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Oregon lawmaker calls Port of Coos Bay expansion a 'game changer' for regional jobs and health care
Summary
Senator Smith told summit attendees the Port of Coos Bay terminal would be a natural deep‑water, rail‑to‑ship terminal that could create 5,000–8,000 full‑time jobs and materially change the region’s payer mix to preserve local health care services.
Senator Smith, speaking about development around Coos Bay, described the port project as transformative for her district’s economy and health‑care access.
"This project will literally save health care in in that region," she said, arguing that new, full‑time jobs tied to the port would improve employer‑based insurance coverage and strengthen the local payer mix. Smith estimated the development would bring between "5 to 8,000 jobs, full time jobs." She framed the port as a natural deep‑water terminal that would reduce freight‑transport distances for local exporters and importers.
Senator Smith said the project would reduce transportation costs for local producers — for example, cranberries would travel roughly 30 miles rather than going to more distant export terminals — and would create broader economic opportunity after generations of local poverty.
Smith acknowledged continuing health‑care challenges in the region tied to low median incomes (she cited an average single median income of $31,000 in parts of Coos County) and said the port’s jobs could alter that dynamic by expanding employment and insurance coverage.
There was no formal vote at the session. Speakers closed by thanking hosts and noting forthcoming tours and receptions; Senator Smith urged continued work to move the port project from planning toward implementation.
