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Upcoming Events
May
18 – 20, 2011
Spring Meeting
Semiahmoo Resort, Blaine
Port Staff Pool Resources
for Japan Relief 1
It’s
That Time Again: A Quick Guide to Redistricting. 2
WSDOT
accepting Applications for Next Round of Airport Aid Grants. 3
Reminder: Boater Education
Card Required to Operate a Motorboat this Boating Season. 4
State
Auditor’s Office Announces Trainings. 5
Open
House for SR 14 Widening Project 5
Port News. 6
Employment Opportunities. 12
On March 11, Japan suffered immense
destruction after a magnitude 8.9 earthquake struck off its coast. In response, many of Washington’s ports and
their employees pooled their resources to aid Japan in its recovery.
Port commissioners and staff found
many ways to help in the relief efforts.
Staff at the Port of Olympia were able to donate the monetary value of
any excess vacation time, while the Port of Kennewick staff made blood
donations, volunteered with the Red Cross, and made donations to various
organizations. Port of Kennewick
commissioner Skip Novakovich made an in-kind donation addressing disaster
relief in the form of a Red Cross flyer printed by his company Esprit
Graphics.
At the Port of Seattle, Rudy Caluza,
Director of Accounting & Financial Reporting, kicked off the Japan
Disaster Relief Donation Match Challenge.
Caluza offered to personally match, dollar-for-dollar, any
contributions made to an agency responding to Japan relief by port
staff. At the end of the 10 day
challenge, $4,826.00 was raised.
These are just a few examples of how
Washington State Ports assisted in relief efforts. If you are interested in assisting Japan
its recovery, you can visit the following websites to discover how you can
help.
Japan
Relief
Red
Cross
Global
Giving
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As
a reminder, the new Census data was made available to the state redistricting
commission on April 1, 2011. Census
data is due to county and local jurisdictions by May 16, 2011. All cities, counties, and special districts
must prepare a redistricting plan, notify the public, and hold a hearing on
the plan within 8 months of receipt of the data.
Because
port district elections will occur in 2011 before redistricting can be
finalized, the redistricting plan adopted and finalized in May, 2012 will not
apply to port districts until December 17, 2012, with precinct change
finalization due by May 3, 2013.*
If
you are a county-wide port: A countywide port district with three commissioner districts in a
county with three county legislative authority districts must use the same
boundaries as the county commissioner districts. (RCW 53.12.010)
If
you are less than county-wide or have five-member or seven-member county
councils: Your
plan must meet the following criteria (RCW 29A.76.010):
· Each
commissioner district shall be as equal in population to one another as
possible.
· Must
be as compact as possible.
· Must
be geographically continuous as possible.
· Must
not favor or disfavor any racial group or political party.
· Should
coincide with existing recognized natural boundaries.
*Notice and hearing are
required before the adoption of any plan.*(RCW 53.16.020)
For more in-depth information
please visit: http://www.sos.wa.gov/_assets/elections/RedistrictingGuide.pdf
*Guide to Redistricting,
Washington
Secretary of State
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Airport sponsors interested in receiving state
funding for airport improvements can now apply for the first round of WSDOT
Airport Aid Grants for the 2011-2013 biennium. Applications must be submitted
no later than 5 p.m. on May 6, 2011. Applicants are encouraged to submit
application packets before the deadline. Eligible projects must begin after
July 1, 2011.
To apply, airport sponsors can fill out the online application form.
Since a signature is required, sponsors must print, sign and mail the form
with applicable supporting documentation:
- Statement
of support from appropriate elected official
- Adopted
resolution stating matching funds are available and authorized
- Preliminary
plans and specifications
- Detailed
schedule (project milestones)
- Property
appraisals (land acquisition projects)
- Detailed
cost estimate and/or bid results and spending schedule
- Consultant
selection process documentation (for engineering and planning projects)
- Proposed
consultant Scope of Work and budget
- Any
sustainability policies or ordinances in place to address greenhouse gas
emissions
- Number
of jobs the project is expected to create
- Grant
Application Checklist (pdf
18
kb) (doc 52 kb).
