What will history tell us? Following in the footsteps of our forefathers, looking backwards can help inform where we have come from, and with vision, one can build for the future. As pioneers moved westward, places and systems evolved, in response to the context and landscapes of the time. Pacific County was formed out of what was referred to as the Oregon Territory nearly 175 years ago. About 80 years later, the initial three ports of Pacific County were formed in 1928, followed by the Port of Chinook in 1951. This made a total of three ports in South County, the configuration we have today.

Local leaders and businesses should consider consolidating these three South County port districts into one single port district. Adapting to change can be more challenging from a reactive perspective, while a proactive and pragmatic approach allows for an opportunity to be more strategic and inclusive. Although differences of perspective are apparent, I would hope there is a common interest in what’s best for the community as a whole. The question is more about why and when, instead of “if” consolidation can be done. There is a prescribed legal path to consolidate, plus numerous examples in the region of port districts serving expansive geographical areas and providing diverse facilities and services.

Outside of outright consolidation, there are other examples of agreements between ports that work together and share resources between their districts, to best serve the communities and industries they represent. Details would be important and necessary to work through with public participation if the ports were to consolidate. But first, a broader conversation is needed, the first of which on a conceptual basis before delving into details.

There are around a combined total of 100 ports in Washington and Oregon. Ports are unique in their roles to drive economic development and resiliency. To name a few things, ports invest in and manage facilities, have the capacity to be catalysts for job growth and retention, promote tourism, provide environmental protection, and maintain public access to the waterfront.

I encourage the local port commissions to be open to change, look at the value of working together and consider their legacy to future generations. Port commissioners become vested in the success of the ports they govern. Taking pride in their respective port should not preclude them from considering the benefits of a consolidated port district.

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Port commissioners become vested in the success of the ports they govern. Taking pride in their respective port should not preclude them from considering the benefits of a consolidated port district.

Having grown up on the Peninsula, I would agree that our communities are connected by vastly more similarities than differences. There is no need to compromise the merit of consolidation by politicizing differences in geography or industry. In addition, local natural resource and tourism-based industries are already working together on shared challenges and initiatives, as they are plentiful, and they find collaboration and coordination a necessity. In a matter of time, the value of the ports working together could become more apparent, if not critical.

Our family continues to call the Peninsula home, after five generations now. My career and engagement in the public port industry, beginning in 2012, continues to give me opportunities to learn about ports in our region, including being a former manager of the ports of Ilwaco and Chinook. I encourage local leaders to look ahead, both honoring the past heritage of the ports while also looking towards the future. The initial factors supporting the formation of the current geographic districts have changed. It’s not the 1970s or even the 1990s. If the boundaries of the districts were drawn in South County today, there would be one port district to best serve the public and allocate locally generated resources more equitably and effectively.

Consolidating or not will present challenges, albeit different outcomes, and I believe consolidation of the three South County port districts would best serve the public and our coastal communities. This process could take time, and timing is always a question, but elevating this conversation is an important first step.