Decades of strategic planning by past port commissioners ensures the required revenue to maintain port facilities, parks and services for all residents with no taxes collected!
Every year the Port of Kalama commission is required to establish a budget for the following year and declare whether it will levy property taxes on residents living in the Port district. Once again, the Port has elected to pass on collecting property taxes from local residents—even as the 2020 budget was approved for up to $18 million capital projects that will support the local economy and community.
The good news for tax district residents? The port continues to maintain all long-term economic development projects and recreational facilities enjoyed by the general public with existing revenue and no new taxes!
How can we do that? Decades of careful strategic planning and foresight by numerous Port of Kalama commissions have enabled the Port to fulfill its mission based on its current business operations. Long-term decisions like developing the marine terminals, Spencer Creek Business Park and the Kalama River Industrial Park impact the local economy, local jobs and local development. All for the good of the entire community.
As an economic development entity, the Port of Kalama has developed considerable economic muscle to the benefit of Cowlitz County as well as the State of Washington. Just some of the Port’s recent economic contributions include:
• Over $70 million capital investment by the Port of Kalama itself since 2014
• 2018 operating revenue over $16 million and a net revenue over $4.5 million
• 303 ships visited the marine terminal in 2018 providing 69% of Port revenue
• And the Port was named the third largest bulk exporter on the West Coast just behind LA and Long Beach, California
There’s a thriving Circle of Life at the Port
Port of Kalama’s contributions—and those of its business partners—to the economic and cultural well-being of the community exemplify the economic circle of life core to the Port’s success. Every year residents are beneficiaries of the significant capital investment of the businesses here: revenues from wharves, the marina and industrial leases enable the Port to continue creating local jobs while providing public recreational opportunities.
Thanks to this robust Circle of Life, we are able to continue our commitment to serving the public with parks, wharf facilities, walking paths, new amenities like the Westin Amphitheater and more! And our little town has become a unique destination for locals and tourists alike—all creating additional community health in the form of more revenues, more jobs and excellent opportunity.
And so we reflect on an amazing year of progress and prosperity here and look forward to a new year of exciting projects and community connection.
