Pier Side: All aboard free boat tours of Port Aug. 25

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Pier Side e-newsletter

Aug. 19, 2013

In this issue:

Port of Tacoma Road improvements top Thursday’s agenda

At their Thursday meeting, commissioners are expected to consider an interlocal agreement with the City of Tacoma to improve Port of Tacoma Road.

The estimated $6.2 million project will replace the pavement with concrete standard for heavy haul corridors. The work is expected to span from East 11th Street to the grade separation at State Route 509. The project is expected to be funded primarily through grants. Both the Port and City have agreed to invest money to support grant requirements.

Commissioners will also recognize Japanese-based carrier “K” Line’s 25 years calling at the Port, hear an update on the Port’s non-containerized business and learn how the Healthcare Reform Act could impact the Port.

See the full agenda

Commission meetings begin at noon in Room 104 of The Fabulich Center, 3600 Port of Tacoma Road. Meetings are available live and on demand from the Port's website.

All aboard free boat tours of Port Aug. 25

Join us on our free guided boat tours Sunday, Aug. 25, for a ship-side view of one of North America's largest container ports during Tacoma Maritime Fest.

The boat departs from 535 Dock St. at 10 and 11:30 a.m., and 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m. Tickets are required and will be available at the Port booth beginning at 9 a.m. the day of the tours.

Arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time, and boarding is first come, first served. Passengers with mobility challenges should plan to take the 10 a.m. tour when the tide makes it easier to board.

For more information, call 253-593-4485.

Senators working to enhance competitiveness of U.S. ports

Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell will introduce legislation next month to enhance the competitiveness of Puget Sound ports.

The Washington senators propose repealing the Harbor Maintenance Tax, which shippers can avoid by shipping though Canada and Mexico, and replacing it with a user fee. All import containers would pay the fee, even those that enter the U.S. by rail or truck from Canada and Mexico. The new fee would fund harbor dredging and maritime-related intermodal infrastructure projects.

We would like to thank Sens. Murray and Cantwell for their leadership and support of international trade and the associated jobs. Learn more about the Maritime Goods Movement Act for the 21st Century.

Join us Sept. 20 on habitat-themed bus tour

Reserve your seat for a free, guided bus tour Sept. 20 of our public access and habitat sites.

The 75-minute tour will introduce visitors to some of the 100 acres we’ve restored for salmon and other wildlife to make up for industrial development in the Port industrial area.

The 1 p.m. tour departs from the Fabulich Center, 3600 Port of Tacoma Rd. in Tacoma.

Space is limited and reservations are required. Children age 6 and older are welcome. Reserve your free seat by calling (253) 383-9463 or emailing bustours@portoftacoma.com.

Milwaukee Way street vacation hearing Sept. 26

The City of Tacoma hearing examiner will hold a public hearing Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. regarding the street vacation of Milwaukee Way in the Port industrial area.

The vacation, proposed along Milwaukee Way between East 11th Street and Lincoln Avenue, would provide long-term opportunities for terminal expansion and redevelopment.

The hearing will be in the City Council Chambers on the first floor of the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market St. in Tacoma. For more information, contact Rich Price at 253-591-5515 or rprice@cityoftacoma.org.