EGT receives first wheat shipment from Washington State
Sep 21, 2011, Longview, WA — A 110-car train loaded with wheat from central Washington arrived at the EGT facility this morning. The shipment was temporarily delayed by ILWU protesters who blocked the rail tracks. Local law enforcement removed the protesters and the train continued to the facility where it is being unloaded as part of on-going testing.
EGT, LLC issued the following statement which can be attributed to Larry Clarke, president and CEO of EGT.
“This grain delivery is an important step toward completing the facility’s testing phase and bringing it online. Nevertheless, the ILWU's actions are in direct defiance of the law and the ruling of a federal judge. No citizens are entitled to act outside the law, and ILWU members are no exception. We appreciate the continuing efforts of local law enforcement to ensure the safety of workers and businesses at the port and allow commerce to proceed. Despite the impediments from the ILWU, Today's train carried 110 cars full of wheat from Central Washington, helping farmers from the Pacific Northwest deliver their product to growing markets in Asia. Every shipment of grain we process through the facility helps to firmly establish Longview as a premier grain export location on the West Coast and brings vital economic benefits to Cowlitz County and its residents.”