During his 10-year tenure at the port, Thorne took charge of the expansion of Portland International Airport and also was the driving force behind a public-private venture that helped construct a light-rail line to the airport. Despite environmental protests, he backed the dredging of the Columbia River shipping channel and development of West Hayden Island. He also took some heat for the sale of the Port's shipyard.
Thorne, formerly an Oregon state senator, now takes responsibility for Washington state's 25-vessel ferry system. The ferry system employs more than 1,500 people and has been plagued by fiscal woes since a voter-approved initiative cut the motor vehicle excise tax two years ago.
The ferries job has been open for just more than two years. Terry McCarthy had been serving as acting director until the post was filled.
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