With the
funding, the port will be able to begin the second phase of a project that
strengthens the dock for loading and unloading cargo. The port is also
rebuilding the rail spur on the terminal with the help of a state rail bank
loan.
The project’s
initial phase enhanced the existing dolphin berth to handle larger ships.
The port says
Ro/Ro capabilities are critical to maintaining its ability to meet the shipping
needs of the local aerospace industry and nearby military installation. Gov.
Jay Inslee recently implemented a strategy to ensure the Boeing 777X aircraft is
assembled in Washington state; among the list of strategies was the investment
in the port’s Ro/Ro dock.
“Our ability
to support the aerospace logistics chain will be greatly enhanced with state
funding for this project,” Port of Everett Executive Director John Mohr said.
Gov. Inslee, in
supporting the grant, said that the funding would help the port “boost
efficiency and add capacity at the main point of entry for airplane parts
manufactured in Asia, and help ensure the 777X and future Boeing airplane programs
are built in Washington.”
Since 1992,
the Port of Everett has moved every oversized part for over 1,000 Boeing 777
airplanes to date.
