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From the Washington Public Ports Association |
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JuLY 2010 |
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Upcoming Events July
15-16, 2010 July
25-27, 2010 Ports
Eligible to Receive Millions of Dollars in Stormwater Grants Ports
Host Legislative Event for Lt. Governor Personal
Services Contracting Training Now On-line Legislative
Issue Talking Points CERB
Accepting Requests for Export Assistance Funds Schwabe
Lends Talents to Washington Ports Ports are now eligible to receive a portion of more than $23 million in
competitive stormwater grants offered through the state Dept. of
Ecology. The grants are part of more
than $50 million allocated by the state Legislature during the 2010 session
to help local governments expand their stormwater programs, maintain and create
stormwater-related jobs, and develop new infrastructure. The funding is
divided into two financial assistance programs: the Fiscal Year 2011 Stormwater Retrofit
and Low-Impact Development (“LID”) Competitive Grant Program, and the
Municipal Stormwater Capacity Grant Program. The first of the
two – the Stormwater Retrofit and LID Competitive Grant program – will
provide funds for local governments and public ports covered by a Phase 1 or
2 stormwater permit to plan, design, and implement stormwater retrofit or
low-impact development facility projects.
Ecology will distribute a total of $23.4 million under this program. Ecology started
accepting applications for this competitive grant program July 1. All application materials must be received
at Ecology headquarters before 5 p.m., Tuesday, August 31. For more
information, go to Ecology’s website at: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/funding/FundingPrograms/OtherFundingPrograms/ The second fund –
the Municipal Stormwater Capacity Grant program – will provide an additional
$23.5 million in capacity grants to municipalities (but not ports) covered by
a Phase 1 or 2 stormwater permit. The
grant may be spent to build staffing capacity, improve stormwater research,
data management, and monitoring. Stormwater control is a major focus in the state’s effort to improve
the health of Puget Sound and other waterways. The grant programs were funded this session
to assist local governments as state leaders continue to seek a more
permanent stormwater funding source. Last Friday, the Legislative Committee on
Economic Development and International Relations, chaired by Lt. Governor
Brad Owen, convened its July meeting at the Port of Tacoma. The meeting
focused on port districts, and was titled “Washington’s Ports: A Critical Tool for International Economic
Development.” Twelve legislators attended the hearing and, in
addition to comments from Lt. Governor Owen, they heard briefings from staff
representing the Ports of Tacoma, Seattle, Longview and Pasco, in addition to
the WPPA. Many presenters emphasized the increased competition we are facing
from Canadian ports. Once the Panama Canal is widened, Gulf ports will become
strong competitors for cargo, as well. Detailed presentations were given on federal
policies and issues, air cargo, and environmental issues. Ken O’Hollaren of
the Port of Longview presented an overview of the Ports of Longview, Kalama
and Vancouver, and Jim Toomey of the Port of Pasco provided an overview of
the Ports of Benton, Kennewick, Pasco and Walla Walla. Several themes emerged from the briefing, which
was televised on TVW: · The state
must re-instate a funding partnership for job-creating infrastructure, such
as CERB. · We need to
prioritize strategic freight rail projects, and the state should do more to ensure
a long-term focus on freight mobility. · Funding for
cleanups through Local Toxics Control grants should be re-instated, so that
ports can continue cleanup projects. Following the meeting, the Committee received a
tour of the Port of Tacoma. Copies of the PowerPoint presentations used by
the various speakers can be found on the WPPA web site, at http://www.washingtonports.org/member_resources/events/pastevents.asp.
For information about viewing the proceedings on
TVW, go to http://www.tvw.org/search/siteSearch.cfm?EventType=J&Date=2010&bhcp=1.
