<html><head><style type="text/css"><!-- DIV {margin:0px;} --></style></head><body><div style="font-family:times new roman,new york,times,serif;font-size:12pt;color:#000000;"><br><div> December 08, 2010<br>Todd Maddock: Shipments means jobs, economic activity for Idaho, port<br>READER'S VIEW: U.S. 12 megaloads<br>BY TODD MADDOCK - Idaho Statesman<br><br>There has been a good deal of discussion recently about the transportation of major industrial equipment in north-central Idaho. The permitting issues surrounding the proposed shipments will be sorted out, we hope, very soon, but the larger discussion of industrial shipments, and the economic benefits associated with those deliveries, could be assisted with some additional perspective.<br><br>The Port of Lewiston is the farthest inland port on the West Coast of the United States. For 35 years the port has been a vital transportation gateway creating jobs and economic activity for all of Idaho and
indeed the entire region.<br><br>Internationally, river transportation makes the Port of Lewiston a competitive gateway for products exported to the Pacific Rim and imported products and materials that need to reach destinations far inland in the Northwest. Slack-water navigation has made the region’s agricultural products competitive in world markets.<br><br>Currently, 85 percent of soft white wheat, peas and lentils grown in the region are exported and pass through the port’s facilities. In addition, paperboard stock has been an export product that historically uses barge transportation.<br><br>There is no doubt that the vision and commitment of the community and its leaders in the 1950s, to establish the Port of Lewiston, has resulted in significant economic dividends for the Lewis-Clark Valley, for Idaho and the entire region.<br><br>So why are the materials — admittedly very large cargo that requires sophisticated handling and detailed
transportation and safety plans — so important to the Port of Lewiston and to Idaho? The short answer is simple: jobs and economic growth.<br><br>It is important to understand the role the port plays in supporting jobs, new construction and providing a reliable supply of a variety of products. In many ways, the Port of Lewiston is a vital link in this chain of commerce and industry.<br><br>If companies encounter huge delays or unacceptable costs, they will draw the obvious conclusion that we aren’t able in Idaho to support the regional economy with common-sense approaches to transportation that ensure safe, reliable, environmentally responsible commerce.<br><br>In business, activity fosters activity, and in the future, companies who utilize this transportation route will recognize the benefit and value that has been created in Idaho to accommodate their transportation needs. While we are aware the Port of Lewiston is open for business, the rest of
the country — and to some extent the world — is receiving a different and ultimately more harmful message.<br><br>Perhaps some folks want to send that message, but at the Port of Lewiston we certainly don’t and we don’t believe the vast majority of Idahoans do either.<br><br>So this is an important issue now and for the future. How it is handled could affect many other vital Idaho and regional industries.<br><br>We think commerce can and should utilize Idaho’s port, and that it can be done wisely, carefully and safely. There is no doubt Idaho and the regional economy can benefit from the jobs, the wages, the taxes and the economic vitality that comes with such commerce.<br><br>It is time to get on with letting Idaho’s port continue to fuel the Idaho and regional economy.<br><br>Todd Maddock is the Port of Lewiston Commission president.</div></div><br>
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