Cascade Larry Part Three..."Do We have a Fair and Balance Newspaper".

[Chief]

http://www.westerndredging.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/archive/Local/20070801115619/

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Date: August 1st, 2007


And Open Letter to the columbian:

Yesterday, I came across a February 21, 2007 article printed in the columbian reporting on the Port of Vancouver’s Executive Director Larry Paulson’s Annual Port Report. The article was confirmed by the columbian as authentic.

In that article, Mr. Paulson reported that the port Bought in February 2007 the Alcoa/Evergreen Property and it was being financed by a property tax-based industrial bond issue. He also reported that the “port recently initiated a $60- to $70-million rail improvement project being finance both privately and by the Port.

Shortly after making those statement, which to my knowledge have never been retracted, the port imposed without a vote of the people an Industrial Development District (IDD) property tax levy that will raise 78 million dollars with $48 million going to the purchase the same property previously bought in February 2007. $30 million dollars of that $78 million will be spent on the railroad project.

It should be noted that Mr. Paulson's statements were precise and clear with little or no opportunity to be mis-understood. Mr. Paulson report was made prior to the imposition of the 132% increase in property taxes and the Petition drive to place the issue before the voters. His statement during his Port Report and the statements now being issued conflict.

It appears that the port is attempting to increase our property taxes to raise money to purchase property that has already been purchased with tax-based industrial bonds and fund a rail project that has already been financed with both private and port funds.

The columbian, as the only Vancouver News Media outlet, needs to ask the port to explain to the voters, what happened between February 21, 2007 and the day the Port Commissioners imposed a 132% increase in the property taxes it collects. Did the port resell or give back to Alcoa the property it purchased in February? What happened to the 60 – 70 million dollars that was being provided by the port and Private interest to finance the Rail Project? What is the real reason for the Property tax increase?

For the Port to remain silent will only add credence to the belief that the Columbia has undying and unquestioning support for any and all taxes that the tax and spend politicians choose to impose. To be Fair, these question should be answered before the voters receive their ballots which are being mailed today.

DON'T BE TAXED OUT OF YOUR HOME. VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION #1

Larry Patella
Vancouver, WA

[Chief]

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[Chief]

http://www.portofvancouverusa.com/news/releases/2007/2_9_07.htm

For Immediate Release

NEW LEVY TO FUND PORT OF VANCOUVER WATERFRONT LAND PURCHASE

February 9, 2007 -- Port of Vancouver, USA, Commissioners have authorized use of an Industrial Development District (IDD) levy tax to fund the purchase of two waterfront industrial sites that will provide a projected 1,859 new direct jobs and help the Port accommodate growing cargo volumes.

The port has signed letters of intent with Alcoa, Inc. and Evergreen Aluminum LLC to purchase a combined 218 acres for $48.25 million. The property, located west of current port operations, was the site of a former aluminum smelter and aluminum fabrication facility that has been closed since 1999.

Use of the site for a combination of marine and industrial operations will generate 1,859 direct jobs with an annual payroll of $64 million, according to a study by John Martin & Associates, national experts on maritime and industrial economics. Another 2,000 construction jobs will be created by the development resulting in $70 million in wages and salaries and total economic activity of $227 million.

“This property is one of the last waterfront industrial sites of its size available on the West Coast,” said Larry Paulson, Port Executive Director. “It will allow the port to capitalize on exploding growth in international trade to generate economic value and new jobs for our community.”

The IDD levy is a special funding option that authorizes the Port to use public funds for the improvement and development of industrial lands. State legislation allows the Port two six-year levies for industrial development district purposes. The Port used its first IDD levy from 1958 to 1963.

The second, temporary levy will cost the owner of a home currently valued at $250,000 about $112 in 2008 but is expected to decrease slightly during the remaining five years to an average of $100 annually for property owners in the port district. The six-year levy would generate around $78 million total. The levy cannot be renewed.

* * * * * * * *

The Port of Vancouver, USA, created by Clark County taxpayers in 1912, is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast. Its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a dependable labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community.



