Port of Bellingham

Port of Bellingham. The Port of Bellingham is a special-purpose district and public port authority operating a diverse array of maritime, industrial, aviation, and real estate assets in Whatcom County, Washington. Established by public vote in 1920, it manages key regional infrastructure including the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, the Bellingham International Airport, and extensive waterfront properties on Bellingham Bay. Its mission focuses on economic development, job creation, and environmental stewardship within its jurisdiction along the Salish Sea.

History

The port's formation was driven by local civic leaders seeking to reclaim and develop the industrially degraded shoreline of Bellingham Bay, which had been dominated by private interests like the Georgia-Pacific pulp mill. Following authorization under Washington's Port District Act, voters approved its creation to oversee public waterfront lands. Early projects involved constructing the first public docks and piers to support the region's fishing industry and maritime trade. A significant mid-century expansion occurred with the development of the Bellingham Air Terminal on land acquired from the United States Department of Defense after World War II. The late 20th century was marked by the acquisition and cleanup of former industrial sites, most notably the large Georgia-Pacific West property, setting the stage for major waterfront redevelopment projects like The Waterfront District.

Operations and facilities

The port's operations are divided across three main divisions: marine, aviation, and properties. Its marine facilities include the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, which serves as a homeport for Alaska Marine Highway System ferries and Holland America Line cruises, and the Fairhaven Shipyard, a full-service repair facility. Cargo operations are centered at the Logistics Center and the Bellingham Shipping Terminal, handling breakbulk, containerized, and bulk commodities. The Bellingham International Airport offers commercial passenger service via carriers like Alaska Airlines and Allegiant Air, alongside significant general aviation and corporate flight activity. The port also manages over 1,600 acres of industrial and commercial properties, including the Bellingham Technical College campus and the developing The Waterfront District on the former Georgia-Pacific site.

Economic impact

As a primary economic engine for Whatcom County, the port supports a wide range of industries and employment. The Bellingham International Airport facilitates tourism and business travel, while maritime operations are vital for the local fishing industry, United States Coast Guard operations, and international trade with partners like Canada. Major employers on port-owned lands include Alcoa Intalco Works (though currently idle), BP Cherry Point Refinery support services, and various manufacturing and logistics firms. Redevelopment projects, particularly The Waterfront District, are designed to create long-term job growth in technology, marine research, and commercial sectors. The port's activities are frequently analyzed in partnership with entities like the Washington State Department of Commerce and the Western Washington University College of Business and Economics.

Environmental initiatives

Environmental remediation and habitat restoration are central to the port's operations, especially following the acquisition of contaminated former industrial sites. A landmark project is the multi-phase cleanup of the Georgia-Pacific waterfront under the oversight of the Washington State Department of Ecology and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The port actively restores shoreline habitat, including projects at Little Squalicum Creek and the Nooksack River delta, often in collaboration with the Nooksack Indian Tribe and Lummi Nation. Its Clean Marine Program provides eco-friendly services for recreational boaters, and the airport has implemented stormwater management and wildlife hazard plans. These efforts align with broader goals for the health of Bellingham Bay and the Salish Sea.

Governance

The port is governed by a three-member, publicly elected Board of Commissioners who serve six-year staggered terms. The current commissioners are Michael Shepard, Ken Bell, and Bobby Briscoe. This board sets policy, approves budgets, and hires the executive director, currently Rob Fix. The port operates as a municipal corporation under Title 53 of the Revised Code of Washington, with its annual budget and audits reviewed by the Washington State Auditor. Regular public meetings are held, and the port coordinates with other local governments including the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and the Whatcom Council of Governments. Its strategic planning often involves state agencies like the Washington State Department of Transportation and federal entities such as the Federal Aviation Administration.

Category:Port authorities in Washington (state) Category:Transportation in Whatcom County, Washington Category:Bellingham, Washington Category:Port districts in Washington (state) Category:1920 establishments in Washington (state)