While
the exact amount is yet to be determined, WSDOT anticipates awarding up to $1
million in grants to qualifying airports. Airport sponsors will be notified
of grant awards the week of July 4, 2011. This round of funding will focus on
projects occurring over the next 12 months.
As a condition for grant eligibility airport sponsors are required to have
completed their annual review and update of their information on the Airport
Information System database by the end of the previous
calendar year.
Airport sponsors with existing open grants are reminded that projects must be
completed and have Invoice Vouchers submitted by June 30, 2011.
WSDOT accepts applications from any municipality or federally recognized
tribe that owns an open, public-use airport in Washington State. The maximum
amount WSDOT can award for a single grant is $250,000.
Airports are encouraged to contact WSDOT airport construction project manager
Eric Johnson at 360-651-6303 to discuss proposed projects or receive
assistance with applications. A second grant cycle will be offered in 2012
for the 2011-2013 biennium. More information on the Airport Aid Grant Program
is available at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/grants/default.htm.
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Take
a boater safety education course and get the Boater Education Card: It’s the law and it helps keep boaters
safe. Washington boaters are required by law to
pass an approved boater education course and have their boater card while
operating a motorboat of 15 horsepower or more on Washington waters. In 2011,
the boater card is mandatory for boaters ages 12 to 35 years. The card
requirement for other age groups will be phased in through 2014. Boaters born
before 1955 are exempt from this law but many choose to get the card.
The
majority of in-person classes are offered in the fall and spring. That is the
best time for boaters to prepare for a safe and fun boating season. Boaters
who have had safety training are less likely to have an accident on the
water. Course topics include basic boat handling, safety equipment,
navigational rules and how to handle boating emergencies. To meet the
new education requirement, boaters can take an approved course in a
classroom, online or at home. Once the course is completed and test passed,
boaters need to send a completed application for their card and pay $10.The
card is good for a lifetime. Information is available online at www.boatered.org or call (360)
902-8555.
Optional
addition:
The
law is being phased in by operator age over several years as shown in the
timeline below:
·
2011:
35 years and younger
· 2012:
40 years and younger
· 2013: 50 years and
younger
· 2014: 59 years and younger
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In
conjunction with the Washington Finance Officers Association, the State
Auditor’s Office is teaching the following classes during 2011: BARS,
Cash Basis Accounting & Reporting, Federal Grants Requirements & Management,
and GASB 54 Overview Webinar. For a more detailed description of each
class and to register online, go to www.wfoa.org.
Budgeting,
Accounting and Reporting System (BARS): Applies to all government types except ports, transits and PUDs.
This class provides an overview of BARS for GAAP and cash-basis governments.
Federal
Grant Requirements and Management: This
course provides an overview of auditing and accounting requirements related
to federal grants.
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Construction
begins this summer on a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
project to widen State Route 14 and eliminate two of the three remaining
highway traffic signals between Vancouver and Bingen.
Before experiencing better traffic flow and a safer highway, drivers on SR 14
in Camas and Washougal will have to adjust their travels during construction.
WSDOT is hosting an open house April 26 to explain the project and how the
work will affect traffic on SR 14 for the next two years, and answer
questions from members of the community.
When:
4 – 7 p.m. (stop by anytime)
Tuesday,
April 26
Where: Camas
Police Department
Community
Room
2100
NE Third Ave.
Camas,
WA 98607
The $57 million SR 14, Camas-Washougal Widening and Interchange project
improves safety and mobility on SR 14 by widening the highway from two lanes
to four and building half-interchanges at Union Street in Camas and Second
Street in Washougal.
Construction
on this 2005 gas-tax-funded project is scheduled to begin in early summer and
be complete in 2013.
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Port
Welcomes St. Martin's University Dragon Boat Festival
Paddles
up! The Port again welcomes the 2011 St. Martin’s University Dragon
Boat Festival to the Port Plaza on Saturday, April 30, 2011. This free, fun,
family-oriented celebration features dragon-boat racing, multi-ethnic
cultural performances, and a community boardwalk showcasing local
organizations as well as traditional arts and crafts.
