Coordination with other Curry County and southern Oregon ports to achieve a coordinated and local approach to annual dredging needs, including assistance from the state of Oregon. CHALLENGE The residents of Port Orford are proud of what sets their small city apart from other coastal communities. Port Orford does not have fast-food restaurants or even a traffic light, but it does have a growing arts community, a hard-working commercial fishing fleet, and access to a wide array of recreational amenities. While the Port faces many challenges as it works toward long-term growth and economic sustainability, the unique attributes of Port Orford create many opportunities for the Port to capitalize on existing economic markets. The following sections describe the demographic and economic profiles of the port district. District Demographic Profile In 2015, Curry County’s population was 22,355. Over the 2000 to 2015 timeframe, the average annual population growth rate for the County was well below the statewide average (see Table 1). Table – Population Trends 2000 Census 2010 Census 2014 PSU Annual Growth Rate 2000-2010 2010-2014 Curry County 21,137 22,364 22,355 0.6% -0.0% Port Orford 1,155 1,133 1,135 -0.2% 0.0% Brookings 5,447 6,336 6,535 1.5% 0.8% Gold Beach 1,897 2,253 2,275 1.7% 0.2% Oregon 3,421,399 3,831,074 3,962,710 1.1% 0.8% Source: 2000, 2010 U.S. Census; Portland State University (PSU) College of Urban and Public Affairs Annual Population Estimates (data provided by FCS GROUP). The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) expects moderate population growth in Curry County for years to come. As shown in Table 2, Curry County is projected to add 2,119 people between 2015 and 2030. This level of population growth would be expected to support about 815 new dwelling units in Curry County (assumes current Census average of 2.6 persons per household). These housing demand forecasts do not include the additional demand that could be created by seasonal (second home) investments. OPPORTUNITY
Government 1,430 1,400 1,350 1,290 (60) -0.91 Total 6,450 7,070 6,190 6,040 (150) -0.49 *Includes construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade, transportation, utilities and mining/logging businesses. Note: Employment includes workers “covered” by unemployment insurance. Source: OED; compiled by FCS GROUP. Table –Curry County Employment Trends by Sector Sector 2001 2006 2010 2015 Annual Growth Rate 2010-2015 Change Percentage Total Nonfarm Employment 6,450 7,070 6,190 6,040 (400) -1.33 Total Private 5,020 5,670 4,840 4,500 (340) -1.45 Mining and Logging 170 150 100 120 20 3.71 Construction 390 660 390 270 (120) -7.09 Manufacturing 660 640 540 580 40 1.44 Wood product manufacturing 480 480 380 410 30 1.53 Trade, Transportation, & Utilities 1,280 1,280 1,180 1,090 (90) -1.57 Retail trade 1,080 1,070 970 910 (60) -1.27 Information 140 100 80 60 (20) -5.59 Financial Activities 300 490 410 330 (80) -4.25 Professional & Business Services 320 400 430 320 (110)- -5.74 Educational & Health Services 540 630 570 680 110 3.59 Healthcare 430 510 480 560 80 3.13 Leisure & Hospitality 1,030 1,130 990 900 (90) -1.89 Arts, entertainment, and recreation 80 60 50 40 (10) -4.36 Accommodation & food services 960 1,070 940 860 (80) -1.76 Other Services 190 190 170 150 (20) -2.47 Government 1,430 1,400 1,350 1,290 (60) -0.91 Federal Government 130 100 110 70 (40) -8.64 State Government 270 250 220 180 (40) -3.93 Local Government 1,030 1,060 1,030 1,040 10 0.19 Local education - 440 400 370 (30) -1.55 Local gov. excluding educational service - 610 630 670 40 1.24 Source: OED; compiled by FCS GROUP.
Table – SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses Diversity of fisheries Hook and line fishing (live catch and sustainable) Engaged in policy development (South Coast ports dredging effort) Assets – land and facilities Isolated Port operations that reduce conflicts with neighboring property Sea water/energy research and development Jetty – quality rock source nearby for rehabilitation Visual and scenic resources Innovative ideas and people Youth facilities (skate park, baseball fields, horse arena) Open ocean access National fish sales/tenants Regional partnerships Housing availability Fisheries research to support the cannery Record of safety Reliance on one industry Transportation (isolated from I-5) Lack of dredging Lack of industrial diversification City water used for industry (expensive) Deferred maintenance Opportunities Threats Small cruise ship access Short shipping Growth in specialty fisheries Branding and marketing Financial (marine research) Capture tourism (gateway on Hwy 101, pedestrian improvements at the high dock) Cannery reconstruction (local fish production) Internship opportunities for university students Port repair shop Biomass production (pellets) Eco-tourism Spring water development Fisheries regulations No long-term dredging solution Reliance on crane/boat lift Shoaling Aging fleet and increased start-up cost to enter fishing industry. The following section captures the Port’s priority projects, including high dock improvements, cannery replacement, expanded retail space, the 5th and Washington opportunity site, and Port Gateway projects. These projects are followed by supportive goals and strategies to help achieve the Port’s mission of job creation and long-term economic viability. Port of Port Orford Priority Projects The following section outlines the Port’s priority projects for the next 20 years.