The Port of Camas-Washougal received the 2012 Port of the
Year Award from the Washington State Public Port Association at the
organization’s annual meeting in Seattle.
“We’re extremely proud to have our efforts recognized and
it’s a credit to local business and civic leaders that we’ve made some
significant steps forward,” port Executive Director David Ripp said.
Each year, the Public Port Association honors one of 76
public port districts across the state for exceptional success in the port
industry. The Port of Camas-Washougal was selected from a roster of nominees
for its strategic planning, acquisition and development milestones it achieved
in the last year.
The port is currently in the midst of a several major
development and expansion projects. Newly acquired acreage along the Columbia
River is expected to allow the port to preserve access along the waterfront
with a public trail and to develop adjacent property to attract businesses and
jobs.
Construction’s also underway in the first phase of the
Steigerwald Commerce Center, a 120-acre industrial park that the port anticipates
will bring significant development and jobs to the region.
Founded in 1935, the Port of Camas Washougal’s district
encompasses over 40,000 residents in the cities of Camas and Washougal in
Southwest Washington. Its three main operating areas are a 350-slip pleasure
boat marina, the largest publicly owned facility on the Washington side of the
Columbia River, as well as an industrial park and general aviation airport.
The industrial park, which is about 30 minutes from Portland
International Airport, includes rail and highway access, is home to more than
40 businesses with an annual payroll of $8.9 million.