Since
its inauguration in 2006, the festival has grown into a major South Sound
community event, drawing thousands of spectators. Every year, the field of
competition has grown—and this year is no exception. The 2011 festival will
feature 28 dragon boat teams representing schools, colleges, community
organizations, state and city groups from Seattle to Portland. All will
battle it out for the championship title!
For
more information about the St. Martin's University Dragon Boat
Festival—including ways to support the festival, organize a team for 2012 or
become a member of the 2012 planning committee—visit www.stmartin.edu/oipd/Events/DragonBoat.
The
Port of Olympia is proud to be a sponsor of this unique community event.
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The
Port of Seattle and King County are partnering to lessen the amount of
paperwork required for small businesses to qualify as a small business
vendor for the two agencies. Through a recently adopted agreement,
small businesses that qualify as Small Contractors and Suppliers (SCS) can
fill out one application to work with both agencies, and county staff will
continue to certify applicants for the SCS program.
"The
port is always looking for ways to expand opportunities for small
businesses," said Port CEO Tay Yoshitani. "And most
businesses and government agencies would like to reduce administrative costs.
This agreement helps us reach both goals."
"Our
goal is to ensure that all business owners in the region, have the chance
to do business with us," said Luis Navarro, director of the port's Office of
Social Responsibility. "By working with the
county, we will make it easier and more efficient for everyone involved in
the SCS program."
The
port will share the costs of the joint certification process, which will be
managed by King County staff.
Click
here
to learn more about how small businesses can take advantage of economic
opportunities at the Port of Seattle.
Value
of merchandise moving through Port of Tacoma's Foreign Trade Zone triples
The
total dollar volume of cargo moved through the Port of Tacoma's Foreign
Trade Zone #86 has tripled. For the U.S. federal government fiscal year
2010 (October 2009 through September 2010), the total dollar value of
domestic and foreign status merchandise moved through the Zone totaled more
than $1.3 billion, up from approximately $440 million for the fiscal year
2009.
A
foreign trade zone (FTZ) is a specially designed area located within
the U.S. but considered legally outside the U.S. Customs territory.
FTZ users are allowed to store, manipulate or add value to goods prior to
import or re-export to a foreign country, and can defer, reduce or
eliminate payment of U.S. Customs duties.
Mazda
and Kia were two major users of Tacoma's FTZ during the 2010 fiscal year,
using the zone to process imported autos. Puget Sound International (PSI)
and Norvanco International also had activated FTZ facilities for the entire
fiscal year.
PSI
provided FTZ services to companies involved in the storage of imported
machinery, footwear, furniture and religious items. Norvanco provided FTZ
services to companies involved in the storage of tableware, footwear and
fabric totes.
In
addition, the Tacoma FTZ sponsored the subzone for Tesoro Refining and
Marketing Company's Anacortes Oil Refinery, for which the total value of
domestic and foreign status merchandise that moved through the Zone totaled
approximately an additional $1.35 billion.
In
terms of total dollar value of foreign status merchandise being admitted
into a Zone, Tacoma's FTZ ranks third among the 35 West Coast FTZs (behind
Long Beach and San Diego) and 18th out of the 272 FTZs in the U.S.
FTZ
#86 includes 19 parcels of land that cover more than 2,250 acres of both
Port land and privately-owned land. FTZ #86 was first established in 1983
and has been expanded three times over the years.
Recently,
the Port applied to have Foreign Trade Zone #86 reorganized
under the U.S. Department of Commerce's new Alternative Site Framework
(ASF) program.
Port
of Everett signs lease with Aqua Trek Kayak and Marine
Center at South Marina
The
Port of Everett is pleased to welcome Aqua Trek Kayak and Marine Center to
the Port’s former marina office (1720 West Marine View Drive). The
business, which used to operate as Popeye’s Kayak and Marine, has expanded
its business plan to offer kayak rentals and supplies, tours, food, and
beverages.
The
business has been around for some time now providing access to our local
waters with kayak tours throughout Puget Sound. These programs are offered
through Edmonds and Lynnwood Parks and Recreation offices and Everett and
Green River Community Colleges.
