From 600 to 800 jobs could be generated at the Port of Vancouver under an agreement port commissioners will consider Tuesday morning.

The three Port commissioners are expected to vote on an option agreement allowing Sutherland Development LLC to explore buying or leasing 57.96 acres. Terms of a sale or lease, if it happens, haven't been determined.

The Rufener Farm property, as it is known for its former use, is north of Lower River Road, across from the Port's headquarters. It is zoned as light industrial.

Port officials say a confidentiality agreement prevents divulging details, such as the eventual tenant. The option agreement calls for Sutherland to announce the tenant's identity no later than Dec. 1.

Sutherland is a commercial developer based in Seattle. It incorporated in June.

The company has worked with the Port for months on the deal but can't "say a whole lot about this," said managing partner Roy Bennion, who has about 35 years' experience as an industrial developer.

The client asked for developable land of at least 40 acres in the Portland-Vancouver area, Bennion said, adding that the Vancouver property was the best prospect available. He said the client did not need rail or river access at this time.

The proposed agreement, which would expire May 26, 2009, calls for either a purchase or lease of as long as 80 years.

-- Allan Brettman; allanbrettman@news.oregonian.com

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