LONGVIEW, Wash. -- Representatives of the EGT grain terminal and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union have signed a collective bargaining agreement, marking an end to a months-long dispute.

The agreement, signed Feb. 10, addresses landside and shipside operations at EGT's new $200 million terminal at the Port of Longview.

The first grain ship arrived at the terminal on Feb. 7, and loading operations began soon after.

"Ever since the ILWU started loading this first ship, a lot of positive conversations have started taking place around town," Dan Coffman, ILWU Local 21 president, said. "People are happy to see we can all move forward now and do what we're here to do, which is work hard and support our community."

-- Steve Brown