By Karen Robes Meeks
Katherine Lam and Meg Niemi are the newest members of the nine-member Port of Portland Commission, replacing outgoing Commissioners Tom Chamberlain and Gary Young.
Lam, who is president and co-owner of Bambuza Hospitality Group, and Niemi, who has been president of SEIU Local 49 for more than 13 years, were appointed by Gov. Kate Brown. The Oregon Senate approved the appointments Nov. 20.
“It's a great honor to serve the Port of Portland in this capacity,” said Lam. “Portland has an award-winning international airport with an exciting expansion ahead of it. I look forward to building on that momentum to create a prosperous future for the port and our community.”
Niemi said she is honored to join the commission. “We have an incredible opportunity for Oregon’s economy and the Port of Portland to reflect the community it serves and value the workforce that makes it all possible,” she said. “Together, we can navigate a path forward that strengthens and lifts everyone.”
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Long Beach Port Offers Park Funding
By Karen Robes Meeks
Six projects aimed toward augmenting greenspace and parks recently received a boost of more than $4.3 million from the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners. Recipients of the Port of Long Beach Community Grants Program include:
• City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services –$21,472 for Stephens Middle School edible garden
• Camp Fire Angeles – $645,286 for Discovery Trail at DeForest Park
• The Salvation Army – $670,000 for the Red Shield Youth and Community Center at Long Beach Boulevard and Spring Street
• City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine – $981,280 for Lincoln Park landscaping
• City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine – $999,100 for the Drake-Chavez Parks Connection Project, and
• City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine – $999,115 for the 51st Street Greenbelt
“With these grants, the Port is able to improve parks and recreational facilities that benefit areas around Long Beach that are closest to the cargo-movement routes,” said Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal. “This program and our environmental initiatives are just part of our effort to be a good neighbor.”
Six projects aimed toward augmenting greenspace and parks recently received a boost of more than $4.3 million from the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners. Recipients of the Port of Long Beach Community Grants Program include:
• City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services –$21,472 for Stephens Middle School edible garden
• Camp Fire Angeles – $645,286 for Discovery Trail at DeForest Park
• The Salvation Army – $670,000 for the Red Shield Youth and Community Center at Long Beach Boulevard and Spring Street
• City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine – $981,280 for Lincoln Park landscaping
• City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine – $999,100 for the Drake-Chavez Parks Connection Project, and
• City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine – $999,115 for the 51st Street Greenbelt
“With these grants, the Port is able to improve parks and recreational facilities that benefit areas around Long Beach that are closest to the cargo-movement routes,” said Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal. “This program and our environmental initiatives are just part of our effort to be a good neighbor.”
Christmas Ships to Call Camas-Washougal
By Karen Robes Meeks
The 65th annual Christmas Ships Parade returns to the Port of Camas-Washougal on the historic Columbia River on Dec 7.
The port will host as many as 30 decorated vessels for a special performance of this local tradition. Free hot cider and cookies will be served in the port’s meeting room for those wanting to escape the cold. Carolers from Washougal High School will add to the evening’s festivities.
The event is free. Doors open to the public at 5 p.m., with the parade set to begin at 6 p.m. at 24 South A Street in Washougal.
For more information, visit https://portcw.com/news/christmas-ships-parade-returns-to-the-port.
The 65th annual Christmas Ships Parade returns to the Port of Camas-Washougal on the historic Columbia River on Dec 7.
The port will host as many as 30 decorated vessels for a special performance of this local tradition. Free hot cider and cookies will be served in the port’s meeting room for those wanting to escape the cold. Carolers from Washougal High School will add to the evening’s festivities.
The event is free. Doors open to the public at 5 p.m., with the parade set to begin at 6 p.m. at 24 South A Street in Washougal.
For more information, visit https://portcw.com/news/christmas-ships-parade-returns-to-the-port.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
San Diego Seaport Village Gains Tenants
By Karen Robes Meeks
Three popular local businesses will soon call the Port of San Diego’s Seaport Village home.
Port commissioners recently voted to approve leases for Mike Hess Brewing, Mr. Moto Pizza, and Spill the Beans, all of which are expected to open in 2020.
