The Port of Kalama is a local government agency organized by a vote of the people in 1920.
Elected for six-year terms, Port Commissioners set policy and uphold the Port’s mission: To induce capital investment in an environmentally responsible manner to create jobs and to enhance public recreational opportunities.
The Commission ensures a sound economic development strategy for the Port, creating a balanced and diverse industry base to provide living wage jobs and a range of community recreational amenities.
The Commissioners also work to align the Port’s mission and activities with the culture of the Kalama community.
President
Troy Stariha has served as a Port of Kalama Commissioner since 2010. An active volunteer and participant in the community, Troy owns Kalama Auto Supply and Repair. A long-time Kalama resident, Troy graduated from Kalama High School in 1989. He is a father of three boys, and much of his free time is spent attending his son’s sporting events, as well as coaching football, basketball and soccer teams.
Vice President
Randy Sweet has served as Port of Kalama Commissioner since 2005. An engineering geologist and hydrogeologist with degrees from LCC, Western Washington and University of Oregon, he founded a very successful nationwide environmental consulting business. Randy is also past president of the St. John Foundation and Chairman of the Cowlitz County Planning Commission, as well as a founding member of the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board.
Secretary
Patrick Harbison was appointed the District 2 Commissioner by a unanimous vote of the Commission in 2021, and has since been re-elected. He has lived in Kalama since 2009 and currently serves as the Cowlitz County Utility Manager. Patrick also serves on a number of area boards, including the Kalama Planning Commission. Patrick also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering at Oregon State University in 2002.
The elected Port of Kalama Board of Commissioners meets twice a month to discuss Port business and set policy. The Port welcomes the public to Commission meetings which are held in the Port of Kalama Administrative Office Building, 110 West Marine Drive, Kalama, Washington 98625 or the public may listen to the meeting by dialing (360) 673-2099 Access Code 82370.
For more information, please call (360) 673-2325.
The Legislature, in creating port districts, described their basic purposes as follows: Port districts are hereby authorized to be established in the various counties of the state for the purposes of acquisition, construction, maintenance, operation, development and regulation within the district of harbor improvements, rail or motor vehicle transfer and terminal facilities, water transfer and terminal facilities, air transfer and terminal facilities, or any combination of such transfer and terminal facilities, and other commercial transportation, transfer, handling, storage and terminal facilities, and industrial improvements.
Powers to implement those purposes are granted in numerous statutes, mainly in Title 53 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).
Want to learn more? Knowing the Waters – Basic Legal Guidelines for Port District Officials.