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Contact:
Nelson Holmberg, Communications Manager
direct: 360.992.1107 or mobile: 360.518.2553
email: nholmberg@PortVanUSA.com

[Chief]

http://www.portofvancouverusa.com/news/releases/2007/2_2_07.htm

For Immediate Release

PORT OF VANCOUVER PURCHASE RETURNS JOBS TO FORMER SMELTER SITE

February 2, 2007 -- The Port of Vancouver will bring life, and jobs, back to a site that housed one of Clark County’s major industries for over six decades. The port has signed letters of intent with Alcoa, Inc. and Evergreen Aluminum LLC to purchase the former aluminum smelter and aluminum fabrication facility property for $48.25 million.

Use of the site for a combination of marine and industrial operations will generate 4,673 jobs with an annual payroll of $225 million, according to a study by John Martin & Associates, national experts on maritime and industrial economics. Another 2,000 construction jobs will be created by the development resulting in $70 million in wages and salaries and total economic activity of $227 million.

“This property is one of the last waterfront industrial sites of its size available on the West Coast,” said Larry Paulson, Port Executive Director. “It will allow the port to capitalize on exploding growth in international trade to generate economic value and nearly 5,000 new jobs for our community.”

Alcoa, Inc. and Evergreen Aluminum LLC are the owners of the 218-acre site located on the Columbia River between current port operations and its future development at Columbia Gateway.

Evergreen Aluminum owns the smelter which includes 111 acres. The port will pay $24.5 million for that portion of the site and $23.75 million for the remaining acreage and dock facility that are owned by Alcoa.

Opened in 1940 by Alcoa, the facility supplied aluminum for military needs during WWII and the Korean conflict, and later for international and domestic markets, such as the aerospace and electrical equipment industries. The facility expanded to include fabrication and extrusion operations and employed some 1,500 workers in the 1950s. The facility employed around 630 workers when it was curtailed in 1999 due to skyrocketing electricity prices.

JOBS & REVENUE FORECASTED

The property is suited both for marine cargo operations and industrial development, Paulson said. Exact use will be determined by several factors, including the number of jobs generated by a particular operation and the stability and average wage of those jobs; revenue produced by the activity, and environmental impacts.

The Martin study projects those operations will generate annual business revenues of $1.3 billion and $24 million in state and local taxes to help fund public services.

PROPERTY NEEDED FOR GROWTH

Acquisition of this site will enable the port to take advantage of growth in international trade, particularly in the Pacific Rim region, and to increase the limited supply of industrial-zoned land in Clark County.

A recently-completed trade capacity study forecasts a 67% increase in cargo to Portland-Vancouver ports by 2025. In addition, the port’s long-term contracts with eight shippers and record tonnage growth in multiple commodities could fill existing dock and storage space within a couple years.

Breakbulk and project cargo volumes at the port have increased 128% over the past five years and wind energy project cargo will grow 300% in 2007 alone. The port’s non-marine industrial facilities have been near 100% capacity in recent years. Available industrial land in Clark County is less than current demand, particularly sites that are ready for development.

In 2005, port activities added $1.6 billion in economic value to the region and resulted in 15,580 jobs and $82 million in tax revenues for the community. All of those figures can be expected to grow with port expansion.

PORT OWNERSHIP BENEFITS OUR ECONOMY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The port will work with Alcoa and Evergreen to ensure that these long-term industrial lands are properly remediated and put back into productive use. By reusing these facilities, the Port will be able to take advantage of the existing infrastructure and allow the facilities to continue to be a critical aspect of the region's economic base.

As a condition of sale, the sellers, who have been working proactively with the Department of Ecology to perform environmental cleanup since the early 1990s, will complete environmental programs that will allow continued industrial use of the property.

FUNDING OPTIONS CONSIDERED

Port commissioners will consider funding options for the property purchase at a special meeting on Monday, February 5 at 4 p.m., including implementation of a six-year Industrial Development District levy. In order to implement an IDD levy in 2008, the commission must file a Notice of Intent to Levy by February 13, 2007.

If implemented, the tax levied on a home currently valued at $250,000 would average around $112 per year. The six-year levy would generate around $78 million total. The levy cannot be renewed.

* * * * * * * *

The Port of Vancouver, USA, created by Clark County taxpayers in 1912, is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast. Its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a dependable labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community.



