A proposed container terminal at the Port of Coos Bay could direct trainloads of cargo through Eugene. The Friday, Nov. 21 meeting of the City Club of Eugene will feature two people involved with the project and will examine its potential impact to the region.

The meeting begins at noon at the WOW Hall, 291 W. Eighth Ave. Club meetings are free to attend. 

Friday’s speakers include Melissa Cribbins, the executive director of the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port Project, and Jeff McGillivray, a 31-year member of United Association Local 290 Plumbers and Steamfitters and a board member of the Lane Workforce Partnership.

The project is planned on port-owned property on Coos Bay’s North Spit. Container ships would dock, and cargo would be moved to the Coos Bay Rail Line, where it would connect to the national rail network in Eugene.

In this year’s legislative session, lawmakers approved $100 million in funding to widen and deepen the channel in Coos Bay harbor to prepare it for large cargo ships. The project also has received federal grants, though more funding is needed to accomplish the goal of a 2030 launch.

Friday’s meeting will be livestreamed on the club’s YouTube channel and a recording will be made available on the club’s website. The meeting will be rebroadcast Monday at 7 p.m. on KLCC, 89.7 FM.

The mission of the City Club of Eugene is to build community vision through open inquiry. Membership is open to all. The club will not meet next Friday, Nov. 28.