2012/12/18 Council Agenda Packet

WHEREAS, supporting maritime uses at this unique deep water site is consistent with federal, state, and local laws and policies that encourage maritime uses in such locations, such as the Container Ports Initiative (RCW Chapter 36.70A), Transportation Facilities of Statewide Significance (RCW Chapter 47.06.140), Puget Sound Regional Council's Regional Economic Strategy 2012, etc.)." Port of Everett trade supports more than 34,000 jobs in the region and serves a critical function in support of the manufacturing and construction base. The economic enterprise generates more than $4.1 billion of revenue for local businesses and nearly $280 million in state and local tax revenues. The Port of Everett is the third largest deep-water port in Washington State, and is attributed with $77 billion of annual exports and $1.4 billion in imports from the Everett customs office. The Port of Everett is served by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad and plays a vital role in support of the aerospace, manufacturing and construction base. The Port handles 100 percent of the oversized ocean-going parts for the 747, 767 and 777 airplane programs. The connection to aerospace demonstrates the regional and statewide benefits that flow from maintaining the option for maritime industrial uses on the central waterfront planning area site. Adopting the Planning Commission's recommended zoning allows for this possibility and the Port respectfully submits that is one of the reasons the Planning Commission preserved this option. As an adjacent property owner, we want to ensure the central waterfront planning area, including the K-C site, maintains compatible uses and zoning to protect the ongoing success of the international trade terminals and U.S. Navy operations. Further, recognizing the unresolved environmental contamination associated with both the upland and in-water portions of the site, and maintaining a zoning that allows for marine industrial uses would be an effective way to put the site into productive and safe use in a timely fashion. The Port of Everett is committed to balancing job growth, environmental stewardship and appropriate recreational access along the Everett waterfront. We thank you for your consideration, and we respectfully request you adopt the Everett Planning Commission's recommendation for the future of the central waterfront planning area, including the K-C parcel. Respectfully submitted, L6C21,--- Troy McClelland John M. Mohr Port Commission President Executive Director cc: Mayor Ray Stephanson