Faithful readers of my ramblings here have probably noticed that when it comes to the Port of Astoria I've been quite critical when it's clear things aren't going quite right. You may also have noticed that nothing much has been written here about the Port in general for quite sometime other than the recent, inevitable loss of air service.
It's time to break that silence. The Port is doing very well and in spite of my personal feelings about at least one member of the Commission it seems we have the right mix of people on board..Well at least four of them..Maybe three but I digress.
According to BST research findings released recently the Port returns approximately $60 for every tax dollar they spend. They have created jobs. The average Port job runs about $45,000 a year which is above the county average of $36,000. So far the log ship business has made the Port over $400,000 alone and instead of the estimated six loads in the first year we're looking at twice that. With Hampton coming up on line at some point this summer there is also a good chance we could see finished lumber exported from our docks as well.
As far as the number of jobs? direct and indirect job creation comes in around 1400. It may be higher because the indirect job creation is a little harder to track.
In short, the Port of Astoria is doing exactly what it should be doing. For a guy who came from a Port District without a single pier or serious marina that Crider fellow is doing rather well.
Good Job Tom:
ReplyDeleteI think we all should give credit to the Port of Astoria on what they have done to bring jobs to our county. I have lived in this county for a long time and it is nice to see the ongoing activity on the Port properties.
I think we all should tell them "Good Job"
It is so great to see the logs pile up, disappear, and pile up again at the Port, with all the activity, jobs, income, and general busyness that goes along with exporting products grown locally. It is indeed what the Port is supposed to do. It's what PORTland is supposed to do and what Oregon and indeed the U.S. is supposed to do. If the Port weren't so independent, however, the nay-sayers, environmentalist/legislators and of course our wonderful newspaper lemmings would have hamstrung this successful effort. And they may still if we don't watch out.
ReplyDeleteBut in the meantime, I'm with Bob Bridgens, here's to more Port business and more risk-taking capitalists helping to make Clatsop County and environs as successful as this area once was.
One of my main concerns about current Astoria, Clatsop and Oregon leadership is its apparent, exclusive goal to showcase how people USED TO make money in this state in its museums, displays, theater, seminars, classes and publications, while discouraging new businesses as practically inhumane. But if we don't encourage, welcome and highlight CURRENT and new businesses and residents making a good living here, we won't have any future replacement displays for their precious museums (I love the Maritime by the way).
Successful businesses, their employees and sub-contractors pay the taxes that keep government and all Clatsop non-profits going. Liberals can actually learn to like capitalists and business if they try a little harder.
Really enjoyed the interview with Bill Hunsinger on 5/2
ReplyDeleteInteresting guy. I enjoyed talking with him.
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The interviews with the Port guys was interesting. There is a clear vision for the Port, that the City is behind them is encouraging. I'm very upset with County Commissioners shenanigans and their rebuttal of growth. Perhaps we did figure out what is better for Oregon. Too bad they didn't see the writing on the wall with LPG. A lucrative possibility was "thrown" out unwisely in my opinion.
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