Lagging Harbor Development Could Hurt Portland's Economy

"A recent study by the Portland Business Alliance and state agencies shows the number of goods passing through Oregon needs to double by 2030 to keep pace with population growth, globalization and expanding markets. Yet harbor development lags."

"While some say harbor business is better than ever, growth is hampered by crowded roads and rail lines, a lack of land and the uncertainty of the Superfund cleanup, a costly undertaking still years away and one that clouds prospects for new business."

"No one is comfortable putting a firm figure on what a failure to further develop the Portland Harbor might cost in terms of dollars or unrealized commerce."

"But figures produced by the Portland Business Alliance and state groups show road and rail congestion alone, absent a public fix, could reduce business growth in the Metro region by $1 billion a year and 6,500 jobs by 2025."