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Contact:
Nelson Holmberg, Communications Manager
direct: 360.992.1107 or mobile: 360.518.2553
email: nholmberg@PortVanUSA.com

[Chief]

http://www.portofvancouverusa.com/news/releases/2007/2_21_07.htm

For Immediate Release

PORT OF VANCOUVER SEES JOBS CREATION AS PRIMARY MISSION

Click here to view presentations, photos and speeches from the Port Re:Port event.

February 21, 2007 -- Port of Vancouver Executive Director Larry Paulson is a man on a mission. And that mission is jobs!

Providing new opportunities for local employment, and the economic benefits that stem from those jobs, was the theme repeated throughout Paulson’s annual Port Re:Port presentation made Wednesday morning before 300 community members in the waterfront ballroom at the Red Lion Hotel at the Quay.

“Our role in this community is clear – to create jobs,” Paulson said. “At the Port, we believe that we can create enough family-wage jobs to form a defining moment for our community.”

Paulson asked his audience to imagine a time when thousands more Clark County residents can work close to home – not driving to jobs across the I-5 bridge. “We believe that time is NOW!” he said.

Port commissioners and staff hope to locate those jobs on over 800 acres of property adjacent to their current operations in the Vancouver lowlands. Earlier this month the Port signed letters of intent to purchase the 218-acre site that previously housed the Alcoa, and then Vanalco, aluminum smelter. The site could provide nearly 1,900 direct jobs and have a ripple effect that generates another 2,700 jobs in our community, according to projections by a national economic consultant. The commission voted to implement its final option for an Industrial Development District tax levy to raise funds for the $48.25 million purchase and improvements.

Investing in Jobs for the Future
“This investment will have returns in the near future, and returns for our children and grandchildren down the line,” said Paulson.

More jobs will come from development of 108 acres of light industrial-zoned property, on the north side of Lower River Road, between Vancouver Lake and Fruit Valley, and the long-awaited development of Columbia Gateway, a 534-acre parcel of Port property south of the Vancouver Lake flushing channel. Development of Columbia Gateway for marine and industrial operations is finally close to fruition, according to Paulson. The Port expects to complete a draft environmental impact statement for the property this spring.

The Port has also begun work on a rail project that will construct a new access line onto port property from the BNSF east-west mainline. This project creates additional rail capacity for existing tenants to grow their current operations and for future developments at Alcoa/Evergreen and Columbia Gateway, said Paulson.

It is also essential to increasing the efficiency of the nation’s mainline rail network that intersects in Vancouver. With this improvement, rail will be 40% less congested in this area in 2025 than it is today – even with expected growth, according to rail simulation studies. The $60-$70 million cost for the project will be funded by a combination of Port revenues and bonds, federal and state appropriations, and contributions from private industry partners.

Marine Cargo Posts Record, Again
To make his case for the expanded property and rail developments, Paulson noted that the Port of Vancouver has posted record volumes of cargo at local docks for a third consecutive year. Highlights for 2006 included:

· Overall tonnage of 5.2 million, a 30.5% increase over 2005.

· 51% increase in steel imports.

· Purchase of the Port’s $3.2 million heavy lift crane, the largest mobile harbor crane in North America.

· 64% increase in wind turbine cargo and a three-year contract for future wind energy business that has already generated a 300% increase in projects for 2007.

· $17 million in marine revenues, up 16% from 2005.

Port Tenant Businesses Provide Jobs

The Port’s industrial tenant roster grew to 50 companies in 2006, filling 95% of available property and facilities. The purchase of Cadet Manufacturing earlier this year will ensure a speedy, thorough cleanup of historical TCE contamination on that property, Port Commission President Arch Miller said during his remarks. “And we saved a local business from bankruptcy, and retained 150 valuable jobs in our community,” he added. Overall, the Port’s industrial activities contribute to over 2,500 jobs in our community.

Paulson acknowledged two milestones for Port tenant, Panasonic Shikoku Electronics Corporation of America. The company was named the recipient of the Washington Governor’s Award for Pollution, Prevention and Sustainable Practices and also celebrated its 20th year of operation at the Port in 2006.

Four companies were honored by the Port with awards, including:

· 2006 Marine Customer of the Year – Saga Forest Carriers, Intl.
Saga vessels called the Port 23 times in 2006, delivering over 101,000 metric tons of steel and 45,000 metric tons of wood pulp. According to Paul Prefontaine, Vice President/General Manager of Saga, the Port can expect steel shipments to nearly double in 2007 based on the carrier’s current demand.

