Although it’s been in operation for more than a month, the Port of Morrow’s new freezer warehouse got its day in the (hot) sun on Wednesday when a large crowd gathered for its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The 110,000-square-foot building includes a 2,500-foot rail spur and cost nearly $16 million – $6 million of which came from a Connect Oregon V grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation. The facility includes 75,000 feet of frozen space and about 25,000 feet of refrigerated space.
The warehouse, located at the East Beach industrial area of the port, will store frozen vegetables from local food processors before they are shipped off to market.
“It’s for the region and the benefit of the public and industries in our region,” Neal said.
Neal said the new warehouse is just another step in the continued growth of the port.
“We have a lot of people hired for this and we have a long ways yet to grow,” he said. The new warehouse is managed by Jim Barnes who oversees about two dozen employees.
Joe Taylor, president of the Port of Morrow Commission, said he was impressed with how quickly the project came together. The port received its $6 million grant last August.
“This really clicked right along,” he said.
