OLYMPIA, Washington – Each year at its Annual Meeting, the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) recognizes members of the port community who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to Washington ports. The award qualifications for the “Outstanding Service to the Port Industry” award state that such an honoree has made a “significant and meaningful contribution to the success of a public port district or the public port industry at the local, national, or international level.” Both through dedication to their own port, and in partnership with the Association, those receiving this recognition have undertaken work that has benefited all who work with Washington ports.
Paul Cline, Port of Woodland
This year, the WPPA Executive Committee voted to recognize Paul Cline, Commissioner at the Port of Woodland, with our Outstanding Service to the Port Industry Award. Commissioner Cline served on the Port of Woodland’s governing commission from 2009 until his untimely passing in the Spring of 2025. Commissioner Cline oversaw significant changes at this Cowlitz County port district, including the addition of two new industrial parks with numerous new tenants, the installation of dark fiber/internet from Ariel to Cougar, a partnership between the Port and Woodland School District for the Career Exploration, the development of the Community Orchard, the purchase of the Columbia Riverfront RV Park, and the signing of two historic marine terminal leases at Martin Bar. Under Commissioner Cline’s leadership the port consistently delivered on its mission of providing economic opportunity in the community.
And this was Commissioner Cline’s community, where he taught band at Woodland High School for more than 27 years. After retiring from his role as band leader for the high school, Commissioner Cline continued to look for ways to serve the Woodland area where he was raised. He was appointed to the Port Commission in 2009 and was a staple at Washington Public Ports Association events, where he was a respected yet humble leader who many looked to for guidance.
“Commissioner Paul Cline was the epitome of a selfless public servant,” said Eric ffitch, Executive Director at the Washington Public Ports Association. “He was a positive, kind, and generous man, who would treat any member of his community, and our port community, with the same respect and care as his own family. People in our Association looked to him as an example, and he will leave a legacy of humble but visionary port leadership.”
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As a state legislative and regulatory advocacy organization, the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) fosters public policy for ports to achieve their goals. The WPPA was authorized by the Legislature in 1961 to represent public port districts throughout Washington, serving as the focus through which ports work cooperatively to develop policy direction, share information, and address issues on economic development, trade, transportation, and environmental stewardship. Public port districts offer a wide range of locally governed services, including marine terminals, barge facilities, industrial development, marinas, airports, railroads, and tourism promotion. Learn more at washingtonports.org.
CONTACT
Eric ffitch, Executive Director
Washington Public Ports Association
E: effitch@washingtonports.org
T: 360-763-1179
