Port of Seattle to expand maritime activity at Pier 91 and continue planning at Interbay

The Port of Seattle Commission took steps today to expand and enhance its maritime center at Pier 91, near the Magnolia Bridge, and continue planning, design and environmental work for 57 acres of mostly vacant land just to the north.

Commissioners voted to move forward with plans to build new facilities for maritime industry customers, upgrade utilities and improve docks on Pier 91. The commission also authorized further planning and study for maritime, industrial and other development in the Interbay area north of the Magnolia Bridge.

The first of four new industrial buildings on Pier 91 would be for Carnitech, a major manufacturer of on-board fish processing equipment for the North Pacific trawler fleet. As home for the factory trawlers that fish off Alaska, Pier 91 already is one of the world's largest concentrations of fishing employment. Seventeen of the 21 vessels in the factory trawler fleet are based at Pier 90/91. The area also houses major fish processing plants.

"This series of actions is another example of the Port's commitment to, and investment in, its traditional maritime industries," said Commission President Bob Edwards. "This additional business will further establish the area as a center for fishing operations and businesses of all kinds."

The Commission gave Port staff authority to seek permits and contract for the design of a 50,000 square-foot manufacturing building for Carnitech on Pier 91. Three additional 50,000 square-foot buildings will be built on the pier as maritime industry tenants are identified.

"Bringing Carnitech to Pier 91 will keep the company and its jobs in Seattle," Edwards said. "It also will strengthen the thriving maritime cluster we've developed on the piers, where fishing related activity generates nearly 6,000 jobs and an annual payroll in excess of $431 million."

Commissioners also voted to move ahead with upgrades to the pier structure and the utilities serving the site.

Berths C and D, which comprise the northernmost section on the east side of Pier 91, will be rebuilt to provide additional vessel moorage. Creosote-coated wooden pilings and pier decking will be replaced with concrete. The Port already has replaced nearly all of the creosote coated pilings at Piers 90 and 91, improving environmental performance, reducing maintenance costs and improving structural integrity.

"We've added a number of long-term moorage customers to those piers over the past five to 10 years as the factory trawler fleet has consolidated there," Edwards said. "It's also one of the few locations where fuel barge operators can clean and service their vessels, so demand for moorage space on the piers is increasing."

The utility upgrade project involves creating a trench that will house new gas, electricity, communications, water and sewer connections to the piers and adjacent upland properties.

"Most of the current utilities date back to the 1940s when the navy used the site," said Edwards. "If we want to make the most of the opportunities on those piers, the utilities have to meet the demands of modern industrial users."

The Commission also approved additional funding for planning and environmental review of the Port's North Bay project.

North Bay is a development planned for 57 acres of Port-owned land in the Interbay area between the Queen Anne and Magnolia neighborhoods. The conceptual plan for North Bay calls for a variety of potential uses that include maritime industrial activities and may include medical research and development, light industry, office space, retail activity, a transit hub and perhaps even residences. The Port is currently seeking environmental approval and an amendment to the City of Seattle's Comprehensive Land Use Plan in order to develop the North Bay project.

North Bay project milestones already accomplished include: Completion of a framework plan that provides a conceptual organization of possible land uses; preparation of an environmental impact statement that analyzes six development alternatives; submission of a comprehensive plan amendment application to the City of Seattle to obtain approval to develop the site; analysis of potential financial return and fiscal/economic benefits of the development alternatives; an extensive community outreach program, and integrated planning to fully realize the potential of maritime activities on Piers 90 and 91.

Edwards said the additional funding will allow Port staff to complete their planning and evaluation of the development options for North Bay and provide the Commission with the information they will need to decide the future of the North Bay site. He noted the Commission is scheduled to vote later this year on a specific development plan for North Bay.

"Taken together," Edwards said, "these actions continue the Port's long history of investment in its core businesses, as well as its leadership in bringing new business, technology and jobs to the region."