11.13.24

Cantwell, Murray, Larsen, Kilmer Announce $44.5 Million to Boost WA State Port Infrastructure

Major improvements coming to Ports in Tacoma, Bellingham, Port Angeles, Anacortes, and Neah Bay

WASHINGTON. D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Patty Murray (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, and Representatives Rick Larsen (D, WA-02) and Derek Kilmer (D, WA-06) announced five grants totaling $44,532,625 for port infrastructure projects in Washington state.

Funding for these grants comes from the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), which was created to improve the movement of goods through our nation’s ports and supply chain and enhance port resiliency.

Here’s a breakdown of today’s grant announcements:

The Northwest Seaport Alliance is receiving $11,647,000 to repave the terminal transfer zone, install new racks and 198 plugs for storing refrigerated containers, and convert all lighting to LED. Increasing capacity and improving the efficiency of the refrigerated container operation will increase access to international markets for Washington state growers. Sens. Cantwell and Murray wrote letters of support for this grant to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg in May 2024.

“The Port of Tacoma is an economic powerhouse for Pierce County and our state, supporting over 42,000 jobs and $3 billion in economic activity,” said Sen. Cantwell. “This $11.6 million in funding will increase capacity and efficiency of the Pierce County Terminal’s limited refrigerated container operation, allowing producers in the State of Washington to export more fresh apples, potatoes, seafood, and other products to markets across the globe.”

“Every day, countless goods pass through the Pierce County Terminal, making it a key link in our national trade and supply chains,” said Sen. Murray. “This grant will help the Northwest Seaport Alliance strengthen that link, increase capacity, and improve safety for workers by upgrading lights, repaving key areas, and expanding storage capacity for more refrigerated containers. I’m pleased to see this federal funding come home to Washington, so we can strengthen our infrastructure and our economy while supporting jobs and businesses across the state.”

“I’m thrilled to see the federal government invest in improvements at the Northwest Seaport Alliance that will support our state’s economy. This is about jobs. These new investments will strengthen our competitiveness and reduce costs for farmers, ranchers, and other producers seeking to get their goods to international markets,” said Rep. Kilmer. “In particular, this project will benefit Northwest agricultural exporters, who have weathered several difficult years of supply chain upheaval in the region.”

The Lummi Nation is receiving $10,979,375 to demolish and replace a pier at Fisherman’s Cove Marina Dock at Gooseberry Point Waterfront on the Lummi Reservation. The grant will also help purchase an electric lift and four Davit cranes.

“The over 450 Lummi Nation fishing vessels make up the largest tribal fishing fleet in the world,” said Sen. Cantwell. “This $10.9 million investment will help replace the antiquated Fisherman’s Cove Marina Dock and investment in an electric lift and cranes will support the over 500 Lummi fishers and support a thriving working waterfront at Gooseberry Point.”

“The Fisherman’s Cove Marina Dock at Gooseberry Point is critical infrastructure for the Lummi Nation in Bellingham, and the whole community, which is why we need to keep it safe, efficient, and up-to-date,” Sen. Murray said. “This grant will accomplish that by helping demolish and replace the pier, and purchase an electric lift and four cranes. These upgrades will uplift Washington’s port infrastructure, our economy, and the Lummi Nation which depends on this port.”

“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Lummi Nation has the funding it needs to construct a new dock that can accommodate larger boats and vessels at Fisherman’s Cove and a rail system for fishermen to more easily transport their catches from the waterfront to market – an investment that means more jobs, long-term economic growth and safer, more reliable maritime infrastructure in Lummi Bay and the Salish Sea,” said Rep. Larsen.

The Port of Port Angeles is receiving $9,000,000 to purchase two Tier 4 log stackers, a bulk cargo conveyor system, and two material handlers, as well as various grabbing attachments for the material handlers.

“The Port of Port Angeles is a global hub for moving forest products,” said Sen. Cantwell. “This $9 million investment in energy efficient log-stacking equipment will allow the port to continue to lead in the forest products industry which supports more than 1,500 jobs on the Olympic Peninsula.”

“Port Angeles is crucial to Washington’s maritime economy, and expanding its capacity with new equipment is a simple step that will have a big impact for the many businesses and communities who rely on this crucial link in our trade and supply chains,” Sen. Murray said. “These federal dollars will allow the port to purchase new stacking equipment, a bulk cargo conveyor system, and more—all of which will help it handle more goods safely and effectively. This funding will directly improve port infrastructure and support the growth of Washington’s maritime and trade economy.”

“I’m excited to see this federal investment in my hometown of Port Angeles,” said Rep. Kilmer. “This new federal grant will improve the Port’s operations and strengthen an essential link between the Olympic Peninsula and markets on the West Coast and beyond, giving businesses an important opportunity to participate in the regional, national, and international economies. This project will increase the region’s economic competitiveness and reliability, enhance air quality, and drive industry growth that will increase job opportunities for our community.”

The Port of Anacortes is receiving $7,400,000 to help demolish and replace the 47-year-old commercial T-Dock. The new modern rectangular dock will have double the working surface and new stormwater management, electrical, water and fire suppression systems, and will replace the existing concrete abutment with a concrete abutment and sheet pile wall to meet seismic codes. Sens. Cantwell and Murray wrote letters of support for this grant to DOT Secretary Buttigieg in May 2024.

