Port of Seattle Proposes Customer Support, Clean Air Package

Plan will retain jobs, make the Port cleaner and more competitive

Port of Seattle staff members presented commissioners with a plan that would support its maritime cargo customers during the global economic recession by reducing fees and deferring some payments. Port staff also proposed a new clean trucks program aimed at keeping older, more polluting trucks off roads and Port terminals. Taken together, these actions will help to protect the economic and environmental interests of the region.

“We’re fighting to protect 12,000 seaport jobs in the face of an economic hurricane,” said Port Commission President Bill Bryant. “This proposal protects jobs and our environment. It’s a win-win in a difficult time.”

Customer Package:

The relief package is focused on terminal operators whose revenues depend on the number of containers they handle. Port cargo was down 37% in February 2009 as consumer spending continued to drop, endangering the jobs that cargo generates. Seattle’s maritime cargo industry supports over 135,000 jobs throughout the state - jobs that are crucial to the health of the state’s economy.

The customer support program, subject to Commission approval, would go into effect from June 2009 to June 2010, although adjustments may be made as economic conditions change. The package offered to Seattle terminal operators is proportionally similar to what Los Angeles and Long Beach have offered their terminal operators.

Clean Air Package:

Clean ports are competitive ports, and the Port of Seattle will continue to demonstrate its environmental commitment by contributing $2.3 million to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA). The Port would donate the funds for programs that reduce diesel emission from maritime sources, including ocean going vessels, trucks, and cargo handling equipment. Additional funds available from other sources will be used to replace older trucks with newer, cleaner retrofits that produce less pollution.

In July, the Port would begin offering 100 overnight truck parking spaces for area truckers. The designated truck parking will reduce congestion in the neighboring communities of South Park and Georgetown.

Earlier this year, the Port implemented the At Berth Clean (ABC) fuel program for ocean going vessels. The program reduces vessel emissions as outlined in the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy. The Port of Seattle already has the only shore power facility that can power two at-berth cruise vessels at the same terminal.

Find more information about how the Port of Seattle supports the economic and environmental health of the Puget Sound region here.