Millions of dollars are still necessary for the Port of Coos Bay’s proposed ocean shipping container terminal on the North Spit to become a reality. However, the project, which could lead to 7,000 new jobs, got a boost Friday when U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) toured the North Spit with Port and other Bay Area officials and stated “we’ll get it done.” The Port has been targeted previously during former State Senator Joanne Verger’s term-of-office, as an economic priority by State officials. With rail, air, and highways now improved between the Coast and the Valley, mid-sized containers were mentioned and targeted for a possible Port terminal development. However, without a lessee and additional funding, it ended up on a shelf collecting dust. Fast forward to 2023 and the project continues to show regained strength. Port Director John Burns says the Port has been working on acquiring more possible state and federal funding. The updated list now includes: $100 million for the Rail Line, $40 million for Channel Deepening, and $35 million for Railroad Bridges. The Port is in a good position to offer affordable access to and from the Valley. It owns and operates the Coos Bay Rail Line, which continues to improve. Tunnel renovations have been completed. According to the Port’s website, the rail line transports approximately $460 million worth of freight in and out of the region each year. It runs from the Bay Area to the Union Pacific Exchange in North Eugene. Highways have also been improved. The recent replacement of the Scottsburg Bridge over the Umpqua River on Hwy. 38 was the removal of a big deterrent. Earlier this year, the Port was notified by Federal officials (Jan. 30, 2023 Port release) “that the $1.2 Billion Mega Grant proposal to support construction of the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port was unsuccessful in receiving an award in the 2022 funding cycle. However, the Port and NorthPoint are continuing to move forward with the project, having been encouraged by key Federal stakeholders to resubmit the proposal in the 2023 grant cycle.” Sen. Wyden, in full support, says he would like to get this done before Congress ends.
