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Grays Harbor: Diverse Cargo Shipments Creating Steady Waterfront Employment

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The Port of Grays Harbor reports a busy first quarter 2013, with 37 ships and barges loading automobiles, grains, liquid bulks, logs and woodchips for export. These cargoes generated more than 45,000 working hours, or the equivalent, says the port, of 90 full-time jobs, for Grays Harbor longshore workers from January through March. Vessel and barge traffic was up 68 percent from first quarter 2012. 

"As our cargo volumes grow, and continue to diversify, so does the employment opportunities for local workers,” commented Port Executive Director Gary Nelson. "Each day a diverse group of workers reports for duty within the marine complex, from the security guards and the longshore workers, to the auto processors, log sorters and biodiesel producers.”  

Most products exported through the port arrive by rail from Canada and the U.S East Coast and Midwest. Last year, the port completed a major marine terminal rail system expansion, while its tenant companies invested more than $80 million in storage and shipping facilities.  

"The port is excited by the level of employment we are seeing within the marine industrial area,” exclaimed Port Commission President Chuck Caldwell. "The port and our partners are seeing increases in all types of jobs, from the auto processors working at Pasha Automotive Services to the rail operators with Puget Sound and Pacific Railroad to the highly skilled and trained pilots working for the port guiding each vessel safely to the terminals. Diverse cargo shipments are the key to stabilizing and improving our local economy.
 

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