What Ports Do
Photo courtesy Port of Everett
Economic Development
Washington’s Ports Have a Crucial Mandate: Create Good Jobs in Their Communities
The enabling statute for port districts, passed by the Legislature in 1911, charged them with operation transportation facilities to promote commerce. Port powers have evolved over time, and in 1985 ports were officially given the authority to “engage in economic development programs,” and the rest is history!
Our ports create jobs and stimulate economic growth in many different ways – from classic port infrastructure like docks and piers, to innovative approaches like the public markets developed by the Ports of Chelan and Kalama. The independent elected commission model means ports pursue businesses that make sense for their communities and that will provide good, family-wage jobs. Ports own and operate shipping terminals, marinas and docks, airports, industrial parks, railroads, and parks and recreational facilities. Some ports operate all of these types of facilities, while others focus their work on one or two. But the common thread is the pursuit of local economic opportunity for their districts’ residents.
These programs include the development of industrial parks and the pursuit of businesses who want to operate in them; it includes tourism promotion, often in partnership with local chambers of commerce and other economic development entities. Ports facilitate export through the management of major marine terminals, but also through partnership with groups like the Washington Council on International Trade and state and federal policymakers, to advocate for trade policy that opens markets for Washington businesses. Ports invest in tangible infrastructure – like big airports and small airports – but also in human infrastructure: like the people who work in airports!
Ports take a long view of investing in their region – building facilities that will eventually house profitable businesses that promote public benefit from the region’s public resources, land, water, and air.
Photo courtesy Port of Olympia
Photo courtesy Port of Grand Coulee
Aviation
Airports Provide Critical Access to Commercial Air Service, Air Medical Transport, Emergency Response and So Much More
Washington’s ports own and operate 34 airports, including seven of the state’s twelve commercial service airports. The largest commercial service airport in the state, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the eleventh largest airport in the United States and is a hub for international, nationwide, and regional passengers and cargo.
General Aviation (GA) airports are also an important lifeline for their communities. In addition to providing access to valuable commercial and industrial property designed to take advantage of the proximity to the airfield, GA airports provide critical access to air medical transport and emergency response capabilities. GA airports also enable faster air cargo operations, crop application and other agricultural benefits, law enforcement resiliency, and result in increased productivity and flexibility for business travel.
Photo courtesy Port of Grand Coulee
Energy Supply
Powering the Future: How Washington’s Ports Drive Clean Energy Innovation
Washington’s port districts play a vital role in the state’s energy transition, driving economic development while advancing clean energy solutions. Reliable, affordable energy is critical to keeping ports competitive, attracting investment, and meeting emissions goals.
Washington ports are leading in in the nation for clean energy and decarbonization efforts. Ports are key partners helping develop and deploy innovative technologies. From shore power to hydrogen energy projects, ports advocate for sustainable pathways that balance emission reductions with economic success for local communities.
Decarbonization and electrification efforts vary greatly across the state. Still, many ports face roadblocks in securing needed energy, slowing down technology adoption and new business development. Ports are working to address these challenges by engaging stakeholders in long-term decarbonization and energy capacity planning, smart investments in grid capacity and infrastructure, and incentives that support sustainability with economic opportunity.
With abundant renewable resources like hydropower and some of the lowest electricity rates in the nation, Washington is positioned to lead in clean energy efforts. Ports are working to leverage these resources to drive innovation, support good-paying jobs, and ensure a sustainable and strong clean energy future for our communities.
Photo courtesy Port of Everett
Environmental Stewardship
Ports Work for Environmental Outcomes that Result in Thriving, Healthy, and Resilient Communities.
Washington’s ports are not just economic drivers in their communities—they are leaders in environmental stewardship and development. Historically port districts have been established in areas with critical infrastructure, industry, and manufacturing. They have long operated at the intersection of land and water and where commerce and natural ecosystems meet. Because of this, many port districts are uniquely positioned to take on complex, long-term environmental cleanup and improvement efforts in their communities.
With decades of experience managing and cleaning up land for public use ports have developed expertise in environmental stewardship, navigating federal, state, and local policies. By leveraging partnerships with local communities, businesses, and government agencies, ports transform underutilized or historically contaminated areas into productive, sustainable spaces. Investments in cleanup and redevelopment ensure that economic success goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility, creating healthier communities and stronger local economies.
Photo courtesy Port of Friday Harbor
Marinas
Providing Public Access to Our Treasured Marine Areas.
Washington’s publicly-owned port district marinas play a crucial role in giving the public the ability to enjoy and explore our marine and freshwater environments. By developing and maintaining public moorage sites, these ports meet the growing demand for boating destinations while contributing to local economic growth. Nearly 40 percent of the state’s public moorage slips are managed by port districts, making them a vital resource for boaters and recreational enthusiasts alike.
Port commissions across Washington actively invest in expanding and maintaining existing marina infrastructure and building new recreational facilities, ensuring that public access keeps pace with increasing demand. These investments not only enhance tourism and community engagement but also stimulate local economies by attracting visitors who support nearby businesses. As public agencies focused on long-term community benefits, Washington’s port districts are committed to creating vibrant waterfronts that contribute to the state’s economic development and quality of life.
Photo courtesy Port of Longview
Trade
Ports are the Heartbeat of Washington’s Trade Economy
Trade is an important driver of Washington’s economy. Four out of every ten jobs in Washington result from international trade. Ports are strong partners in trade by investing in critical infrastructure necessary to create and maintain competitive supply chains. But it doesn’t stop there, ports also work to reduce barriers by growing existing markets or working to explore and open new ones. Whether it’s working with large industry sectors like aerospace and agriculture or small businesses seeking global opportunities, ports play a big role in supporting Washington’s trade-drive economy.
Photo courtesy Port of Longview
Transportation
Ports Depend on a Strong Transportation Network to Achieve Our Economic Development Mission
Every Washingtonian depends on our transportation system every day for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s putting food on the table or traveling to connect with friends and family, our economy depends on an efficient, safe, and reliable transportation system to move both people and goods. Washington’s ports are a key part of the transportation system, and we rely on the entire system to support economic growth, trade, tourism, emergency response, and much more.
Washington’s Transportation system is one of the most complex in the world, supporting multimodal transport to every corner of the state. Island communities rely on the largest ferry system in the United States, the Washington State Ferries. The state, counties, and cities support vehicle and truck traffic by maintaining over 165,000 lane miles across the state. In addition to these examples, ports originate or terminate over fifty percent of the goods moving on the state’s rail network. Ports also own and operate seven of the state’s twelve commercial service airports, including SEA, which is the eleventh busiest airport in the United States. Finally, eleven deep-water ports support global trade and act as a critical element in the supply chain for thousands of goods and services we use every day. An additional ten ports support barge traffic and river cruising on the Columbia/Snake River System, providing a competitive transportation alternative for Washington-grown and Washington-produced goods.
Transportation is a critical element of our state’s economic success. Ports work to ensure they provide efficient transportation infrastructure that fuels our state’s competitiveness.
Photo courtesy Port of Everett
