FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2009

For more information contact

Ashley Opsahl-Scibelli,

Communications/ Public Affairs Manager

(360) 425-3305

aopsahl-scibelli@portoflongview.com

PORT OF LONGVIEW, RSG REACH PROPERTY AGREEMENT:

Plan for proposed grain export facility moves forward

Longview, WA- After several months of negotiating, the Port of Longview Board of Commissioners approved a settlement agreement and option to purchase real estate with RSG Forest Products. The agreement grants the Port an option to acquire the last piece of property needed to allow the proposed EGT export grain facility to be developed at the Port.

The agreement allows the Port to purchase approximately six acres from RSG to construct a rail line for the proposed facility.

In December 2008, the Port of Longview Commission voted to exercise their right of eminent domain to acquire the six acre RSG parcel, all the while urging the Port and RSG to continue negotiations and reach a settlement out of court. This agreement sets aside those condemnation proceedings.

“Negotiating a deal with RSG has saved us time and energy we can now dedicate to the project,” said Commission Vice Chairman Bob Bagaason.

The prospective grain terminal at the Port, which would be the first export grain elevator built in the country in over twenty five years, has been in the planning stages for nearly three years. A grain facility at the Port would provide significant local and regional economic benefits; employment, revenue to the Port and contribution to the local tax base.

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About the Port of Longview

The Port of Longview is the first full-service operating port with strategic transportation connections on the deep-draft Columbia River shipping channel in southwest Washington State. The Port is located just 66 river miles from the Pacific Ocean, 120 driving miles from Seattle, Washington, and 40 driving miles from Portland, Oregon. Port facilities include eight marine terminals and waterfront industrial property with direct connections to main-line rail and interstate highway. Cargo handling specialties include all types of bulk cargos and breakbulk commodities such as steel, lumber, logs, pulp, paper, project and heavy-lift cargo.