PRESS RELEASE--October 19, 2006

Contact:

Port of Longview: Marie Wise 360-425-3305

City of Castle Rock: Dave Vorse 360-274-7478

PORT TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS CONSTRUCTION OF CASTLE ROCK BOAT LAUNCH

Year-round public-accessible boat launch will benefit entire area

Longview, Washington - At their October 11, 2006 meeting, Port of Longview Commissioners approved contributing $207,000 towards construction of a year-round public-accessible boat launch on the Cowlitz River in Castle Rock, Washington. The contribution will consist of cash and in-kind construction materials, to be determined as the project progresses.

"It’s a worthwhile project," stated Walt Barham, Port Commission President. "The City of Castle Rock has designed an excellent boat launch facility with lots of local support and the Port is pleased to be able to help this project become a reality."

Although the Port has contributed towards recreational enhancement projects in the past, all of them have been in Longview, including construction of a boat ramp at Gerhart Gardens Park in 1974, redevelopment of Gerhart Gardens Park in 1989, and the boat launch at Willow Grove Beach in 1999.

"Part of our mission is to enhance waterfront recreational activities for the entire Port District," stated Ken O’Hollaren, Executive Director for the Port. "We are pleased to be able to contribute towards this recreational enhancement project in Castle Rock, located in the northerly section of our Port District," he explained.

Dave Vorse, Public Works Director for the City of Castle Rock, made the funding request to Port Commissioners in a prepared presentation. He stressed benefits to the entire area, including environmental enhancement, improved access, increased security, improved emergency response and improved waste sanitation.

Vorse stated, "This boat launch is yet another key component of the City of Castle Rock’s master plan effort to improve the quality of life for our community and protect our natural resources while enhancing our economic base. We could not be more thrilled that the Port of Longview has generously agreed to partner with us to see this vision fulfilled."

He explained that the total cost for construction of the boat launch is estimated at $1.3 million. Funding sources include the Washington Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation Boating Facilities Program, anticipated to approve a grant of one million dollars in November; Friends of the Cowlitz, contributing $3,000; labor and equipment from volunteers and contractors valued at approximately $130,000; and the Port of Longview’s contribution of $207,000.

"The successful completion of this project will improve emergency and recreational access, protect river resources and create economic benefits for the entire area," stated Barbara Larson, Mayor for the City of Castle Rock. "It enhances fish habitat by protecting the river bank," she explained.

Helping to fund the Castle Rock boat launch 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. In 2004, Port Commissioners authorized contributing $20,100 towards the design and engineering of the boat launch.

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PORT OF LONGVIEW MISSION

To provide expansion and development of foreign and domestic trade, to encourage commercial and industrial development, and to enhance waterfront recreational activities for the economic benefit of the citizens of the Port District.

The Port of Longview is the first full-service operating port with strategic transportation connections on the deep-draft Columbia River shipping channel in southwest Washington State. The Port is located just 66 river miles from the Pacific Ocean, 120 driving miles from Seattle, Washington and 40 driving miles from Portland, Oregon. Port facilities include eight marine terminals and waterfront industrial property with direct connections to main-line rail and interstate highway. Cargo handling specialties include all types of bulk cargos and breakbulk commodities such as steel, lumber, logs, pulp, paper and project cargo.