EVERETT, Wash., December 15, 2022—The Port of Everett has been named 2022 Port of the Year by the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) – a member organization representing the interests of the 75 public port districts in Washington state through government relations, education, and advocacy programs.
Since 1987, WPPA has presented its prestigious President’s Port of the Year Award to recognize a member port that has demonstrated exceptional success in the port industry. The award honors the Port of Everett for its leadership in innovation in the Everett community and the Port world.
“Washington Public Ports Association is so proud of the Port of Everett, and all the incredible work they have done over such diverse lines of business,” said Patsy Martin, Interim Executive Director of the Washington Public Ports Association. “From the recent ribbon-cutting at the new Norton Terminal, to the massive wetland work and major waterfront cleanups, the Port of Everett is a shining star in the port world, and a prime example of how you get things done.”
Over the past decade in particular, the Port has continued its focus on the sustainable operation of its three lines of business — international shipping terminals, marina facilities and real estate development — while also delivering a robust capital program providing steady, strategic investment in infrastructure to support a balanced working and recreational waterfront.
The Port prioritized bold maritime investments at the working waterfront to keep commerce moving, maintain regional competitiveness and support thousands of family-wage jobs. Since 2012, the Port has invested more than $150 million to modernize its seaport facilities and expand cargo handling capabilities, like the recently completed $57 million South Terminal modernization and $40 million Norton Terminal development. It also added rail capacity, cargo handling equipment, and sustainability features to help “green” the supply chain.
In addition, the Port also prioritized significant investment at the recreational waterfront. The Port focused capital resources on upgrading and maintaining its marina facilities at the state’s largest recreational boating hub and forging ahead on a new mixed-use destination at Waterfront Place with new residential, hospitality, retail, commercial and public spaces.
The Port also took the lead in remediating historic contamination, working toward the cleanup of 215 acres along the Everett waterfront to facilitate brownfield redevelopment and new job hubs, as well as adding 353 acres of critical salmon habitat in the Snohomish River, restoring the Blue Heron Slough estuary.
“I am so proud our amazing team was recognized for all their efforts in bringing environmental stewardship and jobs to the community,” Port of Everett CEO Lisa Lefeber said. “We will continue to work every day toward our mission of bringing new economic opportunity and jobs to the region, while also acting as fierce protectors and environmental stewards of our waterways.”
Through its work, the Port supports nearly 40,000 regional jobs and contributes more than $433 million in state and local taxes annually.
The 2022 Port of the Year Award was presented during WPPA’s Annual Conference Awards Breakfast on Dec. 9 at Hotel Murano in Tacoma, Washington.
Content Source: Port of Everett Press Release
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
