By Karen Robes Meeks
Two major infrastructure projects that are key to the Port of Everett’s Seaport Modernization efforts received a financial boost, thanks to the Port Commission’s $5.949 million approval of the Federal Rail Rehabilitation Improvement Financing Loan with the US Department of Transportation Build America Bureau.
According to the port, the now-completed Terminal Rail Improvements Phase II and the Cargo Transit Shed Relocation Project increase the port’s on-terminal rail footprint from 9,200 lineal feet to 12,500 lineal feet and provides nearly 40,000 square feet of covered warehouse space for rail loading.
“Completing critical infrastructure upgrades like this will better position the Port and its facilities to handle the larger vessels and heavier cargoes and other opportunities on the horizon,” Port Commission President Glen Bachman.
US Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee praised the port’s work in getting the funding.
“I’ve been proud to work with the Port of Everett to secure federal investments to ensure the Port continues to meet the demands of the 21st century economy, and I’m thrilled to see the federal government bring even more resources to the table,” Murray said. “This investment will help complete vital modernization projects and support an important economic hub in Washington state.”
