Small Ports in Transition Port of Woodland, WA

The Port of Woodland (Port) has traditionally focused on developing inland industrial parks within Woodland, Washington. The Port purchased two waterfront sites in the 1960s with the intention of developing and leasing them for deep-water marine facilities along the Columbia River. Since the purchase of these properties, the Port has experienced significant barriers to development and the sites remain largely vacant to this day. The Port has recently employed a three-pronged approach to overcome historic barriers: (1) strategic partnerships, (2) comprehensive planning, and (3) environmental/recreational commitments. Through these approaches, the Port has gained significant momentum and has strategically positioned itself to transition from inland industrial development toward the development of deep-water marine facilities. The recent successes of the Port provide a model for other small ports facing similar obstacles and how those obstacles can be turned into opportunities.