Vancouver, USA port lays out development plans over next decade

Vancouver, USA port lays out development plans over next decade Port of Vancouver, USA commissioners last week approved a 10-year strategic plan that forecasts steady growth in revenue, cargo tonnage, and jobs over the next decade.
   The plan forecasts a 23 percent increase in marine cargo revenues over the next 10 years, while suggesting the potential for even stronger growth. A first look at 2006 actual revenues exceeded last year's budgeted projections by $3.8 million, the port said.
   Vancouver has set goals through 2016 for both higher marine cargo revenues and diversifying its cargo mix.
   'The growth is not tied to a single cargo,' said Alastair Smith, senior director of marketing and operations, in a statement. 'The port saw record tonnage for breakbulk cargo in 2006 along with increases in liquid bulk, dry bulk and project cargo, primarily wind energy projects. This diverse mix positions us well for the future and helps create stability within a market that fluctuates with changes in the world economy.'
   On the industrial development side, the port's plan proposes to increase the number of jobs developed per acre of operations and to increase its inventory of industrial property from 305 to 500 acres. Current port marine and industrial operations cover about 600 acres.
   Increases in both marine cargo and industrial operations will drive anticipated growth in ship calls and in trucks and rail cars serving port customers. Rail cars through the port are projected to increase from 43,000 to more than 70,000 annually, creating the need for new rail access into the port and expansion of internal tracks currently under development.