Oregon port to pursue federal funds for intermodal terminal project

The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay, in collaboration with North Point Development, is seeking three federal grants to advance the port's Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP) project.

The PCIP project encompasses three components: the deepening and widening of the Coos Bay Federal Navigation Channel; system-wide upgrades to the Coos Bay Rail Line; and the construction of a rail-served maritime terminal on port-owned property on the North Spit.

While previous plans involved seeking funding through the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) grant program, the revised approach focuses on leveraging multiple grants to support critical planning and design enhancements,Port of Coos Bay officials said in a news release.

North Point Development will lead the construction of the rail-served marine terminal, featuring electrified crane-served ship berths and an integrated rail yard designed to optimize container handling efficiency while minimizing emissions.

The PCIP will emphasize climate resilience such as full-electrification and predominantly rail-based landside container movements, the release said. By prioritizing rail transportation, the project aims to alleviate highway congestion and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

“Importers and exporters are actively seeking additional U.S. port capacity,” said Brianna Hanson, vice president of the port's board. “Resilient infrastructure is critical for American goods to reach their destination on-time. Recently, global instability, the drought in the Panama Canal, conflict in the Red Sea and collapse of F. Scott Key Bridge are all stark reminders of the need for supply chain resilience.”