ILWU Local 47 members working on the deck of the Inland Sea. Photo Credit: Conley Booth/Port of Olympia

ILWU Local 47 members working on the deck of the Inland Sea. Recent polling showed there was strong support for log exports, as 79% of respondents agreed that log exports support important jobs in the region. Photo Credit: Conley Booth/Port of Olympia

More than 80 percent of Thurston County residents feel that the Port of Olympia has a positive impact on the county.

That’s one of the key findings of a recent poll conducted by Elway Research, Inc. on behalf of Thurston County Chamber and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 47.

82% said the Port strengthens the county’s global ties; 79% agreed that the jobs it supports are a significant contribution to the county economy; 71% disagreed with the assertion that Olympia no longer needs a marine cargo terminal.

9 in 10 respondents could cite a benefit of having the Port here. Only 5 in 10 could think of a single drawback.

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