The Port of Longview and Haven Energy are “finding common commercial ground” in Haven’s proposal to develop a propane/butane export terminal at the Port, Port of Longview Chief Executive Officer Geir-Eilif Kalhagen announced during the regular Port Commission meeting. The Port has been negotiating with Haven Energy, a subsidiary of Sage Midstream, since April. Last week, the two parties made considerable progress on many of the issues keeping them apart in reaching an agreement about commercial terms for Port property and dock use, Kalhagen said. Although a few points remain to be addressed, “we are making progress and have closed a lot of the gaps,” Kalhagen said. “We look forward presenting to the commission a proposed lease in the near future.” “I’m happy the process is moving forward,” Longview Port Commissioner Bob Bagaason said. Haven’s proposal would move propane and butane, much of which is currently being flared, to provide clean energy to markets around the Pacific Rim. The plan calls for the cargo to be transported by rail to the Port, refrigerated and stored on site before being loaded to vessels for export to Hawaii, Mexico and Asia. Haven Energy estimates its terminal would receive a train every day and a half and about 30 vessels a year at full operation. During construction, Haven Energy estimates it will create 2,000 construction jobs with an estimated payroll of $135 million. Once operational, Haven Energy expects it will create between 110-125 direct and indirect jobs in Cowlitz County and generate $80 million in local and state tax revenues in its first 20 years of operation. Haven Energy will undergo a rigorous evaluation under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) to evaluate impacts on the environment, including transportation, public services and human health, before final approval.