The port purchased West Hayden Island in 1994. Located in the Columbia River between North Portland and Vancouver, the 825-acre island was envisioned as the future home to marine terminals. The project is being put on the back burner, and port officials expect to try to collaborate with the Port of Vancouver on future development projects. That port has a 1,000-acre piece of waterfront land set aside for marine terminal development of its own.

Prior to this vote, Port officials have said the island must be developed to meet future shipping demands Earlier this year, the port unveiled detailed plans for a second bridge to the island, a railroad loop track and facilities for loading grain and autos. And planned to submit it for federal environmental permitting after the first of 2001. The Vancouver project, now the only plan still going forward, is expected to begin the federal environmental permitting process next year.