PRESS RELEASE--March 12, 2004

CONTACT:

Marie Wise, Communications/Public Affairs Manager, Port of Longview, 360.425.3305

David Vorse, Public Works Director, City of Castle Rock, 360.274.7478

Longview, Washington - Port of Longview Commissioners unanimously approved contributing $20,100 towards a project to build a public boat launch in Castle Rock.

The motion, passed at the March 11, 2004 meeting, authorizes the Port of Longview to contribute towards design and engineering costs for a year-round public accessible boat launch on the Cowlitz River at Castle Rock, Washington.

The Port’s contribution, together with $3,000 from the Cowlitz Game and Anglers, fulfills the 33% match required by the Washington State Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC), who is funding 67% of the $70,000 design and engineering costs.

"It is a worthwhile project," stated Walt Barham, Port Commission Vice President. He explained the Port has contributed towards recreational enhancement projects in the past, including construction of a boat ramp at Gerhart Gardens Park in 1974, redevelopment of Gerhart Gardens in 1989, and construction of a boat launch at Willow Grove Beach in 1999.

Dave Vorse, Public Works Director for the City of Castle Rock, who made the funding proposal to Port Commissioners, stressed the economic benefits to the area. According to a 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the average expenditure per trip for each angler is $1,065. The same report states that for every dollar spent on fishing and hunting, an additional $1.77 is spent in the local economy.

"This launch will help bring commerce to our economically depressed area," said Mr. Vorse.

"It also improves access for emergency response," he explained. Last winter, after a tragic loss of life in the Cowlitz River, the Castle Rock City Council began efforts to find suitable locations for a boat launch. After evaluation, the best location was on 72 acres owned by the Castle Rock School District, on which baseball and soccer fields and trails are currently being built with grants and volunteers.

"The successful completion of this project will improve emergency and recreational access, protect the pristine resources, and bring economic benefits to our area," stated Barbara Larsen, Mayor, City of Castle Rock. In a prepared statement she thanked the Port of Longview Commissioners for partnering with Castle Rock in the pursuit of design and construction of a boat launch in the north end of Cowlitz County on the Cowlitz River. "We appreciate the Port’s diligent staff and the commitment of the commissioners in being concerned enough with the quality of life in our area to pledge these resources," she said.

Design, engineering and permitting are expected to be completed by March 2006, with construction to occur in 2007, according to Mr. Vorse. "Our goal is to complete construction by the end of 2007," he explained.

Contributing towards the boat launch project is consistent with the Port’s Mission, which provides for enhancement of waterfront recreational activities for the economic benefit of the citizens of the Port District.

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