BUSINESS COMMENT
2
COAST RIVER BUSINESS JOURNAL
Publisher’s Notebook
Matt Winters • July 2022
Coast Guard makes a vital investment in our future
T
here can be no better news for our area than what we learned
last week: That the U.S. Coast Guard is making a large invest-
ment in expanding the old Navy base at Tongue Point to be
home port for two new fast response cutters. The fi rst of these is set
to arrive in the spring of 2024.
A good-sized part of the $30 million contract for this Tongue Point
work will bolster the local economy, even though a California com-
pany will be the lead contractor. That much money can’t help but bol-
ster the bottom line for everything from espresso stands to subcontrac-
tors. It will add to the millions Coast Guard Sector Columbia River
already spends here each year on payroll and nearly countless eco-
nomic transactions with businesses.
The Coast Guard’s vote of confi dence in Tongue Point sends a
powerful message to potential private investors, who are likely to also
benefi t from the extensive dredging that is part of the contract.
The biggest thing the Coast Guard does for our economy and soci-
ety is ensure safe maritime operations. It’s nearly impossible to imag-
ine how commercial and recreational fi shing would be possible with-
out their diligent protection. This also goes for the large oceangoing
passenger and cargo vessels that use local waters. Famously adept, the
Coast Guard is essential.
Our company has long advocated for the Coast Guard in all our
Clatsop and Pacifi c county publications, realizing that we’re nowhere
without them. When Congress authorized the fast response cutter pro-
gram, we joined with political and civic leaders to win the home port
selection process. The Tongue Point contract turns the basing decision
from a hypothetical advantage into a real one.
Astoria Mayor Bruce Jones, a former commander of Sector Colum-
bia River, astutely summarized what this means. “The city of Astoria
is very excited to have this increased Coast Guard presence … It con-
tributes to the local economy signifi cantly, so having new cutters, plus
the crews, plus the maintenance assist team, a new dock and all the
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supporting infrastructure — it’s going to be a tremendous boost to our
community economically, as well as just a great asset for our overall
maritime economy.”
As others including U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley
and U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici have urged, the next logical step will
be to station up to two more fast response cutters here in the Colum-
bia River. Even more important would be a decision to base two new
360-foot off shore patrol cutters here. This primarily makes sense from
a logistical standpoint, as the mouth of the Columbia River is stra-
tegically placed to permit quick access to the north, south and west,
as needed. This port decision would also maintain and perhaps even
expand the total Coast Guard presence here after the proud but aged
1960s-era medium endurance cutters Alert and Steadfast are phased
out.
We’re proud of the Coast Guard. We’re grateful for their continuing
belief in this place and for the investments that come with it.
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