As a result
of the passage of HB 3274 by the Legislature in 2008, the WPPA is required to
provide a training course for port personnel responsible for executing and
managing personal service contracts. The statute also mandates that port
districts require port employees responsible for executing or managing
personal service contracts to complete the training course to the
satisfaction of their commission. These requirements took effect January 2010
and WPPA held several day-long training sessions throughout the state to help
ports comply. Now, with
the help of Janet Quimby, WPPA has created an online
version of the training course for the same low cost. The webinar
takes a little over an hour to work through and culminates with a certificate
of completion. Participants can also download the training manual from the
website as well as other helpful documents to refer to as they go through the
training. If you
didn’t get a chance to attend one of the trainings, or have new staff that
needs to be trained, we encourage you to take advantage of the online course
to comply with the statute. Hard to believe it’s July already, but we are a
little less than five months away from the onset of celebrating our Ports
Centennial. Your Port Centennial Subcommittee and WPPA Public Relations
Committee have been hard at work getting everything ready for kickoff. A logo has been designed for us by Muller Design
Studio and will be unveiled at the WPPA Annual Meeting in November. TVW will
soon begin piecing together the film that ports submitted and will do some
filming of their own over the rest of summer to create a Faces and Places piece on the Ports of Washington. And HistoryLink has been hard
at work writing and posting individual port histories on their website. So far,
they’ve uploaded histories on the Ports of Bremerton, Brownsville, Edmonds,
Everett, Grays Harbor, Kennewick, Kingston and Vancouver. We’re excited about it all coming together to
celebrate our ports across the state in 2011. Join us! Washington
Voters Will Consider Six Initiatives This Fall The
2010 fall ballot will have six initiatives on it, tying the modern record set
in 2000. The all-time record was the seven on the 1914 ballot, the first year
Washington could use the initiative and referendum process. The minimum needed to qualify for the November
ballot is 241,153 valid signatures of registered Washington voters. Although,
the state Elections Division urges all campaigns to submit at least 300,000 signatures, allowing use of random sampling, and room for
duplicate or invalid signatures. The following have met that requirement: · Initiative Measure No. 1053 concerns
tax and fee increases imposed by state government. This measure would restate
existing statutory requirements that legislative actions raising taxes must
be approved by two-thirds legislative majorities or receive voter approval,
and that new or increased fees require majority legislative approval. · Initiative Measure No. 1082 concerns
industrial insurance. This measure would authorize employers to purchase
private industrial insurance beginning July 1, 2012; direct the legislature
to enact conforming legislation by March 1, 2012; and eliminate the
worker-paid share of medical-benefit premiums. · Initiative Measure No. 1098 concerns
establishing a state income tax and reducing other taxes. This measure would
tax “adjusted gross income” above $200,000 (individuals) and $400,000
(joint-filers), reduce state property tax levies, reduce certain business and
occupation taxes, and direct any increased revenues to education and health. · Initiative Measure No. 1100 concerns
liquor (beer, wine and spirits). This measure would close state liquor
stores; authorize sale, distribution, and importation of spirits by private
parties; and repeal certain requirements that govern the business operations
of beer and wine distributers and producers. · Initiative Measure No. 1105 concerns
liquor (beer, wine and spirits). This measure would close all state liquor
stores and license private parties to sell or distribute spirits. It would
revise laws concerning regulation, taxation and government revenues from
distribution and sale of spirits. · Initiative Measure No. 1107 concerns
reversing certain 2010 amendments to state tax laws. This measure would end
sales tax on candy; end temporary sales tax on some bottled water; end
temporary excise taxes on carbonated beverages; and reduce tax rates for
certain food processors. The Community Economic Revitalization Board
(CERB) is pleased to announce the launch of the Export Assistance Program,
created by the 2010 Supplemental Capital Budget
(Section 1018). The program’s purpose is to support the
growth of export of Washington state products and services by financing
infrastructure and technical assistance projects. The Export Assistance Program is a $3 million
competitive loan and grant program available to local governments and public
institutions of higher education. CERB is currently seeking proposals
for highly-leveraged, innovative projects which will measurably increase the
short- and long-term exports of Washington state products and/or
services. Application
Process CERB is currently accepting responses to a Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
RFQ responses are due by 5pm PST, on Monday, July 19, 2010. After a threshold review by CERB staff, a review
panel consisting of CERB members and export industry experts will select projects
for further consideration. Selected projects will be issued an invitation to
apply for funding through a Request for Proposals (RFP). For details on qualified applicants, eligible
projects, the application process, and other frequently asked questions visit
www.commerce.wa.gov/cerb/export
. The family of former port attorney Robert
Goodstein has announced that there will be a memorial service for Bob on
August 6 at the Port of Tacoma. The details are included below. Bob was
counsel to many ports and to the WPPA, and is deeply missed. In accordance with the family’s wishes, WPPA has
set up a Memorial Scholarship at Tacoma Community College to honor Bob’s
memory. Bob began his career as a public defender, and he believed deeply in
second chances. With this in mind the fund will be used to provide financial
aid to students who are coming out of the criminal justice system, and who
are trying to obtain an education to improve themselves. The scholarship will be administered and awarded
by the Tacoma Community College Foundation, and donations are
tax-deductible. Contributions may be
mailed to: Tacoma Community College Foundation or made online at www.tacomacc.edu/foundation.
