PRESS RELEASE--November 30, 2006

Contact: Port of Longview: Marie Wise 360-425-3305

PORT OF LONGVIEW APPROVES 2007 BUDGET

Longview, Wash. - Port of Longview Commissioners approved the Port’s 2007 budget at a special meeting held on November 17, 2006. The 2007 budget focuses on maximizing opportunities for handling bulk, breakbulk and special project cargo. Revenue figures are based on strong cargo tonnage forecasts in import steel and wind energy cargo, as well as bulk commodities.

"Delivering on the Port’s Mission to provide expansion and development of foreign and domestic trade, to encourage commercial and industrial development, and to enhance waterfront recreational activities is a long-term process. It continues to be our focus during the budget process," said Walt Barham, Port Commission President.

The 2007 budget includes projected operating revenues of $16.9 million from marine terminal activity and property rentals, and non-operating revenues of $1.5 million from property tax collections, interest investments and other non-operating sources.

2007 expenses include $16.1 million in operating expenses, and $1.5 million in non-operating expenses. Net income is projected at $784,524. Of note in the non-operating expenses is the Port’s contribution of $207,000 towards construction of the Castle Rock Boat Launch, a significant recreational enhancement for Port District residents.

The Port’s 2007 capital improvement program includes purchase of a mobile harbor crane and several rolling stock equipment items for enhanced cargo handling, facility improvements to dock areas and warehouse roofs, and upgrades to administrative computer information systems. Capital projects are funded by net income and the general purpose portion of the tax levy.

The tax levy for 2007 will be $0.44634 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, a slight decrease from $0.45 cents in 2006. The total tax levy collection is estimated at $2.7 million. Tax levy proceeds fund the general obligation debt service and the Port’s capital improvement program.

Copies of the Port’s 2007 budget are available during regular business hours at the Main Administration Building at 10 Port Way in Longview, or by calling 360-425-3305.

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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.