Ports in Newport, Astoria and North Bend are getting a total of $36.5 million as part of a national distribution of $662 million from a port infrastructure program managed by the U.S. Maritime Administration.
By far the largest portion of the Oregon funds is $25.3 million headed to the Port of Astoria to pay for the complete rehabilitation of its Pier 2 West, the region’s hub for seafood processing and maritime commerce, which is in critical need of repairs and rehabilitation.
The Port of Newport is receiving $3.44 million to help pay for the grading of nine acres of land adjacent to the port’s international terminal to create additional lay-down and storage space; fence three acres of land for increased security; and purchase two loaders to load, unload and move cargo within and around the port, especially break-bulk cargo, which the port’s current cargo handling equipment is not well suited to safely and efficiently handle.
“The Port of Newport greatly appreciates the support of our federal legislators and the Maritime Administration for this investment in our international terminal,” Port of Newport executive director Paula Miranda said in a statement. “This will allow us to expand our operational capacity” and make the Port more attractive to prospective customers.
The Coquille Tribe has landed one of the biggest competitive grants in its history — $7.7 million — to help with the tribe’s wharf and port development in North Bend.
The money will fund three phases of improvements to the tribe’s Ko’Kwel Wharf near the tribe’s Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park in North Bend. In short, dock repairs will be made to sections that have seen little or no work in 40 years. A 600-700 foot extension will be added as well.
