Four lower Columbia River ports have tentatively agreed to buy Howard Island for $1.32 million, ending a dozen years of negotiations with the owner and avoiding a costly court battle.

Port of Longview commissioners on Tuesday approved their share of the deal, which is about $187,000. Port of Vancouver commissioners also approved the deal Tuesday, and Port of Kalama commissioners are scheduled to vote Wednesday. The Port of Portland has already paid a share.

The corps identified Howard Island as a possible dredge spoils spot in the early 2000s. Last summer, port commissioners voted to force Davis to sell through eminent domain.

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