ORS 285A.600 Policy

The Legislative Assembly declares that it is the policy of this state to include Oregon’s ports in planning and implementing economic development and transportation programs. To that end, the Oregon Business Development Commission and the Oregon Business Development Department, through the Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority, may work to:

Coordinate with the Department of Transportation and other state agencies, commissions and advisory committees engaged in activities affecting ports to facilitate port planning and development;

Promote local cooperation in statewide planning and development of the ports;

Promote long-term economic self-sufficiency of the ports;

Encourage cost-effective investments with prudent financial consideration of port development projects; and

Facilitate ports in their efforts to respond to domestic and international market opportunities.

The Legislative Assembly also declares that:

The State of Oregon recognizes, supports and promotes a federal role in the continuation of the maintenance and development of federally authorized waterway projects.

Because the federal role is changing, the responsibilities of this state may vary in terms of direct involvement in waterway transportation.

It is the policy of the State of Oregon to support the continued maintenance and development of the following waterways as key elements of the statewide transportation system:

The navigation channels of the Columbia River, Coos Bay and Yaquina Bay and any other commercial waterway segments that provide a link for movement of products to and from world and regional markets.

Waterway segments that serve as transportation corridors for large volumes of bulk and agricultural commodities and that provide shippers a cost-effective means to transport products.

The coastal channels and harbors that support commercial and water-dependent activities.