The Port of Grays Harbor revealed Aug. 1 that the Soy Transportation Coalition has contributed $1.3 million to help fund the port’s Terminal 4 Expansion and Redevelopment Project.
The funding came from farmer contributions represented by the Iowa Soybean Association, the Kansas Soybean Commission, the Nebraska Soybean Board, the North Dakota Soybean Council, the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, the Soy Transportation Coalition and the United Soybean Board.
“It was an easy decision to invest in this project, as the movement of soymeal to global markets benefits farmers near and far,” Soy Transportation Coalition Executive Director Mike Steenhoek said. “Partnerships like these will continue to pay dividends well into the future.”
The money is expected to pay for pre-engineering, design and site development work for the project, which aims to add 40,000 more feet of rail at its Marine Terminal Complex, as well as a new fendering system and a stormwater collection and treatment facility at the terminal and more than 30 acres of laydown space for cargo, the port said.
The project seeks to support Ag Processing Inc. (AGP)’s second commodity export facility, to be built at Terminal 4B, which is expected to create more than 80 full-time jobs, according to the port.
AGP Board Chairman Lowell Wilson said that over the years, his organization has developed a very strong relationship with customers in Southeast Asia.
“This project at the port will significantly improve speed, capacity, and product availability for the benefit of our current and future customers,” he said. “The work being done here will ensure the direct link from the farmer to the international customer grows ever stronger.”
