Tom James News

A coastal Oregon county will vote Tuesday on a ballot measure to block a proposed natural gas terminal, the latest in a series of efforts to thwart energy projects across the Pacific Northwest. The measure would ban transport of fossil fuels not intended for local use through Coos County, located about 200 miles (322 kms) south of Portland. Backers have called the initiative a response to a $7.6 billion proposal by Calgary-based Veresen Inc, to build a facility in the county where natural gas would be liquefied and transferred to tanker ships for sale abroad. They have cast the measure as a local refusal to contribute to global warming. Should the ban pass, it could bring the county into conflict with the administration of President Donald Trump.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a Navigation Bulletin stating that the contract dredge Tom James is working in the vicinity of the Old River Lock until approximately October 1. It will subsequently be working in Berwick Bay Harbor until approximately November 18. Mariners are urged to transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and to proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made.