2012/12/18 Council Agenda Packet

A 114IT December 12, 2012 Everett City Council c/o Mary Cunningham Planning Department 2930 Wetmore, Suite 8A Everett,WA. 98201 Members of the Everett City Council, On behalf of the members of the Washington Council on International Trade (WCIT) - farmers, manufacturers, service providers, retailers, non-profit organizations and individuals - we write in strong support of the Planning Commission's recommendation to keep the former Kimberly-Clark mill site zoned maritime industrial. In a recent study released by WCIT and the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle, we found that nearly 4o percent of all jobs in Washington State are tied to international trade. Ensuring appropriate and compatible zoning is imperative for the future success of trade in our state, especially as residential and commercial growth expands into traditionally maritime and industrial areas. The property in question is located between both the Naval Station and the Port's international shipping terminals,which are both federally-secured and are considered facilities of statewide and national significance. In fact, in 2009 the state legislature identified four of our state's ports, including the Port of Everett,as being facilities of statewide significance that require compatible land use zoning within their respective cities. We hope that you will join us in supporting policies that benefit the international competitiveness of Washington's small, medium and large companies and creates jobs for Washington residents in the global economy. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 206.389.7273 or ericsPwcit.org. Yours, Eric Schinfeld President Washington Council on International Trade