(The Center Square) - Oregon Governor Tina Kotek announced this week that she is proposing a $40 million state expenditure to let container service continue at Port of Portland’s Terminal 6.
Of that proposed funding, $35 million would come from the Governor’s 2025-2027 recommended budget. Another $5 million would be requested from the legislative Emergency Board at its September meeting.
“After the Port of Portland’s April announcement that container service would end this October, I heard from scores of producers throughout Oregon that relied on Terminal 6 to ship their goods,” Governor Kotek said in statement. “Having represented the Port’s home district in the Oregon Legislature for many years, I understand that the terminal’s location makes container operations at Terminal 6 economically challenging. In response, I am proposing to invest $40 million in state funds to allow container service to continue and communicate my expectations for reliable and sustainable service moving forward.”
Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold expressed gratitude for the governor's actions.
“We’re grateful for Governor Kotek’s declaration of support and her commitment to maintaining this important piece of our economy,” Robinhold said. “We are also extremely grateful for the strong backing from a bipartisan group of legislators who recognize the value of trade to businesses and communities throughout our state. With the support of the Oregon Legislature, container shipping at Terminal 6 will continue, along with the benefits it provides for Oregon businesses and the quality jobs it provides for our community. This level of government and community support is something Oregonians should be proud of.”
Of the proposed $35 million from Kotek's 2025-2027 budget, $20 million would go to a capital program to support ports with active container service. The other $15 million would go to the initial state funding for costs associated with the Lower Columbia River Channel Management Plan. Additionally, the $5 million she wants from the Emergency Board would go toward T6 operations.
Kotek also asked for a report from the Port of Portland about ongoing Terminal 6 operations and progress; she wants the report by August 23, 2024.
"This report must comprehensively address what steps that the Port of Portland has taken and will take to reach out to impacted stakeholders, implement a business plan that reduces losses in the 2025 budget year, and increase the number of containers moving through the terminal," the release said.
