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Thanks to Commissioner Paige Miller for all her hard work in 2004. She is so passionate about the Port, economic development and the making this community a better place to live and work. We are grateful for her leadership.
This year we’ll build on the successes of 2004, which was the best year in Port history from the standpoint of shipping and air travel. We’ll continue creating economic vitality through our seaport and airport, and promoting environmental excellence. Our regional economy is clearly on the rebound—and the Port is leading the way, working with our partners in the community, in business and in labor.
One of our key strategies is continuing our focus on bottom-line performance, excellent customer service, and responsible use of the public’s funds – putting tax dollars to work.
The Port’s commitment to maritime industry is really paying off—all of our international customers are seeing record volumes.
Commitment and long-term investment are part of the leadership the Port brings to this region’s economy. We couldn’t see such success without the investments the Port made in terminals 5, 18 and 46 over the past decade and longer.
So much success, in fact, that we’re reopening Terminal 25 for container operations this summer. The reopening shows the Port of Seattle is responsive to customers’ needs – and creating jobs and economic opportunity right here.
Our cruise business is another outstanding example. Every year the business grows. Eight cruise ships will be homeported here this season— and we’ll see 170 vessel calls, and nearly 700,000 passengers.
This year we also begin reconstruction of Shilshole Bay Marina, and continue improvements at Fishermen’s Terminal.
At the airport, we are looking forward to the opening of the Central Terminal this June. If you thought the South Terminal was great, the Central Terminal will be even more spectacular.
In 2005, we’ll make a lot of progress on finishing the third runway. It’s great the completion is coming into sight.
Our airline customers face a tough financial situation. The Port is doing its part. We’re building an efficient airport that will give passengers a great traveling experience – and we’re working with the airlines to reduce their costs for operating at Sea-Tac.
In 2005, we’ll be making some important decisions about planning for our North Bay property. During the past year, market and financial information has been gathered and analyzed and a “framework” development plan written.
An EIS will be completed and reviewed this year. A significant amount of public outreach has been done to involve everyone who has an interest in the outcome of this property -- neighborhoods, maritime and industrial tenants, and large and small businesses in the area, as well as with labor. We will need to continue that important outreach as we consider decisions on the property this year.
Regional partnerships are of particular importance to me. On many levels, the Port is working with our neighbors, cities, school districts, the county and the state to keep our region moving forward
I’m very happy with the Highline Forum partnerships we’re building with cities near the airport and the Highline School District, in the effort that began during Commissioner Miller’s time as president. A lot of hard work remains, but there are exciting opportunities for businesses and new jobs in Des Moines, Burien, SeaTac, and the other communities.
We’ll also be involved with the South King County Economic Development Initiative, and continuing our other partnerships including the Highline School District noise insulation programs and Aviation High School in the Highline district.
Transportation is critical to our region. We’re stepping up to the challenges. We are committed to bringing light rail to the airport, to investing in FAST Corridor freight mobility projects, to the completion of SR 509 “missing link’’, and to making our contribution to the Viaduct in Seattle.
Over the past year we’ve worked though some difficult issues. We’ve seen outstanding cooperation in tough times, helping us hold down costs. We’re sharing the benefits now – as our businesses grow, and as more jobs are created.
Port of Seattle staff and labor unions went through a pay freeze in 2004. There were also further reductions in staff. In 2005 we look forward to the ability to improve compensation.
The past few years have been tough on our staff. I give credit to every employee, and especially our CEO, Mic Dinsmore, for pulling us through time and again.
Commissioner Bob Edwards was first elected to the commission in 1999 and served as president in 2002.