[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 56 (Thursday, March 27, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S1903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING THE PORT OF LEWISTON

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and 
celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Port of Lewiston, Idaho's only 
seaport and an economic cornerstone of north Idaho and the broader 
Pacific Northwest.
  In 1975, the Port of Lewiston opened, marked by the launch of the 
first barge to sail westward down the Columbia-Snake River System. Nez 
Perce County voters approved its creation in 1958, but it took the 
completion of the Lower Granite Dam in 1975 to make Idaho's seaport 
fully operational. As the furthest inland seaport in the western United 
States, the Port plays a vital role in connecting Idaho's businesses to 
global markets. Over the past five decades, the Port of Lewiston has 
been instrumental to boosting regional trade, promoting economic 
development, and generating new jobs in surrounding communities.
  The establishment of the Port of Lewiston provided farmers and 
businesses with a cost-effective alternative to rail and truck 
transport. Today, approximately 24 million bushels of wheat are 
transported out of the Port of Lewiston's Lewis Clark Terminal each 
year. The Columbia-Snake River System continues to serve 11 western 
States and is the largest pathway for wheat exports in the country.
  The influence of the Port of Lewiston extends far beyond trade, 
serving as a driver for business and real estate development and public 
infrastructure investments. The Port has been a catalyst for 
modernization in the region, notably through the expansion of fiber 
broadband access in Lewiston and the development of a broadband network 
from Moscow to Star. These investments ensure Idaho businesses remain 
competitive in the ever-evolving global economy.
  While manufacturing jobs have declined in many areas nationwide, 
north central Idaho has defied this trend. Thanks in large part to the 
port, manufacturing jobs in the Lewiston area have surged by 70 
percent, adding over 3,000 positions since 1975. This remarkable growth 
has made north central Idaho's workforce incredibly resilient and 
distinctive.
  Recently, the Port of Lewiston partnered with American Cruise Lines 
to create Idaho's first cruise ship dock, further diversifying its 
economic impact and attracting tourism to the region. The port, along 
with its investments in Idaho, have attracted new manufacturing, 
transportation, and tourism employers, inspiring greater opportunities 
for the people of north central Idaho.
  As we look to the next 50 years, the Port of Lewiston will 
undoubtedly remain a key driver in shaping Idaho's economic future and 
that of the greater Pacific Northwest. Congratulations to the port, its 
outstanding leadership, and the entire north central Idaho community on 
this significant milestone.

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