PORT OF UMPQUA MISSION STATEMENT

Purpose: The Port's primary focus is economic development as indicated in its mission statement. The Port actively works with local businesses and organizations as well as federal, state, county and city agencies to retain and attract industry and businesses to the area.

When: Established in 1913 under State of Oregon Statutes, it is one of 22 coastal and river ports. It was named for the Umpqua River, which flows through the District and is the second largest river in Oregon.

Where: Western Douglas County, covering 750 sq. miles - on the Pacific coast between the Coos and Lane County lines and east to the Elkton tunnel on Hwy 38. Port District includes the communities of Reedsport, Winchester Bay, Gardiner, Ash Valley, Scottsburg, Elkton and portions of the Smith River area. Located on the beautiful scenic main north/south coastal highway (Hwy 101, recently designated an American Highway), it is also the terminus of a major connecting road (Hwy 38) only 59 miles from Interstate 5, providing excellent transportation access. Additionally it is served by an airport only 25 miles to the south. The Port is considered a shallow-draft port and a navigable channel is maintained from the mouth of the Umpqua River upstream to Reedsport, which is located at river mile 11.

Click here for a map of the Port District. (GIF,320Kb)

Who: It is governed by five elected Port Commissioners and maintains its main office in Reedsport. A Port Manager and small staff perform the daily operations of the Port.

Keith Tymchuk Treasurer Position 1	Steve Reese Vice President Position 4	Debbie Williams President Position 2
Dixie Hash Position 3	Barry Nelson Secretary Position 5	Charmaine Vitek Port Manager
Note: Port Commissioners pictures are in blue; Port staff pictures are in green.

What: Over its 90+ year existence, the Port has seen the area's industry change dramatically from marine commerce, logging and commercial fishing, to primarily tourism. Yet a small but vital commercial fishing fleet remains and new industry has been brought to the area. Several companies maintain their headquarters in the Port's district. The Port owns two docks, one adjacent to one of the local shipyards in Reedsport, and the other in Winchester Bay, which serves the commercial fishing fleet. Additionally, the Port owns property in a small industrial park and an island utilized for wetland mitigation. In 2002 it purchased land and a building in the downtown area of Reedsport to house its offices. This facility was renovated and also serves as a meeting facility for the community.

News:   The Mission of the Port of Umpqua is to assist in creating jobs and businesses, aggressively using planning and assets to produce new and diversified activities.  By collaborating with local and regional agencies and businesses we can preserve a better quality of life for Port District citizens.

Every effort will be made to ensure continued dredging for the U.S. Coast Guard, Boat Repair Facilities, Commercial Fishermen, Charter Businesses/Sport Fishermen, Manufacturing and River Facilities and the Salmon Harbor Marina.

The Port is actively working with Federal, State, County, Central Lincoln Public Utilities District and Douglas Electric, local agencies and Ocean Power Technologies to create the first Wave Power Energy production in the United States off our local shores.

Efforts to explore the feasibility of Bio Fuel production are also being pursued. The Port of Umpqua maintains an open door policy so if you have questions or concerns please come to the office and meet or reacquaint yourself with our staff.

Employment Opportunities:  No openings at present.