Portland -- As part of its strategic plan to enhance competitive maritime access and encourage trade-related infrastructure development, the Port of Portland Commission recently approved selling 13.52 acres of property along North Leadbetter Street in the city's Rivergate Industrial District to Portland-based Oregon Transfer Company. Oregon Transfer, which owns and operates a public warehouse next to Terminal 6, plans to construct and operate a new facility on its new site to handle both domestic and international products.

The company will build an approximately 295,000-sq.-ft. rail-served distribution center that will likely employ up to 30 people in full operation.

From Portland, Oregon Transfer distributes products to firms throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, British Columbia and Northern California.

As part of the consideration for the Port selling the property to Oregon Transfer, the company has agreed to grant the Port an option to purchase its existing 10-acre site in the future.

The property, which includes a 188,000-sq.-ft. rail-served warehouse, is identified in the Port's recently-adopted Marine Terminals Master Plan 2020 as a possible future expansion area for Terminal 6.

New Tacoma Bridge Honored for Design

Tacoma - The 38th Street Bridge in Tacoma, Wash., which passes over Interstate 5, recently was honored by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute of Chicago in its 2003 Design Awards Competition.

The bridge was recognized as Best Owner-Designed Bridge. It was designed by the Washington State Department of Transportation in Olympia, Wash. with precast components supplied by Concrete Technology Corp. in Tacoma.

The 38th Street Bridge joined nine buildings, five other bridges and three innovative applications of precast/prestressed concrete components that were recognized by the institute.

Seattle Port Commission Approves Shilshole Renovation

Seattle - The Port of Seattle Commission recently gave preliminary approval to spending $78.5 million to rebuild the area's largest recreational marina at Shilshole Bay in Northwest Seattle.

Over the next five years, the Port plans to replace 22 docks and piers at Shilshole Bay Marina; replace and expand the sailing center at the north end of the marina; expand dry boat moorage on land; and replace six service buildings for restrooms, showers, laundry and storage. The project also calls for replacement of the administration building with marina-related office space and provision of an area for private development of a restaurant. New public areas, landscaping and enhanced parking will be included.

Renovations are needed because of the age and condition of the docks, piers and other facilities. In addition, market changes in the recreational boating industry called for a different mix of docks and slip sizes than when Shilshole was built 40 years ago.

Construction is to begin with utility replacement next year. Reconstruction of the docks will begin in fall 2005 and be completed in the spring of 2008. A new marina building is to be built in 2005, and restrooms and other facilities in 2007-8. Final site improvements, such as paving, sidewalks, lighting and landscaping, are to be completed in 2009.

Significant water-quality benefits also will result from the replacement of about 1,000 creosote wood pilings with steel pilings.

The length of the construction schedule - a total of three years for the docks - is designed to limit the displacement of moorage customers and the impact on the surrounding community. The project will be financed through general port revenues. No property tax levy funds would be used.

Team Upgrading Camas Water System

Camas - Team Construction of Vancouver, Wash., recently completed an upgrade of water supply facilities in the Washougal Wellfield for the City of Camas.

Team built a CMU building to house Wells 11 and 12. The new buildings also house chemical treatment equipment and a standby generator. Team also installed a new well assembly in Well 11 and equipped Well 12 with all new control valves, site piping and telemetry systems.