EVERETT — The Port of Everett is seeking $43 million in federal stimulus money to upgrade a marine terminal for Boeing Co. jet parts and other oversized cargo.
If approved, the project would accelerate planned improvements at the south terminal that would beef up the existing wharf to handle heavier loads, improve lighting for nighttime operations and construct a new siding to shuttle railcars.
“Developing a marine terminal is an expensive proposition,” said port director John Mohr. “This leads us to an opportunity to get substantial stimulus dollars.”
The port is seeking a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery investment grant earmarked for port infrastructure, including projects that link ports to rail lines and other forms of transportation. It’s for projects that can be completed by February 2012.
“It’s unusual because these projects don’t come up that frequently,” said Mohr, noting that if it’s approved, the grant would jump-start a planned expansion the port was planning to do in partnership with a private company.
It’s been hard to find financing for such projects during the recession, so a grant could get the project started much sooner than would have been possible, he said. “It would reduce the amount of capital required by a joint-venture partner,” he said.
In a master plan approved in 2008, the port talked about extending the wharf in the south terminal and expanding its role as a port skilled in handling odd-shaped and very heavy containers.
Mohr said the grant money would not be used to extend the wharf, but it could help double the strength of the existing pier. The money would also be used to upgrade the terminal yard and to add 1,500 feet of rail siding. Along with the new rail, the port would buy equipment that can move rail cars around the terminal without the need of a locomotive.
Lisa Lefeber, port spokeswoman, said the grant could also pay for a high voltage electrical system so that ships in port could turn off their diesel engines at the dock, reducing emissions.
The port is already handling parts for the Boeing 777 and other jets and would like to increase that type of business. Mohr noted that since 2004 the port has doubled its handling of shipping containers.
Mohr said that since the port is not trying to extend the wharf at this point and has already gone through the necessary public hearings to add the work to its future plans, it should be easier to secure the required permits.
The port should know by February if it receives the grant. Plans call for developing a design next year and doing the work in 2011.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
