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<< Back E-mail Update – May 1, 2003 – Volume 3, Number 7 Meeting With Congressman David Wu Coalition members met with U.S. Congressman David Wu, representing Oregon’s First Congressional District (from the Willamette River in Portland all the way west to the Coast) on April 23, 2003. Many coalition members from the First District were present to personally voice the importance of Channel Deepening. Congressman Wu fully supports the Channel Deepening Project and stated, “this project is required for the economic survival of this region”. He also stated the importance of continuing to make sure that concerns of the lower Columbia River communities are heard and taken into account as the project proceeds. Congressman Wu’s support is vital to assist in the Federal appropriation of $20 million for FY 2004. Oregon’s Bipartisan Agenda Includes Channel Deepening: Earlier this month the Oregonian released a list of agenda items included in Oregon’s Bipartisan Agenda for the 108th Congress as developed by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Gordon Smith. However, the Oregonian neglected to publish the entire list, which clearly includes the Columbia River Channel Deepening project. The agenda item falls under the category of “Restore Oregon’s Economic Vitality” and states “Support Vibrant Ports: Fight to maintain funding for Oregon’s smaller ports, and work to ensure competitiveness by dredging the Columbia River Channel to 43 feet”. To review the complete list of the Bipartisan Agenda go to the following website: www.senate.gov/~wyden/leg_issues/bipartisan/bipart.html. Washington To Reappropriate $17.7 Million In Capitol Budget:: Both Washington State Senate and House released their Capitol Budget for the next biennium which includes the re-appropriation of $17.7 million for Channel Deepening. The Capitol Budget still requires final adoption, which will occur sometime after the Senate and House re-convene for the special legislative session on May 12, 2003. This action is confirmation that the Washington state legislature is fully aware of the economic necessity of Channel Deepening. Did You Know? Columbia River ports exported 2.6 million metric tons of wheat in the fourth quarter of 2002. For the entire year of 2002, 39% of the wheat grown in the United States was exported via the Columbia River. Once again, making the Columbia River the #1 wheat export gateway in the United States. 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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