OR Port Seeks Comments on Proposed Ship Dismantling Firm

The Port of Newport, Ore., is continuing discussions with the ship dismantling firm Bay Bridge Enterprises and with the community by scheduling a second public meeting for Dec. 6.

The first public meeting was held Nov. 22, and based on discussion at that meeting the port commissioners are inviting additional input as they deliberate toward a decision on a proposed Letter of Intent to work with Bay Bridge Enterprises to site its West Coast salvage operations on port-controlled property. The company is hoping to build a ship salvage yard capable of handling between two and six vessels a year.

If built, it would be the only ship dismantling facility in Oregon, according to local press reports.

In announcing the series of public input opportunities, Port Commission President Rob Halverson said, "This port has a public responsibility to develop appropriate marine-related jobs and economic opportunity; and we have a responsibility to gather input from the community on major proposals." Halverson added, "Perspectives on the Bay Bridge Enterprises opportunity cover the full range, from strong support to strong concern."

The recent Bay Bridge Enterprises proposal is for development of a marine salvage recycling yard on port-controlled property, with creation of up to 125 jobs within two years and an estimated starting annual payroll of $2 million. The company is prepared to invest nearly $4 million for site preparation and construction of facilities. The letter of intent agreement is being considered by the port commission would enable Bay Bridge to begin the application process for environmental, resources and regulatory permitting. Newport News Times