· 2006 Tenant of the Year – United Grain Corporation and United Harvest, LLC.
The companies were recognized for successful comeback efforts following a substantial shutdown in 2005 due to a fire at the grain elevator.

· 2006 Facilities Improvement Award – Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay.
The hotel completed a $1.7 million renovation in 2006 including new décor for its 160 guest rooms and banquet facilities and the addition of wireless internet for guests and an on-line reservation system.

· 2006 Environmental StewardshipAward – Tesoro Refining and Marketing Company.
Installation of a new system to retrieve and reuse thousands of gallons of fuel that is contaminated with water during the normal storage and distribution process earned recognition for the long-time tenant.

Biodiesel Conversion Earns National Attention
The Port also posted its own environmental accomplishments in 2006, said Paulson.

· It earned national attention as one of the first ports to convert all of its heavy equipment and vehicles to biodiesel.

· With the purchase of Cadet, the Port plans to consolidate and expedite cleanup efforts at two sites to move more quickly to a final remedy for removing the last solvent contamination in groundwater in the area.

· A Port dredging operation at the mouth of the Vancouver Lake Flushing Channel last fall improved water flow to the Lake by removing sediment that had built up over the past 20 years. The Port remains a principal partner in ongoing efforts to find a long-term solution for improving water quality at the Lake.

“We cannot be content with the jobs and the revenue we provide to support our community today,” Paulson concluded. “Our task is to think ahead. To be bold. To have the future of this community in mind when we examine our options and look for opportunities.”

* * * * * * * *

The Port of Vancouver, USA, created by Clark County taxpayers in 1912, is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast. Its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a dependable labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community.



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Contact:
Nelson Holmberg, Communications Manager
direct: 360.992.1107 or mobile: 360.518.2553
email: nholmberg@PortVanUSA.com

[Chief]

As you can see, the Port of Vancouver, and Executive Director Larry Paulson said many things in February, but nothing like what Cascade Larry is raving about this time. This is sheer Moon-Battery, and the real question that needs to be asked, is <a href="http://frogstar.soylentgeek.com/wav/mad-hell.wav">Larry Patella</a> taking too much medication, or not enough??

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Once again, is this really the best that you people can come up with??!!

Stout Hearts.....

[tefen]

Wow, up until this point I could see him perhaps having some ability to sway people. This latest bit just paints him as insane. Could people really believe that the port bought land, covered it up, and now are trying to raise money for other projects under the guise of the need to buy this very same land?

It seems like quite a stretch.

[Chief]

Updating...

I think it is significant and worth mentioning, that if one goes to the columbian's website, and does a search using the terms "Larry Paulson, Alcoa Property" you will get about 9 results, the most likely candidates to be the article <a href="http://frogstar.soylentgeek.com/wav/mad-hell.wav">Larry Patella</a> is talking about is unavailable on their website. All I get is a Mozilla error if I try to open any of the copies that the search results turn up.

I don't know what that means, other than I simply cannot get my hands on the article <a href="http://frogstar.soylentgeek.com/wav/mad-hell.wav">Larry Patella</a> is mis-quoting.

I have some requests out and will see what turns up on this, but unless someone has a scanned original, or a link to the original story at the columbian's website that I can independently examine, I am rejecting every word that <a href="http://frogstar.soylentgeek.com/wav/mad-hell.wav">Larry Patella</a> is putting out on this one too. Frankly, even without credible evidence, his allegations this time are just silly.

But just like Paris Hilton has no gag reflex, <a href="http://frogstar.soylentgeek.com/wav/mad-hell.wav">Larry Patella</a> has no shame...

Stout Hearts...

[tefen]

The search is giving me 9 results, but they all include the date in the URL.... The oldest one I can see is www.columbian.com/news/localNews/03212007news117783.cfm

Which was published 03212007, or March 21st, 2007. Not the date he said. Interestingly, google doesn't have a cache of that article either, even though the search results on columbian.com apparently come from google.

[Chief]

Our questions have been answere tefen; I just checked, and Cascade Larry is admitting that his story wasn't from the Columbian at all...

Developing..