Mike Hess Brewing, which currently has locations in Miramar, North Park, Imperial Beach and Ocean Beach, will occupy a space along the waterfront boardwalk in the Carousel District north of the Pier Café. It will feature a beer tasting room and patio area with a full-service restaurant.
Mr. Moto Pizza will open its sixth location taking the space adjacent to Mike Hess Brewing in the Carousel District.
Opening a second location, specialty coffee and bagel shop Spill the Beans will move in to Seaport Village’s Lighthouse District across from the Marriott Marina near San Pasqual Winery.
“The port is thrilled to bring some new and established local favorites to the San Diego Bay waterfront for the enjoyment of San Diegans as well as those who visit us from across the country and around the world,” said Port Board Chairman Garry Bonelli. “These new tenants will help bring fresh energy and vitality to the diverse shops, unique eateries and outdoor entertainment already offered at the vibrant harbor-side hub.”
Three popular local businesses will soon call the Port of San Diego’s Seaport Village home.
Port commissioners recently voted to approve leases for Mike Hess Brewing, Mr. Moto Pizza, and Spill the Beans, all of which are expected to open in 2020.
Mike Hess Brewing, which currently has locations in Miramar, North Park, Imperial Beach and Ocean Beach, will occupy a space along the waterfront boardwalk in the Carousel District north of the Pier Café. It will feature a beer tasting room and patio area with a full-service restaurant.
Mr. Moto Pizza will open its sixth location taking the space adjacent to Mike Hess Brewing in the Carousel District.
Opening a second location, specialty coffee and bagel shop Spill the Beans will move in to Seaport Village’s Lighthouse District across from the Marriott Marina near San Pasqual Winery.
“The port is thrilled to bring some new and established local favorites to the San Diego Bay waterfront for the enjoyment of San Diegans as well as those who visit us from across the country and around the world,” said Port Board Chairman Garry Bonelli. “These new tenants will help bring fresh energy and vitality to the diverse shops, unique eateries and outdoor entertainment already offered at the vibrant harbor-side hub.”
Everett Budget Supports Port Upgrades
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Everett’s $66.2 million budget for 2020 reflects a significant investment in its future and that of the region.
The 2020 fiscal plan includes $24.7 million in operating/non-operating expenses and $24.3 million in capital investment. Approximately $6.5 million has been put aside for environmental remediation and public access projects, and $9.2 million to pay the principal and interest of the port long-term debt.
The $24.3 million capital investment – $103.1 million through 2024 – will help fund 45 projects that further the port’s Strategic Plan. The plan includes upgrades to Seaport facilities, development of the former Kimberly-Clark mill site, and completion of Fisherman’s Harbor, which is Phase One of the port’s 65-acre mixed-use development at Waterfront Place.
The budget sets the financial framework for the port to continue delivering on the vision of a balanced Everett waterfront that supports maritime use at the urban deep-water Seaport, and mixed-use at the destination waterfront.
The Port of Everett’s $66.2 million budget for 2020 reflects a significant investment in its future and that of the region.
The 2020 fiscal plan includes $24.7 million in operating/non-operating expenses and $24.3 million in capital investment. Approximately $6.5 million has been put aside for environmental remediation and public access projects, and $9.2 million to pay the principal and interest of the port long-term debt.
The $24.3 million capital investment – $103.1 million through 2024 – will help fund 45 projects that further the port’s Strategic Plan. The plan includes upgrades to Seaport facilities, development of the former Kimberly-Clark mill site, and completion of Fisherman’s Harbor, which is Phase One of the port’s 65-acre mixed-use development at Waterfront Place.
The budget sets the financial framework for the port to continue delivering on the vision of a balanced Everett waterfront that supports maritime use at the urban deep-water Seaport, and mixed-use at the destination waterfront.
Port of Seattle to Fund Creek Remediation
By Karen Robes Meeks
Port of Seattle Commissioners moved to fund a portion of the Miller Creek restoration project in collaboration with the cities of Burien and SeaTac.
