Ports and marine-related businesses are vital to the strength of our communities. We cannot afford to take these jobs and our working rivers for granted. Our communities and neighborhoods are more resilient because of the connections our rivers provide to the global marketplace.
More than 40,000 Pacific Northwest jobs are dependent or strongly influenced by Columbia River maritime commerce.
Columbia River ports
Ports are the economic builders of our region. They manage everything from small business incubators to marinas and internet access in their local areas. They also work with shippers, barge lines, export companies and farmers to transport cargo like grain, steel, lumber, and automobiles up and down the Columbia River safely, efficiently and successfully.
Today’s river commerce
Keeping with its heritage, the Columbia River continues its vital role in commerce and trade for the region—as does the Port of Kalama as a busy Columbia River port. Today, 50 million tons of cargo travel up and down the Columbia River. It is the third largest grain export gateway in the world, exporting more than 50% of the nation’s wheat.
Our ports have access to global trade because of our rivers. Many of our communities were born because of their access to international trade. Without this river commerce access, our communities could be underserved and underdeveloped.
Like other Pacific NW Ports, Port of Kalama is a steward of the regional river system working hard to invite commerce to the Pacific Northwest while it protects this valuable natural resource.
Our Rivers. Our Livelihood. Our Quality of Life.
