The Port of Portland said May 31 that it has received $7.37 million from the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Connect Oregon funding program for the Marine Terminal 6 Capacity project, which is meant to increase much needed shipping container capacity and improve container handling safety and efficiency.
Terminal 6 is the only ocean container terminal in the Oregon and provides a critical link in container shipment of both exported and imported goods between ship, rail, barge and truck.
The current existing container storing area at the port is reaching capacity. The project will provide additional container storage to improve container movement throughput, capacity, and efficiency. Project elements include strengthening pavement structure at Berth 607 to accommodate container stacking as much as five-high. In addition, the project includes associated Terminal 6 stormwater infrastructure and high-mast lighting to improve safety, operational efficiency, and environmental protection.
“Our aggressive efforts to grow business at T6 during the last five years have paid off,” port Chief Operating Officer Dan Pippenger said. “T6 has played a key role in alleviating supply chain challenges that have plagued west coast ports. This project will allow T6 to have more capacity and continue to support Oregon businesses and their global connections.”
At least 175 estimated long-term jobs are expected to be created related to ongoing freight and cargo movements, and more than 2,800 retained jobs will be supported, as a direct result of the project, according to port officials.
In addition, as many as 350 new construction-related jobs are estimated during the peak construction year for the project. The port is adding $3.16 million to the Connect Oregon funding for a total project cost of $10.5 million. Portland has said that it plans to complete the project within three years.