The motion to negotiate an inter-local agreement to allocate $800,000 of the $3.5 million joint project would help with the replacement of a failing culvert and the creation of 450 feet of new salmon spawning habitat on port land along Des Moines Memorial Drive. The creek supports existing runs of Coho salmon.
“When fully funded, this project will help restore Miller Creek to a more natural state, cooling and filtering the water to restore salmon habitat,” said Maiya Andrews, Public Works Director for the City of Burien.
SeaTac Public Works Director William Appleton said the project protects a sensitive environmental network and creates the potential for education and outreach.
“This is a fantastic opportunity that creates needed infrastructure and environmental improvements in a watershed that is one of the few salmon-bearing creeks in our area,” he said.
Port of Seattle Commissioners moved to fund a portion of the Miller Creek restoration project in collaboration with the cities of Burien and SeaTac.
The motion to negotiate an inter-local agreement to allocate $800,000 of the $3.5 million joint project would help with the replacement of a failing culvert and the creation of 450 feet of new salmon spawning habitat on port land along Des Moines Memorial Drive. The creek supports existing runs of Coho salmon.
“When fully funded, this project will help restore Miller Creek to a more natural state, cooling and filtering the water to restore salmon habitat,” said Maiya Andrews, Public Works Director for the City of Burien.
SeaTac Public Works Director William Appleton said the project protects a sensitive environmental network and creates the potential for education and outreach.
“This is a fantastic opportunity that creates needed infrastructure and environmental improvements in a watershed that is one of the few salmon-bearing creeks in our area,” he said.
Friday, November 22, 2019
New Container Line for Portland
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Portland will be receiving weekly visits from SM Line starting in January. The South Korea-based container carrier, established in 2017, will add Terminal 6 to its current Pacific Northwest rotation.
“We look forward to this new service in Portland, which will expand our trans-Pacific service coverage and better connect SM Line with customers in the region,” said SM Line CEO Kee Hoon Park.
Using six 4,300 to 4,500 TEU vessels, the weekly service will begin on Dec. 22 at the port of Ningbo in China then stop in Shanghai, Pusan, Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, Pusan, Kwangyang and Yantian.
“We are thrilled to welcome SM Line and give regional shippers more options and better connect Oregon businesses to global markets,” said port executive director Curtis Robinhold. “This service will help reduce the number of trucks on the road and decrease regional environmental impacts of freight movement.”
Governor Kate Brown’s recent trade mission trip to South Korea played a major role in securing the business. Brown and port officials met with SM Line executives.
“This is great news for Oregon, which will create more jobs for Oregonians and more opportunities for local companies to grow as they market Oregon products overseas,” Brown said. “Oregon sent $1.7 billion in exports to South Korea last year. During our recent trade mission, we met with SM Line executives and made the case for continuing connections with our trading partners in Asia. I’m delighted they made the decision to come to Portland.”
The Port of Portland will be receiving weekly visits from SM Line starting in January. The South Korea-based container carrier, established in 2017, will add Terminal 6 to its current Pacific Northwest rotation.
“We look forward to this new service in Portland, which will expand our trans-Pacific service coverage and better connect SM Line with customers in the region,” said SM Line CEO Kee Hoon Park.
Using six 4,300 to 4,500 TEU vessels, the weekly service will begin on Dec. 22 at the port of Ningbo in China then stop in Shanghai, Pusan, Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, Pusan, Kwangyang and Yantian.
“We are thrilled to welcome SM Line and give regional shippers more options and better connect Oregon businesses to global markets,” said port executive director Curtis Robinhold. “This service will help reduce the number of trucks on the road and decrease regional environmental impacts of freight movement.”
Governor Kate Brown’s recent trade mission trip to South Korea played a major role in securing the business. Brown and port officials met with SM Line executives.
“This is great news for Oregon, which will create more jobs for Oregonians and more opportunities for local companies to grow as they market Oregon products overseas,” Brown said. “Oregon sent $1.7 billion in exports to South Korea last year. During our recent trade mission, we met with SM Line executives and made the case for continuing connections with our trading partners in Asia. I’m delighted they made the decision to come to Portland.”
