NOAA sets up in Newport


Newport looks forward to an economic boost as NOAA plans its new center.

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NOAA will begin work on its new Marine Operation Center-Pacific in Newport as early as next fall, and the coastal town could see an annual return of about $19 million.

Word that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had chosen Newport as the home for its Marine Operation Center-Pacific came early Tuesday and spread fast, leaving in its wake a city so thrilled that a parade down Main Street wouldn’t have seemed out of line.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Terry Thompson, a Lincoln County commissioner. “I’ve been skeptical that we could do it. The people of this community are the only reason this happened. We just took a big step forward toward having a healthy, vibrant future.”

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