“More good news for Anacortes, this $7.4 million in funding will allow the port to replace Cap Sante Marina’s 45-year-old T Dock -- which accounts for 80% of all seafood landings in Anacortes -- creating an estimated $14 million in economic value for the commercial fishing fleet and Puget Sound area tribes,” said Sen. Cantwell.

“The Port of Anacortes’ T Dock is a crucial resource to the public, as well as a lifeline for local tribes, fishers, and businesses who depend on the facility, but it is also almost half a century old, and in need of a serious upgrade,” said Sen. Murray. “This funding will help redesign and rebuild the dock to increase capacity, efficiency, safety and more—all while creating and supporting jobs in the region. I’m pleased to see this federal money coming back to Washington state, to keep our ports, communities, and economy strong.”

“You cannot have a big-league economy with little league infrastructure,” said Rep. Larsen. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Port of Anacortes has the funding it needs to replace its aging T Dock with a new, modern dock that can accommodate more seafood landings and other commercial and Tribal maritime business while expanding public access – an investment that means more jobs and long-term economic growth on Fidalgo Island and in Northwest Washington.”

The Makah Indian Tribe is receiving $5,506,250 for the Port of Neah Bay Infrastructure Modernization and Marine Highway Initiative. Funding will support a multiuse barge loading facility to increase intermodal shipping opportunities and ease supply chain interruptions, especially for forestry products. This is critical as State Route 112, the only road connecting Neah Bay to the rest of the Olympic Peninsula, often experiences severe weather closures.

The grant will also support maintenance repairs and safety improvements for upland buildings and in-water infrastructure, including the commercial fish dock, boat ramp, floats, icehouse, and cranes. Sens. Cantwell and Murray wrote letters of support for this grant to DOT Secretary Buttigieg.

“The Port of Neah Bay $5.5 million infrastructure grant will allow the Tribe to support its fishers and increase job opportunities by improving port infrastructure to withstand severe storms and invest in a multiuse barge loading facility that will increase marine shipping in Neah Bay,” said Sen. Cantwell.  

“Neah Bay is a crucial port for Washington’s marine infrastructure and fishing economy,” Sen. Murray said. “I’m thrilled to see these federal dollars heading to Washington state so the Makah Tribe and communities across the Olympic Peninsula who rely on this port, can benefit from upgrades to make it more safe, efficient, and resilient. From modernizing in-water safety systems, and upgrading barge loading facilities, to improving upland buildings and utilities. This funding will not only uplift Wahington’s maritime workforce and economy – but will improve the lives of surrounding Tribal communities.

“I’m thrilled to see $5.5M awarded to the Makah Indian Tribe,” said Rep. Kilmer. “This grant will allow the Makah Tribe to modernize its existing infrastructure and, in turn, support opportunities for economic vitality in Neah Bay. This project represents an investment in climate resilience, economic strength, and equity. It's a big win for our region!”

"The Makah Tribe is honored to be selected for 2024 PIDP grant funding for comprehensive resiliency upgrades to both in-water and upland structures at the Port of Neah Bay. The project also includes development and construction of a multi-use barge loading facility (MBLF) that will increase intermodal shipping opportunities and mitigate critical supply chain interruptions that often occur in the region. We are extremely grateful for the support from Senator Cantwell that was instrumental in the Makah’s selection for this funding," said Chairman Timothy Greene, Sr.

Sen. Cantwell coauthored the 2019 legislation that reauthorized the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the PIDP grant program. Most recently, the program was reauthorized in the 2021 National Defense Reauthorization Act, a provision authored by Sen. Cantwell. As chairs of two key Senate Committees, Sens. Cantwell and Murray worked to include a record $2.25 billion for the program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

Sen. Murray has been a champion of Washington state’s ports, from making sure ports were eligible for the RAISE (originally TIGER) grant program she created as Chair of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee in 2009. The RAISE program Sen. Murray established marked the first time port authorities were eligible to apply for competitive federal grants. As a senior member—and now Chair—of the appropriations committee, Sen. Murray helped create and fund PIDP; the competitive grant program was established in the Fiscal Year 2019 transportation appropriations bill, which was enacted in February 2019. Since then, Sen. Murray has played a key role in securing more than $1.2 billion funding for PIDP in annual appropriations bills since its inception. As then Assistant Majority Leader, Sen. Murray helped ensure passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included $2.25 billion over five years for PIDP. 

Rep. Kilmer wrote letters of support to DOT Secretary Buttigieg for the grants awarded to the Northwest Seaport Alliance, the Port of Port Angeles, and the Makah Indian Tribe. He voted to support the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Rep. Larsen wrote letters of support to DOT Secretary Buttigieg for the grants awarded to the Port of Anacortes, Lummi Nation, and the Northwest Seaport Alliance. As the top Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Larsen supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a bold, long-term investment that is creating jobs and building a cleaner, greener, safer, and more accessible transportation network in Washington state.

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