The 1960s brought booming retail and industrial growth and transportation improvements. Access into Longview from I-5 was improved. Port expansions included construction of Berth 7 on land formerly occupied by the Long-Bell Lumber Company, construction of an alumina ore import facility at Berth 5, and expansion of the grain elevator. A computerized cargo tracking system was developed to manage the Port's rapidly growing warehouse and distribution business.
1961
The Port constructed a new office building at the end of Port Way. Administrative staff still occupy the building today.
1962
The Port constructed a new bulk facility at Berth 5 to handle inbound alumina for the Reynolds Metals Company.
On October 12, 1962 the Columbus Day storm left a trail of damage running into millions of dollars.
International Paper Company announced plans for a milk container plant.
1964
The Port developed a computerized cargo tracking system for nationwide distribution of import merchandise. An updated version of this system is still used today.
The Port purchased 37 acres of real estate from International Paper Company.
Weyerhaeuser announced it would begin producing fine papers and specialty plywood, and build a new chlorine and caustic soda plant.
Reynolds Metals Company marked its 20th anniversary.
Longview Fibre Company launched a $25 million expansion to boost production.
1965
Tolls were removed from the Longview-Rainier Bridge on October 19, 1965.
1967
The Port's largest project to date, development of Berth 7, marked the beginning of an upriver expansion on property formerly occupied by the Long-Bell Lumber Company. The completion of the berth resulted in 4,000 lineal feet of berth space, enough to accommodate six ships at once.
Portland General Electric Company announced plans to construct the world's largest nuclear-power generating plant near Rainier, Oregon.
1968
Port Commissioners approved the purchase of 266 acres of property in Willow Grove as a future industrial site.
Circa 1960s
The Longview Wye and Harry Morgan Bridge over the Cowlitz River were constructed, giving better access to I-5.
The war in Vietnam escalated, more young people were drafted, and protest activity increased.
The Port constructed a new two-million bushel capacity elevator at the grain elevator facility leased by Continental Grain Company.
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