Please specify Goodstein Scholarship on donations. The Goodstein family, the Port of Tacoma staff and
Commission, Robert I. Goodstein The Port of Tacoma Atrium, One Sitcum Plaza Light refreshments served following the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to
the Robert I. Goodstein Memorial Scholarship Fund at Tacoma Community
College. Please make checks payable to the “Tacoma Community College
Foundation/Goodstein Scholarship”. More information is available at http://www.tacomacc.edu/foundation/. We are collecting memories,
thoughts, stories and photographs of Bob to present to his family. Please
email your contributions to hhunt@portoftacoma.com.
Lisa
Lowe, a shareholder in the Vancouver office of regional law firm Schwabe,
Williamson & Wyatt, was recently appointed to the chair of the Legal
Committee of the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA). Lowe is the first individual appointed to
this position who is not employed directly by a port. “Lisa has
served our state’s port community as a valued member of this committee for
many years,” said Eric Johnson, Executive Director for the Washington Public
Ports Association. “Our members trust
her judgment and experience, and when this committee position opened up there
was resounding support for her appointment.
We are all excited to have her in this important role.” Lowe is currently
general counsel for the Port of Vancouver and represents public agencies in
addition to businesses and individuals.
She has been a long-time attorney within the Vancouver community and
in that time has represented numerous individuals and private
businesses. When not advising port
districts, Lowe’s main areas of emphasis are providing representation in
estate planning, business succession planning, and trust and estate
administration. “Lisa has
definitely become a well-respected legal authority on port matters and we are
excited to see her take on this new role with the Washington Public Ports
Association,” said Mark Long, Schwabe’s managing partner. Lowe is a member of the Washington State Bar
Association and is a present member and past Secretary of the Southwest
Washington Estate Planning Council.
She graduated from Northwestern School of Law, Lewis & Clark
College, with a juris doctor degree. Port of Grays Harbor Adds Liquid
Bulk Marine Terminal Capacity Governor Chris Gregoire joined Port of Grays
Harbor officials, customers and community partners for the ribbon cutting
ceremony of Marine Terminal 1. This former barge slip underwent a major
upgrade to become a full size liquid bulk shipping terminal to handle the
growing bulk cargoes moving through the Port of Grays Harbor. The ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated the
additional capacity the liquid bulk terminal will bring to Washington. Dry
bulk exports of soybean meal and distiller dried grains (DDGS) have been
competing for dock space with biodiesel products and liquid bulks since the
opening of Imperium Grays Harbor and Westway Terminal Company’s respective
Grays Harbor facilities. “Our customers have invested more than $110
million in their own facilities over the past five years, we value their
commitment to our community and want to provide the public infrastructure to
facilitate their growth and success,” reported Gary Nelson, Port Executive
Director. “The upgrade of Terminal 1 as a vessel handling berth will open up
additional capacity at our dry bulk terminal for the growth of AGP.” AG
Processing Inc announced plans earlier this year to construct storage
facilities adjacent to their loading facility at Marine Terminal 2. Funding for the upgrade was in partnership
between the State of Washington Job Development Fund, Community Economic
Revitalization Board, the primary shippers -- Imperium Grays Harbor and
Westway Terminal Company, and the Port of Grays Harbor. Wolff
Resigns from Port of Grapeview Commission Port of Grapeview Commissioner Phil Wolff has
moved out of the district and resigned his position. Commissioner Bob Allen
said the port is currently searching for a replacement to appoint to the
commission. The appointed commissioner will serve on the board until the next
general election in 2011. Port of
Tacoma Earns ‘Green 50’ Environmental Honors from Inbound Logistics The Port of Tacoma has been named an Inbound Logistics
“Green 50 Supply Chain Partner” in the magazine’s annual list of 50 supply
chain partners committed to sustainability. Tacoma is one of five U.S. ports—and the only one in the
Pacific Northwest—to be honored. “To balance its environmental impact, the Port of Tacoma
restores habitat sites for salmon and other wildlife, and invests in a range
of cleanup and improvement projects in and around Commencement Bay,”
according to the article in the magazine’s special June issue. “We are thrilled to be recognized for our commitment to
doing business in a way that protects the environment,” said John Wolfe, Port
of Tacoma’s chief executive officer. “It honors the hard work and ingenuity
