Longview buoyed by wind energy exports

Longview buoyed by wind energy exports    The Port of Longview, Wash., said Wednesday it set new records for revenue in 2008, topping the $20 million plateau for the first time.
   Operating revenue reached $23.5 million during the year, up 26 percent from the 2007 and the highest since 1999, when the port generated $19.8 million. Net operating revenue more than doubled to $2.9 million.
   Port officials attribute much of the revenue increase to increased wind energy cargo handling.
   In tonnage terms, the port saw its volume rise 16 percent to 1.3 million metric tons. That was predominantly due to a 29 percent spike in export of bulk cargo, steel, logs and wind energy components. That export increase offset a 26 percent decrease in import tonnage.
   The port said it is expecting wind energy cargo to increase in 2009, while it is also building an export grain terminal.