By Karen Robes Meeks
Plans to repair three deteriorating piers in Blaine Harbor in the Port of Bellingham moved forward this month.
The port commission selected American Construction of Tacoma for the $750,000 contract to rehabilitate the piers, create more dock space and bolster the piers’ load bearing capacity for commercial fishing vessels and other maritime industries.
The project involves fixing the North, South and Sawtooth Piers with new timber piles, decking, framing beneath existing cranes, bull rails and stringers, as well as building two sewage pump-out floats to support boaters and promote environmental stewardship. “Marine trades are an important part of Blaine’s local economy,” said Port Commission President Dan Robbins. “The commercial seafood industry is expanding and the port is committed to making the investments necessary to strengthen Blaine Harbor’s marine industrial area as a center for economic growth.”
The port has seen an increasing demand for marine industrial property in Blaine Harbor, said Port Real Estate Director Shirley McFearin.
“Several of our commercial seafood tenants have expressed interest in expanding operations and outside investors continue to be attracted by Blaine Harbor’s strategic location along the US/Canada border,” she said.
It’s the latest in plans to enhance Blaine Harbor. The commission recently inked a long-term lease with Sundance Marine Holdings, which plans to build a nine million dollars dry boat storage facility.
