Berth 8, the Port of Longview's newest terminal in 30 years, was officially dedicated on October 5, 2000.

Berth 8 was constructed as a multi-purpose terminal designed to handle steel, project, over-dimensional, heavy-lift, forest products and general cargo. It is two acres in size and features a five-acre back-up area available for cargo lay-down or storage. Total cost was $11 million for engineering, planning, environmental mitigation and construction. The dock was constructed by General Construction Co. of Seattle.

Berth 8 relieves congestion, improves cargo handling safety and makes the Port's facilities more available to shippers and industrial clients.

History
The Port with its historical identity as a log-export port had long sought to branch out and diversify cargo handling, as well as expand its dock facilities.

In the 1990's the Port began to purchase industrial property adjacent to its boundaries in order to diversify into land lease activities as well as expand its marine facilities.

In 1999 147 acres of property that now comprises Berth 8 and the East Park industrial site became available. The Port purchased the property for $9.75 million from International Paper Co.

Increased ship traffic at the Port's existing general cargo docks: Berth 6 and Berth 7, made for potential overcrowding. Berth 8 was constructed to eliminate overcrowding and accomodate future growth.

To finance construction of Berth 8 the Port sold 20-year bonds. No new taxes were necessary.

Today
Berth 8 handles a variety of cargo, including heavy-lift project components and steel, as well as traditional forest products. The dock can also be used as a temporary staging area for a variety of cargos in transit.