“The
opportunity to open a retail shop on the Everett waterfront was too good to
pass up,” Aqua Trek Owner Connie Campbell said. “We saw this as a great
opportunity to expand our business, and increase our exposure as a business
that offers kayak access to Port Gardner Bay.”
Please
stop by and welcome Aqua Trek to the Port of Everett Marina.
For
more information, please contact Lisa Lefeber, Public Affairs
Administrator, at 425.388.0617 or by e-mail at lisam@portofeverett.com.
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Port
of Camas-Washougal Levee and Beach Cleanup On Earth Day
The
Port of Camas-Washougal today announced a volunteer levee and beach cleanup
celebrating Earth Day 2011 on Friday, April 22 from 3 to 5 p.m.
"This year's Earth Day marks 41 years of environmental stewardship and
we are continuing our tradition that began last year with a volunteer levee
and beach cleanup at Captain William Clark Park," said David Ripp,
executive director. As an incentive to participate, this year we are offering
free t-shirts to the first 25 people to join us.
Volunteers should be aware of the following:
--Cleanup is from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 22, 2011.
--Meet near dugout canoe at entrance to Captain William Clark Park in
Washougal.
--Wear closed-toed shoes appropriate for walking.
--Garbage bags and gloves will be provided.
--Light refreshments will be available.
Port
of Everett Waterfront Center Now Open
Waterfront Center,
located in the Port of Everett’s Marina District, is now open for
business. The 83,000 square foot
facility includes space for retail, office, and marine shop space, with event
rentals available in the Blue Heron and Sandpiper rooms.
Waterfront Center
is home to the Port of Everett’s administrative and marina offices, Scuttlebutt
Restaurant, and numerous other boat repair shops and marine retail. Approximately 30,000 square feet is still
available for lease. For leasing
information, contact Brian Stuchell at Eclipse Real Estate group at
425-320-1076 or by email at bstuchell@eclipsegrp.net.
Port
of Longview Posts Record Year, Again
In
a presentation to the Board of Commissioners, Executive Director Ken
O’Hollaren reported 2010 as the third consecutive record setting year at the
Port of Longview. In 2008 the Port topped $23.4 million, in 2009 reached
$27.1 million and in 2010 grossed more than $27.7 million in operating
revenue.
“Our
team has worked hard to battle the economic climate,” said Executive Director
Ken O’Hollaren. “We have found our success in our willingness to be flexible.
Whether it is finding new uses for equipment or innovative means of handling
cargo, we always fulfill our commitments to our customers.”
In
2010 revenue reached a Port best $27,770,497, a reported 11% increase over
the previous year. Net operating
income (before depreciation) was $2,997,693 in 2010.
The
Port of Longview recorded 2.3 million metric tons of total cargo handled last
year, up 55% from 1.4 million metric tons in 2009. While imports were down, exports soared
nearly 70%. The dramatic increase in exports can be attributed to a rapid
increase in demand for logs and agricultural exports, primarily bound for
Asia. The decrease of import tonnage by 16% includes an anticipated decline
in wind energy cargo.
“I
am extremely pleased with the Port’s performance in 2010,” said President of
the Commission Darold Dietz. “Three record years in a row is a true testament
to our reputation as a quality facility and team.”
In
2010 construction continued at the new export grain terminal at the Port’s
Berth 9, which will provide a much needed boost in jobs and revenue to the
region. The $200 million private development is expected to be online for the
fall 2011 harvest. Last year the Port also signed new tenant Skyline Steel, a
subsidiary of ArcelorMittal, to the Port’s West Industrial Park.
Mark
Horton Joins Port of Grays Harbor as Director of Environmental and
Engineering Services
With
the largest marine complex investment in Port history underway, the Port of
Grays Harbor is welcoming an experienced environmental scientist and engineer
to their staff, Marc Horton. A former Deputy Director at the Washington State
Department of Ecology, Mr. Horton has served the past 19 years as an
engineering and environmental consultant assisting a variety of clients with
project development and permitting processes. Mr. Horton is already familiar
with the Port of Grays Harbor, having worked on a number of permitting and
environmental enhancement projects for the Port during his years with HDR
Engineering and Skillings Connolly, Inc.
