June 25 - At a special meeting today, Port of Longview Commissioners will consider leasing 35 acres in the Port's West Industrial Park to IDM Longview, LLC and Skyline Steel, a subsidiary of the world's largest steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal.

The lease includes plans for IDM to construct a steel building to be sublet to Skyline, which will manufacture steel pipe, giving a potential boost to heavy lift and breakbulk cargoes through the port.

The Port has the obligation to purchase the building at the end of the initial lease term in the event Skyline does not, which requires the project to comply with prevailing wage laws.

Earlier this year the Port received a USD300,000 grant from the Cowlitz County Rural Development Grant program to make improvements to the site to entice a lessee and bring jobs to the local area.

The Commission will consider the agreements following a presentation by the Port's staff and general counsel. Further news on the outcome of the meeting is expected next Monday.