Ports also play a key role in planning and implementing economic development strategies for the areas they serve. To accomplish this, Goal 16 sets broad requirements for preparation of plans and for review of individual projects. It calls for coordinated action by all local, state and federal agencies that regulate or have an interest in Oregon's estuaries. Third, local plans must provide for review of estuarine alterations to assure that they are as compatible as possible with the protection of estuarine values. Management Unit Designation Plans are prepared for each estuary by the affected cities and counties with input from the public and other interested units of government.
Plans divide each estuary into a number of different zones or areas called management units.
Goals 16 directs what kinds of areas are to be included in each management unit and what kinds of uses can be allowed in each type of management unit. Project Review Estuary plans must also include procedures and standards for review of proposed estuarine developments. Project review requirements are designed to ensure that new uses or alterations are compatible with resources in the area and that harmful effects are minimized. Most project review requirements are applied through review of permits for specific development projects. This system is designed to preserve diversity among Oregon's estuaries and guide development of estuaries that have been altered and which can support more development.