of our employees, customers and business partners as we work together to
advance our industry and enhance our community.” Skyline Steel to Build West Coast Hub at Port of
Longview
IDM will construct
the facility and lease it to Skyline, who will have the option to purchase it
after twelve years. The Port has the obligation to purchase the building at
the end of the initial lease term if Skyline does not, which requires the
project to comply with prevailing wage laws. Port of Grandview Welcomes Organic Blueberry
Packing Plant
Olsen Brothers Ranches searched for a place to build a food
packing and processing facility, the Port and City of Grandview made that
happen quickly, the building construction took just two months. Dave McFadden, with New Vision, said it's this kind of
partnership that makes business growth possible. "You don't typically build a plant in two, two and a
half months and between the Port and the City these guys had their permits in
days rather than weeks," said McFadden. McFadden also said the organic blueberry industry is
growing in Eastern Washington and Olson Brothers are ahead of the curve. The
new facility will employ around 35 seasonal workers this year. Happy 21st Birthday to the Port of Grandview During the opening of Olsen Brothers (see story
above), the port also celebrated a significant milestone. Our
congratulations go to Port Commissioners Colleen Byam, Ron Grow and Jim
Sewell for their tireless efforts to make the port an economic development
force for the Yakima Valley. Since its inception the port has developed
two business parks that now support half a dozen businesses that
significantly add to the region's payrolls and quality of life. Sea-Tac Airport Making a Difference King County's Solid Waste Division has, for the
fourth year in a row, named Port of Seattle - Seattle-Tacoma International
Airport to the annual Best Workplaces for Recycling & Waste Reduction, one
of 75 organizations to make the 2010 list. Sea-Tac Airport is being
recognized for strong internal recycling programs and for a commitment to
reducing the amount of waste produced. Port of
Vancouver Hires Wagner as Communications Manager Port
of Vancouver recently hired Theresa Wagner as their new communications
manager. Theresa’s responsibilities include oversight of communications,
media relations and public relations. Prior to
coming to the port, Theresa served as U.S. Sen. Patty Murray’s southwest
Washington regional director where she assisted the senator’s constituents in
Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, Wahkiakum, and Pacific counties. Her background
includes work for other elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Brian Baird,
former Gov. Gary Locke, and Betty Sue Morris when Morris served in the Washington
State Legislature. In addition, Theresa spent several years as communications
manager for the Southwest Region of the Washington State Department of
Transportation. “We are very
pleased Theresa has joined our team,” said Larry Paulson, Port of Vancouver
executive director. “Her strong communication skills, ability to think
strategically, and in-depth knowledge of southwest Washington will add value
to an already hardworking and talented port staff.” Theresa grew
up in Vancouver, earned her Associates in Arts degree from Clark College, and
graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington State University.
Theresa is a graduate of Leadership Clark County, a local leadership
development program, and a General George C. Marshall Public Leadership award
recipient. Theresa and her husband Don Wagner live in Hockinson. Port of Whitman County Appoints Don Cox to Commission The Port of Whitman County is
pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Donald Cox as District 3 port
commissioner. Dr. Cox will serve in
place of the late port commissioner, Robert Gronholz, who died in office in
April of 2010. Dr. Cox completed a 35-year career in K-12 education,
serving his last eight as Superintendent of the Colfax Schools and serving as
adjunct faculty at Washington State University. He became an Associate
Professor in the College of Education in 1998 where he was the Director of
the Rural Education Center, teaching aspiring principals and superintendents.
Don was appointed to the Washington State House of Representatives in 1999
and served on the K-12, Higher Education, and Appropriations Committees.
Appointed by the Governor to the Board of Trustees of the Community Colleges
of Spokane his term will end October 2011. He completed another year in the
legislature upon the untimely death of his successor, Steve Hailey. Don and
his wife Sherry have two children and make their home in Colfax where he is a
member of the Community Bible Church and the Gideon's. Finance
and Administration Manager, Port of Moses Lake © 2006 Washington Public Ports Association. All rights
reserved PO Box 1518 * Olympia, WA 98507 |
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