As the business representative for International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, AFL-CIO, District Lodge W24, I support the Vancouver Energy Terminal. This project will create 300 jobs in the building trades and support 1,000 total direct and indirect jobs. It will also bring in $1.6 billion in labor income annually, and more than $2 billion in total economic impact. This terminal is an important piece of export trade infrastructure that we need to remain competitive.
Vancouver Energy has listened to the important safety concerns of the public and has responded with a very strong safety proposal that starts by reducing the volumes of petroleum it would handle and ties increases in volumes to safety. The fact that this safety proposal extends to the rail and marine companies that transport their product shows their commitment to addressing safety and being accountable.
I support the Vancouver Energy Terminal and the jobs it will provide for Southwest Washington.