Cargo activity at the Port of Longview fell 22 percent last year, dragged down by falling log and grain exports, port officials said this week.
Higher-than-expected expenses dented profits. Administrative costs exceeded projections by 23 percent, according to report from port CFO Peggy Van Horn. That primarily was the result of $375,364 in un-budgeted legal costs from the failed propane and oil projects proposed by Haven Energy and Riverside Refining, as well as an extra $54,696 for consulting services related to Haven Energy.
Krehbiel said the strong U.S. dollar was mostly to blame for faltering exports. There was a 50 percent drop in grain and other agri-products. The dip was particularly stark because 2014 was a banner year for grain crops. Even with the market slow down, the Export Grain Terminal is still one the most profitable docks for Longview.