“As
the Port has grown, so has our need to have environmental and engineering
expertise on staff,” reports Gary Nelson, Port of Grays Harbor Executive
Director. “Marc’s project management skills, environmental permitting
experience and engineering background will serve the Port well as we continue
our major infrastructure development program to serve our customers’ growth.
Mr. Horton is a perfect fit.”
Mr.
Horton began working for the Port on April 11, 2011.
Wolfe,
Paulson deliver “On Course” message at Port Re:Port
The
Port of Vancouver USA is on course delivering jobs and economic development
in Southwest Washington, and that's the message that was delivered at the
sold-out Port Re:Port.
The
annual state of the port breakfast was held on Wednesday, April 6 from 7:30-9
a.m. at the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay.
Speaking
to a packed audience of more than 300, Executive Director Larry Paulson
highlighted how port infrastructure investments are resulting in
private-sector investment. According to Paulson, “Our strategy began
several years ago when we charted a course that included investments that
would set up a chain of events that captured the attention of people and
companies in the local, regional and global markets.”
At
the core of the port’s efforts to attract new business and retain existing
businesses is the $150 million West Vancouver Freight Access rail project,
the largest capital investment in the port’s history. “We needed to
increase our rail capacity. We needed to handle unit trains that are
more than 100 rail cars long and unclog a bottleneck caused by trains coming
into the port, stalling national rail lines to the west coast,” said Paulson.
Paulson
also talked about strategic decisions to develop maritime and industrial
property, including the port’s new terminal 5; as well as the port’s
participation in the recently completed deepening of the Columbia River
channel. Paulson reported that “a deeper channel has already brought
jobs, private investment and business to our regions” and noted
private-sector investments being made at ports throughout the region.
Specific
to developments occurring at the Port of Vancouver, the list of new
businesses includes Farwest Steel, Inc.; Keyera Energy, Inc.; Country Malt;
Pacific Coast Shredding; Sunlight Supply, Inc.; and BHP Billiton; as well as
expansions at United Grain Corporation and Great Western Malting, Co.
“To
give you some perspective on the significance of our growth from these
projects, when all these new facilities are running at full capacity, Port of
Vancouver cargo will triple from about 5 million tons to more than 15 million
tons per year,” said Paulson.
Paulson
also provided an overview of the port’s cargo numbers for 2010.
Total
tonnage increased by 18 percent over 2009, with 5.7 million metric tons
crossing the docks in 2010.
Imports
increased by 16 percent overall, with the number of Subarus handled by the
port increasing by 11 percent, while wind energy components decreased. Due to
the wind energy industry’s difficulty in obtaining financing in 2010, only
25,000 metric tons of wind energy components moved through the port in
comparison to over 100,000 metric tons in 2009. Paulson explained that
these financing issues are easing, and wind energy imports in 2011 will
exceed the port’s best year, with 2012 looking even brighter.
Exports
also grew, topping 2009 by 18 percent. Making up 85 percent of the port’s
overall tonnage, 4.86 million metric tons of cargo was exported through the
port in 2010. Wheat, the port’s primary export, grew by 16 percent;
copper concentrate exports increased by eight percent; and scrap metal
exports increased an impressive 48 percent.
In
opening comments, Commission President Brian Wolfe introduced the topic of
how the port’s public sector investments are resulting in private sector
development, and credited port staff and leadership, a committed Board of
Commissioners and the support of the surrounding community as the reasons
behind the port’s ability to move forward successfully, even in difficult
economic times.
“With
your help, all of you here today, the port’s investments are paying off, and
we are on course delivering jobs and economic benefit to our community,” said
Wolfe. “I am honored to be a part of this remarkable voyage.”
Port
Re:Port was taped for later cablecast by CVTV. The show will also be made
available online at www.cvtv.org.
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Director of Engineering, Port of
Tacoma
Manager (Real Estate), Port of
Tacoma
Auditor,
Port of Chehalis
Dock Superintendent, Port of
Everett
Maintenance and Repair Manager, NW Marine Terminal Operating Company
Economic Development Director, Port of Camas-Washougal
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PO
Box 1518 * Olympia, WA 98507
360-943-0760 * 360-753-6176 FAX
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