labor, river and bar pilots, and other marine interests in the Northwest.  

This visit was a significant opportunity for the Coalition.  We thank Chairman Hobson and Congressman Simpson for taking time out of their busy schedule s to discuss this project that is vital to sustaining trade and jobs in our region. 

COALITION KEEPS EXPANDING:
We welcome the following organization s who officially joined the Coalition during the past two weeks:

• Montana Wheat & Barley Committee
• Montana Grain Elevators Association
• Montana Agricultural Business Association

DID YOU KNOW?
Idaho exported $847.3 million in agricultural products in 2003 ; most of this product left the U.S. via the Columbia River.  Over 70% of Idaho’s wheat is exported, most ly through the Columbia River.  In addition, 30-40% of the barley and 50-60% of the peas/lentils grown in Idaho are exported via the Columbia River.  About 7,000-10,000 containers of exports are shipped from the Port of Lewiston to the Port of Portland by barge each year.  Additional containers carrying export cargo are trucked to Columbia River ports.  Once again, th ese facts prove the Columbia River is a critical part of the nation’s transportation system.

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)