Everett, WASH. – On October 24, the Port of Everett Commission authorized staff to solicit construction bids for the Port’s South Terminal Modernization project. This marks a major milestone in the Port Commission’s effort to realize its top strategic initiative to modernize the Seaport. This capital improvement project, combined with the double rail siding that is currently under construction, will ensure the Port’s facilities are ready to support the next generation of over-dimensional cargo, including aerospace parts for the new 777X coming on line in late-2018.  The South Terminal facility is a key piece of this modernization effort. The dock was originally built in the 1970s for log operations, and in its current state, can only accommodate 500 pounds per square foot (psf).  Modern cargo operations require a minimum of 1,000 psf. The $36 million South Terminal Modernization Project (Phase II) strengthens the remaining 560-feet of the 700-foot South Terminal dock structure (140-feet was strengthened as part of Phase I in 2015), and makes electrical upgrades at the wharf. Upon completion, the dock will be able to accommodate two, 100-foot gauge rail-mounted container cranes and provide the vaults for shorepower (see conceptual image). The bid package is expected to hit the street in late-November 2017. Construction is anticipated to begin in April 2018 and last thru December 2019. “This is a bold and momentous step toward the goal that the Port Commission set forward nearly two years ago to modernize its Seaport to support the industry shipping trends,” Port of Everett CEO Les Reardanz said. “This is the largest capital project the Port has undertaken since the construction of Mount Baker Terminal in 2005. Staff has been doing a great job thinking strategically to phase, finance and permit this project in a way that delivers this project by December 2019. I would also like to thank the important partnership of our state and federal partners in Congress, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington State Department of Transportation and our permitting agencies for their continued prioritization and investment in the South Terminal Wharf Modernization project.” The South Terminal project has gained support at both the state and federal level, successfully receiving $22 million in funding to off-set project costs. These funding programs are extremely valuable for reinvesting in our nation’s transportation infrastructure, and include:
  • $10 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant
  • $1.8 million Local FASTLANE Grant
  • $5 million State Rail Bank Loan
  • $5.2 million Rail Rehabilitation Innovation Financing (RRIF)
The Port of Everett supports nearly $30 BILLION worth of U.S. exports annually, the largest customs district in Washington State. Its regional transportation network supports more than 35,000 jobs and generates $313 million in state and local tax revenues. This significant economic impact would not be possible without investment in critical freight infrastructure.