General Info:
Port District encompasses 12 municipalities within a 3200 square mile jurisdiction. Two Interstate highways, a major railroad switch yard and a new, modern, progressive, full service maritime facility adjacent to the Columbia River equipped to handle containers, grain, petroleum, and project cargo serve the Intermodal transportation needs of all types of shippers. The Port of Umatilla also operates a public marina, boat launch and recreational vehicle park. The Port of Umatilla, one of Oregon's 23 port districts, was established in 1940 to promote water-related commerce throughout Umatilla County. Communities in Port District include Adams, Athena, Echo, Helix, Hermiston, Milton-Freewater, Pendleton, Pilot Rock, Stanfield, Ukiah, Umatilla and Weston. The Port acquired most of its industrial land inventory in the 1950s and 1960s after lands near Umatilla were declared surplus to the McNary Dam project by the federal government. A barge dock on the Columbia River was established in 1960, and a recreational boat marina was built in 1968. The Port has delivered service to importers and exporters since that time through reliable, consistent barge operations. The Port has since expanded its activities to include economic development throughout the district. The Port currently owns four parcels of industrial land, which are located in the communities of Hermiston, Umatilla, and Pendleton. The Port sells or leases land to expanding businesses that create jobs and increase capital investment in Umatilla County. In the early 1990s, the Port partnered with the City of Hermiston to create the Regional Water System. The System includes a pumping station on the Columbia River, pipelines and a treatment plant. The System serves the City, food processing industries and power plants. It is supplied by the Port's Columbia River water right. Approximately 16% of the water right is being used, leaving the remaining valuable water resources available for future development. Port District is governed by a five member Board of Commissioners, elected at large from throughout Umatilla County. The McNary Industrial Park in Umatilla is the Port's largest industrial park. About 140 acres are available for development. The City of Umatilla provides water and sewer service. Natural gas service is available, and part of the Park can be accessed by rail. It is adjacent to Highway 730 and one mile from Interstate 82. The Port's barge dock is adjacent to the Park. McNary is the Port's best side for a large industrial tenant. Current tenants include Hagerman Trucking, Boise Cascade, Pendleton Grain Growers, Tidewater, and the Two Rivers Correctional Institution. The Westland Industrial Park is located at the intersection of Interstate 82 and 84, about four miles southwest of Hermiston, with four acres available for development. Private wells and septic systems provide water and sewer services. Westland is an excellent location for trucking and warehousing operations. The Hermiston Industrial Park is immediately south of Hermiston, along Highway 395. Eight acres are available for development, with 40 more to be added in the future. The City of Hermiston provides services. This site is best suited for small light industrial or commercial business. Current tenants include Hermiston Foods, and several small commercial businesses. The 1, 000, 000 sq. ft. Wal-Mart Distribution Center is adjacent to the Park.