In a bold move to keep Oregon's economic wheel a-turning, Governor Tina Kotek has stepped up with a proposal to keep the Port of Portland's Terminal 6 from capsizing. According to an official announcement obtained by Oregon Newsroom, Kotek is laying down a whopping $40 million state investment on the table. The cash splash aims to ensure that the lifeline for scores of Oregon producers doesn't get snipped come October when container services were slated to end.
The Governor's recommended budget for 2025-2027 is where the bulk of the bucks are expected to come from, to the tune of $35 million. An additional $5 million will be sought after directly from legislators' emergency stashes during a September meeting. Kotek's familiarity with the port's district, having served it for years, means that she’s keenly aware of Terminal 6's plight. It's become economically tough to keep it afloat. In a statement obtained by Oregon Newsroom, she conveyed her resolution to "invest $40 million in state funds to allow container service to continue and communicate my expectations for reliable and sustainable service moving forward.”
It's not just Kotek who's all in on this deal. Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold expressed gratitude for the Governor's declaration to sustain this "important piece of our economy." He noted the bipartisan group of legislators rallying behind the cause, recognizing the significance of trade for business and Oregon communities. As per Oregon Newsroom, Robinhold enthused that 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."
The pot of gold Kotek is proposing to dedicate will not just fill existing holes but also fund the future. Of the $35 million, $20 million will go into capital programs supporting ports with active container services, while $15 million will serve the Lower Columbia River Channel Management Plan's startup costs.
