Mission Statement

CEDER is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to educating and informing political and business leaders, media and the general public about the economic, social, political, historical and natural environment of the Columbia Basin, Puget Sound, the Oregon and Washington Coast and related estuaries and watersheds.

Program Overview

CEDER will provide two distinct functions to fulfill its mission: developing basic informational materials to educate regional policy makers; and providing a forum to decision makers to establish a vision and set direction for the future of the region. Both the Educational Function and the Regional Policy Function will provide valuable products that will improve regional policy development.

Studies

CEDER has recently completed a Columbia/Snake River System and Oregon Coastal Cargo Ports Marine Transportation System (MTS) study. That study provides a framework for maintaining and developing the region’s navigation, railway and roadway transportation infrastructure.  It is being used to inform a 2007 study, Oregon Port Needs and Projects, prepared for the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department. To find out more, go to our Marine Transportation Study.

In 2002, a PNWA study demonstrated the need to increase utilization of the federal hopper dredges to maintain Northwest navigation channels and harbors. This study prompted a federal GAO study and improved subsequent changes in federal policy. To find out more, go to our Minimum Dredge Fleet (MDF) study.

CEDER is currently assessing interest in a Coastal Ports Study.  Oregon and Southwest Washington coastal ports, home to fishing fleets, marinas and recreational facilities, are critical to the economic survival of their communities. International trade, recreational boating and commercial fishing are more important to the economic health of coastal port communities now than ever before.  A comprehensive study encompassing all port activities at these ports would be of value in accurately capturing the true value of these entities.  This project would identify and quantify all economic activities associated with the navigation channels and other navigation features, such as jetties, at coastal ports in Oregon and Southwest Washington.  For more information, please see our CEDER Coastal Ports Study Concept, or contact Kristin Meira.