Earlier this week, southwest Washington representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Senator Patty Murray announced a $22.5 million grant through the EPA’s Clean Ports Program for the Port of Vancouver to purchase and install two new electric mobile harbor cranes and improve shore power. 

 

With these funds, the Port will also install 6,000-kW capacity for crane powering and charging for terminal operations and install 480 voltage shore power for cruise vessels at the publicly accessible Terminal 1. These upgrades will improve operational efficiency at the Port by stationing cranes at Terminal 3, which will invite a variety of cargoes that cannot currently be handled at the location. 

  

"Southwest Washington's ports support good family-wage jobs, keep stuff moving we take for granted each day, and strengthen our rural and ag economies," Gluesenkamp Perez said. “It's important we invest in our ports and the machinery and infrastructure that keeps our region moving forward. These funds will support two harbor cranes to improve efficiency and cargo loading at the Port of Vancouver, as well as new shore power at Terminal 1 which will stimulate growth for our local small businesses."

 

“The Port of Vancouver is an economic powerhouse for Clark County and Southwest Washington – this federal funding will help the Port transition to renewable energy and cut down on carbon emissions in a big way,” Murray noted. “I was proud to help pass the Inflation Reduction Act and help secure a landmark investment in building a stronger, clean energy economy – it’s good to see federal dollars come back to Vancouver. As Senate Appropriations Chair, I will continue to fight for investments that fuel our clean energy transition while strengthening our economy.”

 

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com 

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