Port Delays Decision on Lease Renewal for Oregon LNG
Earlier this week, the Port of Astoria Commission delayed its decision to renew its land lease for the Oregon LNG project until August 18, 2009. The Daily Astorian reports that commissioners are hoping to know by August 18 whether the Port has a valid ownership claim to land it leases from the state and subleases to Oregon LNG, and the outcome of the Oregon attorney general’s investigation into the Port’s business deals under former director Peter Gearin. Commissioner Jack Bland explained, “This is a tremendous decision, I’d like us to take every conceivable action to get as much information as we can.” Another commissioner, Larry Pfund, who supports the Oregon LNG project, stated, “There’s potential for litigation one way or another. Our job now is to stand up and make the tough decisions as we were elected to do.”