For more than a century, the Port has worked with the community to respond to the Northwest region's changing trade and transportation needs. In 1891, the Oregon Legislature created the Port of Portland to dredge a shipping channel from Portland to the sea.  In 2004, the Port and four Washington ports signed an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deepen the navigation channel from 40 feet to 43 feet.  This agreement, the Columbia River Channel Improvement Project, also provides for extensive ecosystem restoration.

Today the Port owns four marine terminals and four commercial and industrial parks in the Portland area.  It also owns and operates the Dredge Oregon to help maintain the current 40-foot deep navigation channel on the lower Columbia and Willamette Rivers.

The Port also owns four airports, including Portland International Airport and Hillsboro, Troutdale and Mulino airports.

Port Organization:
The Port of Portland is a regional government encompassing Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties in Oregon.  It is directed by a nine-member commission, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate.  Commissioners serve a four-year term and can be reappointed. They appoint the Port's executive director who is responsible for day-to-day management.  The Commission meets monthly.