Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 778 § 778.085 — Control over port waters and wharf lines; adoption and enforcement of
Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 778 ·
Oregon Code § 778.085·Enacted ·Last updated March 01, 2026
Statute Text
Control over port waters and wharf lines; adoption and enforcement of
navigational rules; authority to establish penalties; limitation.
(1) To the full extent the State
of Oregon might exercise control, or grant to the Port of Portland the right to
exercise control, the port has full control of the rivers, harbors and
waterways within its boundaries and between its boundaries and the sea.
(2) The port may
make, change or abolish wharf lines of, in and for the rivers, harbors and
waterways within its boundaries.
(3) As it
considers convenient, requisite or necessary, or in the best interests of the
maritime shipping or commercial interests of the port, the board may by
ordinance make, modify or abolish regulations:
(a) For the use
or navigation of the rivers, harbors and waterways mentioned in subsection (1)
of this section; or
(b) For the
placing of obstructions therein, or the removal of obstructions therefrom.
(4) The port may
enforce the regulations by penalties or seek other appropriate remedies as the
port considers necessary. Penalties are recoverable in the name of the port in
any court of this state.
(5) This section
does not authorize the port to cause the removal of bridges or other
obstructions existing under a grant by this state. This section does not
authorize the port to exclude cities other than the City of Portland from free
access to the channel of either the Willamette or Columbia Rivers or the Oregon
and the Columbia Sloughs, or the free use of the rivers or sloughs for
navigation. [Amended by 1963 c.145 §2; 1971 c.728 §117; 2011 c.597 §301]
Plain English Explanation
This Oregon statute addresses Control over port waters and wharf lines; adoption and enforcement of
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Key Points
01Part of Oregon statutory law
02Referenced as Oregon Code § 778.085
03Subject to legislative amendments
04Consult a licensed attorney for application to specific cases
Frequently Asked Questions
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