Ports Vital for Northwest Ag

Last week, the Washington Senate Government Operations and Security Committee discussed the challenges facing Washington’s ports and how making them competitive could benefit Washington’s economy.  The ports in Seattle and Tacoma, which make up the Northwest Seaport Alliance, serve thousands in the ag community across the Northwest.  One of those is Bob Haberman, owner of Number 9 Hay Export out of Ellensburg.  He told state Senator Pam Roach well-functioning ports means jobs and economic opportunities for Washington.

“We employ about seven to eight independent truckers that use and create livelihoods for their families by running their tucks in and out of the ports, and we have about 20-30 employees in our press facility, and another five to six on our farm.”

These ports, he added, benefit the entire Northwest.  During last week’s meetings in Tacoma lawmakers aid it was vital Washington improve both Ports to ensure growth and expansion into the future.  And if not, as Edmonds Democrat Maralyn Chase put it, “Washington risks losing jobs and not meeting the needs of producers across the state.”

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (590) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com