Port of Umatilla News Brief

Subject:  August 7, 2007 Commission Meeting

The Port of Umatilla Commission met Tuesday, and reviewed the projects being funded by the Port's Connect Oregon grant. Following the meeting, the commissioners toured the construction sites to inspect the progress and consider the strategic importance of this new and improved infrastructure. Transportation and utility infrastructure are key elements in economic development.

H & H Engineering Construction, the rail repair contractor, continues to remove and replace some of the most severely worn track between the City of Umatilla and the McNary Industrial Park. The quality of the work is impressive and the rate at which the installation is taking place is a credit to the Stockton, California firm. "It has been a pleasure doing business with H & H." said General Manager Kim B. Puzey. "The much needed improvements and upgrades will be a welcome condition for our rail customers."

Blue Mountain Asphalt has completed the paving under the crane. The dock surfacing project is about 20% completed. It is anticipated that this portion of the port's strategic transportation plans will be completed with the next biennium.

Crushed rock has been graded and rolled at the site of the new distribution center. The large new truck scale for this facility is in place. Signalization and telemetry will be completed with the building of the distribution center which is scheduled for completion near the end of the year.