NEWPORT, Ore. (AP) — The nation’s top ocean research agency has given its final answer on the new home base for its West Coast research fleet — Newport, Ore.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued its final determination Thursday in the long-running political battle between Oregon and Washington state over where the ships would be based after a 2006 dock fire ruled out staying in Seattle.
The final analysis found that the Newport site offered the best value to the government, with the highest technical rating and lowest price when compared to sites in Washington.
Construction has been going on for months at the Newport site, and members of the Oregon congressional delegation and Gov. Ted Kulongoski were there Thursday for ceremonies marking the decision.
