Oregon Approves $100 Million For Pacific Coast Intermodal Port In Historic Economic Boost

The Oregon Legislature has greenlit a landmark $100 million investment in the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP) — a transformational project set to revitalize the Port of Coos Bay with a modern container terminal.

This state-of-the-art ship-to-rail facility promises to connect southwest Oregon directly to international and Midwest markets, creating thousands of jobs and marking a pivotal moment for rural economic development in the region.

A Public-Private Partnership for Sustainable Trade

The PCIP project is a bold public-private collaboration that has already secured $58 million in federal funding from programs like INFRA, CRISI, and RCE. It aims to develop a ship-to-rail container terminal that feeds into the Coos Bay Rail Line (CBRL) and links up with Union Pacific Railroad in Eugene, making Oregon’s South Coast a gateway to global commerce.

According to PCIP Executive Director Melissa Cribbins, the project is about more than infrastructure — it’s about bringing long-term opportunity to rural communities that have historically been underfunded and overlooked.

Job Creation and Statewide Economic Impact

The project’s economic ripple effects are significant:

• 2,600+ construction jobs

• 2,500 permanent direct jobs

• Up to 8,000 total jobs across logistics, warehousing, and small businesses

These are family-wage, benefit-backed positions, representing career opportunities for local residents. With projections estimating $59 million in annual income tax revenue, the PCIP is expected to help fund schools, roads, libraries, and public safety across Oregon.

A Strategic Asset for the Nation and Region

The PCIP will be the first new container terminal on the U.S. West Coast in decades, helping meet growing shipping demands and easing pressure on existing ports. It is designed to serve key regional industries:

• Agriculture in the Willamette Valley

• Manufacturing in the Columbia Gorge

• Exporters across the western U.S.

With bipartisan legislative support and alignment with state infrastructure goals, the PCIP positions Oregon as a competitive player in sustainable freight and international trade.

The Pacific Coast Intermodal Port is more than a regional development—it’s a national logistics asset and a lifeline for economic resilience in Oregon’s South Coast. With strong backing from both the public and private sectors, PCIP is poised to redefine the future of trade, jobs, and sustainability across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.