Port of Kalama Comprehensive Plan

Port of Kalama Comprehensive Plan 

June 1, 2015 

 

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Chapter One:  Overview

 

 

Introduction

 

The Port of Kalama held extensive internal discussions and public meetings to clarify and 

update its vision.  The Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements is the embodiment of 

the Port and community vision for achieving the Port’s mission.   

The Port's annual strategic planning process outlines goals and objectives to insure that the 

Port meets its commitment to excellence contained in the Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor 

Improvements.  This process has been dynamic.  Since its 1984 inception, the Port has invested 

in the strategic planning process to achieve numerous mission-based projects and establish 

progressive goals and objectives. 

The Comprehensive Plan and Scheme of Harbor Improvements represents a thorough 

description of the strategic plan, identifying opportunities to attracting economic development, 

planning capital facilities and managing properties and leases.  The Port's Mission Statement, 

goals and objectives are presented in the following section. 

About the Port of Kalama

 

The Port of Kalama is located in Southwest Washington on the Columbia River and 

Interstate 5.  The Port is 30 miles northwest of Portland, Oregon, and approximately 120 miles 

south of Seattle, Washington. 

The Port of Kalama's property consists of seven miles of Columbia River water front 

property adjacent to the 43-foot deep, federally-maintained navigation channel.  The Port 

contains approximately 1,000 acres of property and is served by the Burlington Northern Santa 

Fe and Union Pacific railways, as well as Interstate 5. 

Organized in 1920 by a vote of the people, the Port of Kalama is governed by a three-

member Port commission and administered by an Executive Director.  Currently, the Port 

employs 16 full-time and several part-time employees.  The Port's revenue sources include 

leases of property, buildings, marine terminals, and marina slips, as well as services associated 

with grain terminal & breakbulk docks.  More than 25 businesses are located at the Port of 

Kalama, employing nearly 900 people.  

Mission Statement

 

The Port of Kalama's mission is "to induce capital investment in an environmentally 

responsible manner to create jobs and to enhance public recreational opportunities." 

Focus Areas

 

To aid in the accomplishment of the mission of the Port, the following set of strategies and 

actions were developed by the staff and Commission: 

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Port of Kalama Comprehensive Plan 

June 1, 2015 

 

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Focus Area 1:   Regional/State/National issues 

Strategy 1.1: 

Seek  to  improve  and  maintain  regional  infrastructure  critical  to  Port  operations  and 

growth. 

1.1.1 

Channel Deepening:  Acquisition of dredge disposal sites is ongoing.  The 

Columbia River Ports will jointly contract with a consultant to oversee 

permitting, leasing and asset management. 

1.1.2 

Regional Rail Improvements:  Work with the Federal Rail Administration, 

WSDOT rail department and rail companies (Burlington Northern Santa Fe, 

Union Pacific) to complete addition of mainline rail, storage and other capacity 

improvements to the mainline throughout the region. 

1.1.3 

Marine Cargo Forecast:  Update previous forecasts with new data and analysis. 

Update occurs every five years. 

1.1.4 

I-5 Access:  Develop options to preserve and improve access to the Port. 

1.1.5 

River Navigation Improvements:  Seek and implement opportunities to 

increase anchorages and turning basins in Columbia River. 

Strategy 1.2: 

Efficiently and effectively implement federal requirements for marine terminal security at 

Port terminals and protect all Port assets with a comprehensive security plan 

1.2.1 

Port Security Plan:  Maintain updated security plan to comply with TSA and 

Homeland Security requirements. 

1.2.2 

Security Infrastructure:  Develop and maintain infrastructure to leverage 

technology as much as possible to meet TSA security requirements.  Seek 

grants to pay for non-revenue producing infrastructure. 

1.2.3 

Port-wide Security:  Develop a comprehensive Port security plan, practices and 

system to protect all Port assets, employees, tenants and the community. 

Strategy 1.3: 

Build  and  maintain  relationships  with  local,  state  and  federal  representatives  to 

communicate needs and concerns about pending issues. 

1.3.1 

Association Participation:  Continue active participation in WPPA, PNWA, and 

AAPA to maintain connections in government. 

1.3.2 

Government Relations Consultant:  Maintain active government relations 

consultants to assist with efforts in legislature. 

1.3.3 

Restoration Group Relations:  The Port will partner with a variety of groups, 

including the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group, to conduct research 

to evaluate fish habitat and enhancement opportunities. 

Focus Area 2:   Property Acquisition 

Strategy 2.1: 

Seek  opportunities  to  expand  Port  real  estate  holdings  to  support  future  economic, 

recreational and environmental projects. 

2.2.1 

Exit 32 Properties:  Acquire property near Exit 32 as needed to implement 

master planning and development strategies. 

2.2.2 

Purchase Waterfront / Industrial Property:  Acquire property held by private 

parties near the Port's existing industrial area. 

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