Posted on December 4, 2018
New infrastructure, economic development, environmental, and community health are the top priorities in the Port of Seattle’s US$348m 2019-2023 capital investment plan.
The Port of Seattle Commission has approved its capital investment plan and 2019 budget, which includes US$100m for a new cruise berth (assumes 50% tenant cost share); US$39m for development of Terminal 91 uplands; US$35m for berth replacement at Terminal 91; US$30m for bringing electrical power to the waterfront; US$23m for Fishermen’s Terminal Gateway Building; and US$17m for a Terminal 117 habitat restoration programme.
Stephen P. Metruck, executive director of the port, said: “This forward-looking budget and five-year plan directly responds to our region’s travel, trade, and logistics needs. We prioritized efficient facilities, environmental investments, and resources to strengthen customer service and community engagement.”
Through the Northwest Seaport Alliance, the Port will invest US$340m for the redevelopment of Terminal 5 to handle ultra-large container vessels.
Green credentials
The plan also includes US$30m for waterfront electrification that would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from waterfront equipment and cruise vessels at berth, improving air quality for maritime workers and residents.
More than US$1m will be allocated for energy and sustainability partnering funds, environmental justice projects for near-port communities, work on the port’s sustainable aviation fuels programme and continued work on an energy and sustainability framework evaluation for port projects.
Solar power will also be installed at the port’s Pier 69 building.
US$11.7m will be allocated to regional transportation investments to improve efficiency and safety for freight and commuters, and a ten-year commitment on over $60 million. Investment areas include the Heavy Haul Corridor, Puget Sound Gateway and Safe and Swift Corridor.
The Port also plans to invest almost US$3m in workforce development funding and spend $634,000 on its high school and college internship programme, plus support regional economic development investments to help create more jobs.
Source: Port Strategy
