The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded the Port of Tacoma its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Port's 2008 Budget Document.

According to the GFOA announcement, the award "reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting."

The 97-page 2008 Budget Document (available online at http://www.portoftacoma.com/Page.aspx?nid=132 ) provides a detailed overview of the Port's business, including industry outlook, strategic priorities, operating budget, capital investment program, financial measures, plan of finance and more.

"This award is highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and it represents a significant accomplishment by our Port's Finance Department staff," said Port Commission President Dick Marzano. "We're very proud of this recognition."

The Chicago-based GFOA (www.gfoa.org) is a nonprofit professional association serving 17,500 government finance professionals throughout North America.