Port Receives Federal Grant for Economic Development

The Port of Seattle's North Bay project got a $300,000 boost from the U.S. Economic Development Administration today in the form of a grant that will help fund a land use study and market analysis for the site in the Interbay area.

"The grant money will help us analyze various uses for the site and give us insight on ways to attract emerging industries that will bolster the regional economy and build upon the existing maritime and industrial activities in the area," said Port of Seattle Commission President Paige Miller.

The North Bay site includes 57 acres of Port-owned property between the Magnolia and Queen Anne neighborhoods and north of the Magnolia bridge. It has been the site of a navy base and hosted marine cargo operations. It now provides temporary storage for several local auto dealerships and serves as a school bus base. Current maritime industrial uses, which include seafood processing and distribution activities, will remain on the site and have the option of expansion. Maritime uses will also continue on Piers 90 and 91, south of the bridge.

"We are grateful for the support of the EDA," said Port of Seattle CEO M. R. Dinsmore. "This grant will help us ensure a full analysis of the potential future use of this property."

"The EDA investment will help identify specific businesses to maximize job retention, new job creation, business competitiveness and the growth of investment capital and personal income as a result of the Port's North Bay property development strategy," said David A. Sampson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development.