Development

Port Orford Working Waterfront Revitalization Program

Update – March 31, 2025

The Port of Port Orford is actively pursuing diverse funding sources to support its comprehensive Working Waterfront Revitalization Program. This ambitious initiative encompasses several interrelated projects aimed at modernizing infrastructure, expanding operational capabilities, and fostering economic growth in the region. Here is a brief overview of the program’s key projects and their current status:

Projects Under Way:

Crane Replacement Project ($2.3M)

• Two new 50T cranes, strengthened foundations, 4 port-owned product hoists for enhanced product handling efficiency for seafood buyers and sellers, seafood offloading equipment, and a forklift to transport products.
• Funding Secured: $1.6M (Connect Oregon), $694K (Business Oregon)
• Cranes construction is complete; cranes shipped; tentative arrival on May 09, 2025 (see photos here).
• Foundation RFP – closed on March 13, 2025.
• Status: Foundation work to be bid, crane construction to follow. Construction management in development.

Seafood Hub Design

• Design by USDA AMS Wholesale Markets and Facilities Design Team, led by Ron Batcher.
• Documentary featuring the Port Orford Seafood Hub supported by USDA & NOAA aired in Dec ’24.
• Status: Design renderings complete, ready to advance to construction drawings once funded. USDA team prepared to support this transition.

Supplemental Seawater Delivery System ($500K)

• Interim solution to meet urgent seawater needs of current and new businesses and serve as supplemental seawater system once high capacity system is in place.
• Funding Secured: $500K (Business Oregon)
• RFP in revisions. 
• Timeline: approximately 6 months, once contract has been awarded.

Dock Road Slope Stabilization & Strengthening Planning ($315K)

• Engineering plan for slope stabilization and Dock Road strengthening.
• Funding Secured: $225K (FEMA – Advanced Assistance grant), $75K Port match (cash & in-kind)
• Status: RFP has been reviewed by Port attorney, will be published on Port website once complete.
• Recent Activity: OEM conducted a kick-off meeting to review award details and requirements.
• Project Period: Extended to June 2026.

Department of Energy ETIPP ($50K + technical assistance)

• Department Of Energy –  Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project for energy analysis, resilience, and carbon reduction strategies aligned with the Revitalization Program
• Status: Active
• Timeline: 12 months of technical assistance, with an option for project support
• Recent Activity: 2-day site visit/workshop conducted December 11, 2024
• Collaborators: Spark Northwest, City of Port Orford, OSU
• Focus: Energy analysis, resilience, and carbon reduction strategies
• Upcoming: Detailed report in development
• Port provided LOS for Wave Swell Energy proposal to DOE for wave energy pilot project.

Economic Analysis ($50K)

• Economic Analysis of current and planned Port operations will provide data and information necessary for their success.
• Status: RFP available on Port website, closes on May 19, 2025.
• Port Planning and Marketing Fund proposal in development, based on scope of work in RFP.

NOAA National Seafood Strategy Integration

• The Port is coordinating with NOAA to align the Port Orford Seafood Hub with the National Seafood Strategy
• Status: ongoing collaboration – requesting support for Seafood Market Analysis from NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center. This will complement Port’s Economic Analysis.
• Next Steps: Seeking NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center support for market analysis.

Projects Pending Funding:

Port Orford Seafood Hub ($11.85M)

• Seafood processing facility and related transportation infrastructure
• Funding Request: $11.25M (MARAD/PIDP), $600K committed match (Connect Oregon)
• Status: The 2024 proposal was not accepted; reviewing and strengthening the proposal for resubmission by April 2025 following the PNW/AK Gateway Director review.

High-Capacity Seawater Delivery System (~$6M)

• New high-capacity, Port-owned seawater distribution system for all users
• Funding Request: $5M (EDA), $1M committed match (State of Oregon)
• Status: Proposal in development for FY2025 EDA funding cycle, revised on the advice of EDA representatives, to include input from a review of the prior proposal.

Long-term Shoaling Solution

• Status: planning phase
• Partners: USACE
• Recent Context: 2024 lack of dredging
• Next Steps:
  • Resume USACE discussions – sign, send Commission letter
  • Include in 2025 Capital Projects Strategic Priorities

Upcoming Priorities:

• Wave energy developer proposal / LOS submitted
• Advertise RFP for the Supplemental Seawater System Project
• Advertise RFP for the Economic Analysis Project
• Prepare and advertise RFP for FEMA Geotechnical Project Contract, in collaboration with FEMA
• Submit MARAD/PIDP Seafood Hub proposal due (April 30)
• Complete EDA proposal for Seawater System
• Complete Business Oregon Planning and Marketing Grant proposal to support
  Economic Analysis
• Resume USACE negotiations for long-term shoaling solution

The Port is actively collaborating with federal and state agencies, leveraging strategic partnerships, and pursuing diverse funding avenues to ensure the successful execution of this comprehensive Working Waterfront Revitalization Program. Regular updates will be provided to stakeholders as significant milestones are achieved.