Port will Build Interim Cruise Terminal

Port of Seattle Commissioners voted today to invest $5 million to convert a building at Pier 90 on the northern shore of Elliott Bay into an interim cruise facility. The interim cruise terminal is needed to meet the demand by cruise lines to locate ships in Seattle to serve the rapidly growing Alaska and Pacific Northwest cruise markets. The interim terminal will be operational for the 2003 cruise season.

"The growth of the cruise industry in Seattle has been spectacular," said Port Commission Chair Bob Edwards. "In three short years we've gone from serving six cruise ship calls and 7,000 passengers to 79 vessel calls and an estimated 250,000 passengers. It has become an important contributor to the regional economy, and that contribution will grow in the future."

The cruise industry currently generates more than 900 jobs, over $22 million in personal income, and $42 million in business revenue. It will create $2.8 million in state and local tax revenues this year.

"We've made rapid progress on the cruise business over the past few years, but this is the culmination of 20 years of work," said Port of Seattle Chief Executive Officer M. R. Dinsmore. "Our ability to seize opportunities when they arise has been a key factor in our success. Moving quickly to meet the needs of existing and prospective customers will help ensure that the Port continues to play a role in this dynamic industry."

The interim terminal will provide a facility for processing passengers, luggage and provisions, and offer two berths -- one on each side of Pier 90. The terminal will be housed in a building that until recently was used for receiving and shipping chilled fruit. Over the past several years, more and more fruit shipments have moved in refrigerated ocean containers, reducing the need for chill buildings such as the one at Pier 90.

Changes planned for the building include modifications to both the interior and exterior of the structure to comply with current building codes and to meet operational requirements. Other improvements, such as a remote parking area, utility upgrades, passenger and crew gangways, and facilities for U.S. Customs and Immigration and Naturalization Service activities will also be part of the project.

The Port's first cruise terminal, at Bell Street Pier, was built at a cost of $38 million and completed in 2000.