JOBS, JOBS, AND JOBS!
The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the Port of Everett a $17.75 million dollar grant to increase freight capacity at the Port of Everett. These funds are from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. This will increase the Port’s capacity by 33 acres and provide funds to finish the “brownfield” cleanup of the old mill site.
This grant, as championed by Rep Rick Larsen, will provide much needed jobs, and will include road, rail and transport projects that will further connect the Everett Port and community to the Northwest Interior.
Further, with Boeing’s Paine Field operations under consideration, this will provide an opportunity for any furloughed or layoff employees to quickly find necessary work.
“I am beyond thrilled with the news of this BUILD grant,” Port of Everett CEO Lisa Lefeber said. “The grant is a game-changer for our region, and the Port of Everett stands ready to deliver on the scope of this critical maritime project to enhance the movement of freight and restore jobs to the site. On behalf of the Port, I want to thank Senator Murray, Senator Cantwell and Congressman Larsen for their dedication and persistence on this project. I also want to thank the office of the Secretary of Transportation and the Maritime Administration staff for believing in our project. Now it’s time to create more jobs on this waterfront!”
“This is great news for businesses and workers who depend on the Port of Everett to connect local goods and services with global markets,” said Rep. Larsen, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “I will continue to champion federal investment in Northwest Washington to build and sustain local projects, put people to work and boost long-term economic recovery.”
Added Sen Patty Murray, ““This funding couldn’t come more quickly to help make sure vital transportation and economic priorities for our state—like building a new cargo terminal at the Port of Everett—don’t get sidelined as our communities work overtime and expend every resource to keep people safe during this pandemic,” said Senator Murray, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I will continue pushing in the Appropriations process to make sure programs like the BUILD program keep working like they should and fighting to push critical federal assistance to important infrastructure projects in every corner of Washington state.”
Work should commence in early 2021, with hopeful completion in 2022. We will revisit this project and keep you informed of updates and timelines.
