Oregon Public Broadcasting

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Tuesday that it still wants to relocate its Pacific fleet to Newport. Bellingham, Washington also wanted the fleet.  

The rival port filed a challenge that eventually forced NOAA to justify its decision.

Kurt Schrader represents the central coast in Congress. He said he understands that Washington State officials will be disappointed.

“But there's a time at which you're a graceful loser, and you move on, and a lot of other great things, we'll collaborate with our colleagues to the north. To me, regardless of what goes on in that regard, I feel this is pretty darn definitive - the last nail, if you will, in the coffin of those who would deny Newport and the Oregon Coast a great economic opportunity," he said.

The director of the Port of Bellingham says he has no immediate plans to file a lawsuit.

Washington Senator Maria Cantwell has asked for an outside investigation. She also wants construction to stop in Newport, and for NOAA to do a full environmental review.