PORT NEWS AND NOTES: Port of Columbia County Faces Mounting Challenges with Aging Infrastructure and Limited Funding

September 26, 2025
By Sean P. Clark, Executive Director

Like many public agencies across Oregon, the Port of Columbia County is confronting a difficult reality: critical infrastructure is aging, repair costs are rising, and funding opportunities fall far short of the need.

The Port manages facilities that support business, transportation, and recreation — including industrial parks, docks, the Scappoose Airport, and the Scappoose Bay Marina. Each plays a vital role in Columbia County’s economy, but most were built decades ago and are showing their age.

“Much of our infrastructure was designed for a different era,” said Elliot Levin, North County Operations & Terminal Manager. “The demand for repairs far exceeds the resources we have available.”

Limited Port Revenues
Unlike cities or counties, Oregon ports have limited taxing authority. The Port of Columbia County receives a modest property tax allocation and relies mainly on tenant lease revenues and grants. While essential for daily operations, these funds cannot keep pace with major capital needs.

Grants are available, but competition is intense, and applications require time, expertise, and matching funds. In addition, the Port must pursue specialized funding for environmental cleanup. Many industrial sites carry legacies of prior uses, meaning work with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—in the form of grants and guidance—is often required before redevelopment. These cleanups are expensive but vital to protecting public health and unlocking new economic opportunities.

A Growing Gap
The Port faces tens of millions of dollars in needs over the next decade, from rehabilitating industrial sites and utilities to dredging for shipping and recreation. Even small projects, such as dock repairs or electrical upgrades at the Marina, carry steep costs.

By contrast, the annual capital budget covers only a fraction of these needs. The gap grows wider each year.

“Deferred maintenance is not an option relative to the safety of our sites,” noted Amy Bynum, Deputy Executive Director. “We’re prioritizing carefully, but we cannot address everything without significant capital.”

Community Impacts
Though much of the Port’s work happens behind the scenes, the impacts touch the whole community. Safe docks support tenants, upgraded utilities make sites viable for new industry, and marina improvements ensure families can continue boating, paddling, and fishing on Scappoose Bay. Investments at the Scappoose Airport — such as runway upgrades and improved hangar facilities — help support business aviation, flight training, and emergency response capabilities that serve the broader region.

Environmental remediation brings similar benefits. Cleaning up historically polluted industrial land improves environmental quality while opening land for new recreational opportunities, new businesses, jobs, and tax revenue for schools and public services.

Looking Ahead
To meet these challenges, the Port is prioritizing projects based on safety, tenant needs, economic impact, and environmental responsibility. It is also working with partners across the region and state to highlight the funding shortfalls facing Oregon ports.

Collaboration is key. By aligning with tenants, community leaders, and agencies, the Port aims to show how investments—whether in updated infrastructure or cleanup of polluted sites—strengthen Columbia County’s economy and quality of life.

The Port of Columbia County is committed to responsible stewardship. Investing in infrastructure isn’t just about fixing old systems. It’s about ensuring Columbia County remains a place where businesses can thrive and families can enjoy a strong, resilient community.