Ports Seek Clarification of Initiative 695

Olympia - Eight Washington ports filed suit in King County Superior Court yesterday seeking to clarify the effect of Initiative 695 on rates and fees ports charge to conduct business.

Ports build and operate facilities that require a wide range of charges from coin-operated marina showers to dockage fees for cargo ships. It is currently unclear whether increases to any or all of these proprietary charges require voter approval.

On average, 90 percent of port revenue is generated through user rates and fees, which periodically are increased to keep pace with the growing cost of doing business. The ability to adjust thousands of these charges is fundamental for Washington's 76 public ports to carry out their economic development mandate.

"Washington's ports overwhelmingly support this effort to clarify the meaning of Initiative 695," said John Love, Washington Public Ports Association President. "Our goal is to preserve our ability to generate revenue through these sources, rather than relying on taxes."

The suit was brought by the Ports of Whitman County, Tacoma, Skagit County, Seattle, Longview, Kennewick, Friday Harbor, and Bellingham. The ports anticipate a hearing this spring and a ruling this summer.

The suit does not challenge the tax provisions or constitutionality of Initiative 695.