1. PORT REPORT
FALL 2015
Coming Soon to Grove Field!
Eight New C-Row Hangars
and
New AP-01 Building
Waterfront Park & Trail
Steigerwald Commerce Center
2. “All points lead back to the Port’s Strategic Plan.”
– Port Executive Director David Ripp, at July 8, 2015
Groundbreaking for Waterfront Development
The Port’s 2010 Strategic Plan has been instrumental in shaping the direction of the
Port over the last five years. Steigerwald Commerce Center’s rapid development has
generated economic stimulus and the acquisition of 13.25 acres of waterfront property
clearly models the Port’s community-first agenda, stirring local and regional excitement.
Historically, the Port has taken a fiscally-conservative approach to
growth; it is no different with the waterfront revitalization.
Strategic Plan Goal: To pursue non-local funding opportunities to further leverage resources.
Public ports have the unique ability to utilize grants in a manner not available to private
developers. (Note all instances in this report where non-local funding has been used.)
Capturing that opportunity and with an eye on the 26.5-acre former lumber mill site, the
Port donned its environmental stewardship cap in 2011, received a $200,000 Integrated
Planning Grant to analyze the entire site for future development and moved forward
with environmental cleanup. The Department of Ecology reimbursed the Port $516,523
in cleanup costs and private developer Killian Pacific subsequently purchased all 26.5
acres and sold 13.25 acres to the Port.
Strategic Plan Goal: Lead a collaborative effort to develop a more
vibrant, economically viable, and publicly accessible Columbia
River waterfront.
In 2012, the Port purchased the southern 13.25 acres of Columbia
River waterfront from Killian Pacific to partner in a cohesive
development for the entire site. The Recreation and Conservation
Office awarded $1.7 Million in grants to the Port in 2015 toward
development of a new waterfront park and trail. Construction is set to
begin in 2016, returning this once privately owned waterfront piece to
the public and creating a destination place for all to enjoy.
Opportunities for progress at the Port and for our regional partners are increasing as the economic outlook improves.
Working with the Camas-Washougal Economic Development Association, the City of Camas, the City of Washougal, the
Columbia River Economic Development Association, the local Chamber of Commerce and others brings shared successes,
mutual understanding, and broader support for Port projects.
“It’s important to recognize the Port’s Strategic Plan as a working document,”remarked Executive Director
David Ripp.“Annually reviewed and updated, the Plan provides a unified focus on the goals, strategies
and tactics adopted by the commission. This approach has paid off brilliantly, evidenced by the increase
in Port assets, the cohesion of commission and staff, and the partnerships gained over the years.”
3. The development of Steigerwald Commerce Center
continues to outpace“normal”timelines for a
municipal construction project.
Strategic Plan Goal: Promote
sustainable community
prosperity by ensuring an ample
supply of land, infrastructure
and facilities to meet the needs
of potential employers.
CERB grants totaling $1,550,000
enabled the Port to prepare
Phase 1 for development within a
shortened timeframe and, in 2013,
Steigerwald Commerce was recognized
as Clark County’s largest new market-
ready industrial development.
Strategic Plan Goal: Improve local economic opportunities
by supporting the retention, expansion and recruitment of
preferred employers.
Construction of the first spec
building in Phase 1 began in
late 2013 and Foods In Season,
experiencing rapid growth in its
Industrial Park space, signed a
15-year lease demonstrating how
the Strategic Plan has steered the
Port and its tenants toward success.
The Commerce Center’s second building
is underway and ahead of schedule.
Three businesses have already entered
into negotiations to lease the entire
24,300 sq.ft. structure.
Strategic Plan Goal: Increase constituent understanding, sense of
ownership, and support of the Port and its initiatives.
The Port, as the economic driver
for the Camas-Washougal Port
District, adheres strictly to this goal
and believes the public serves an
important and valuable role in shaping
the future of our community.
We Remember
Commissioner
Mark Lampton ~
Serving the Port District
2010-2015
It is fitting to reflect on all
Mark contributed while
serving as commissioner. He
was active in the Columbia
River Economic Development
Association, serving as Port
representative since 2010.
Mark championed all that our
Port District offers to fledgling
and established businesses,
resulting in new tenants for
the Port and for the cities of
Camas and Washougal. He was
instrumental in establishing the
Camas Washougal Economic
Development Association and
served as Port Representative
from its inception. Mark
listened, learned and never
hurried a decision, even
gracefully changing his position
if new information came to
light. He loved his role as
commissioner and he made
a difference. Mark’s service to
our community will be long
remembered and forever
missed.
1946-2015
4. 24 South A. St.Washougal,WA 98671
A Holiday Tradition:
The Christmas Ship Parade
December 5, 2015
The Christmas Ship Parade is celebrating 61 years of holiday
performances on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.
Each year, the Port of Camas-Washougal hosts a special
performance with up to 25 decorated vessels. Enjoy this
year’s parade from the warmth of the Port’s Meeting Room on
Saturday, December 5. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the parade
begins at 6 p.m. Cookies and hot cider will be served.
Go to www.christmasships.org for more information.
portcw.com