Cross-border group pushes for more exports

Representatives of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region group, or PNWER, are in Boise today and tomorrow, and they’re pushing to expand exports to boost the economies of both the states and the Canadian provinces in the region. Among the ideas: Expanding capacity for wheat storage at the Lewiston terminal on the  Columbia River. So far, the group has met with the Idaho departments of Agriculture and Commerce; it’ll be meeting with the governor, business groups and more. “All of it is aimed at trying to benefit the region as a whole,” said Idaho Rep. George Eskridge, R-Dover.

Matt Morrison, the group’s executive director, said tourism also is among the exports that should be increased, and the group is interested in legislation in the works from Idaho’s congressional delegation that could allow tourism or business visa interviews to be done online, reducing delays. “Tourism is a clean industry,” he said. “It’s something here in the Northwest we all benefit from.”

Oregon state rep. Mike Schaufler said, “We’re struggling with a budget deficit too. We need to recognize and expand and shore up our relationship with the states and provinces … so we can get the money to educate, medicate and incarcerate people in Oregon.” The group came to Boise from Olympia, Wash., where Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire is pointing to increasing exports as a key to coping with that state’s budget shortfalls. Said Morrison, “In this climate, it’s really why PNWER was created - we have to think regionally, look for efficiencies and be collaborative to be successful.”