Contact: Carolyn Casey
Port of Bellingham
(360) 676-2500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2009
Port Provides $50,000 to Small Cities for Economic Development Projects
[Bellingham, Wash.] Three small city economic development projects got a boost today when the Port of Bellingham's Board of Commissioners approved $50,000 in matching funds.
For the past five years, the Port has provided money to its Small City Economic Development fund to help these communities with matching money for planning and engineering of economic development projects. This year projects in Blaine, Sumas and Everson received funding.
"We know how difficult it can be for a small city to find funding for the essential early engineering and design of a project and we believe it is important to work side-by-side with Whatcom County's small cities in their economic development efforts," said Commission President Scott Walker.
Applications were distributed to rural Whatcom County cities in January and the Small City Partnership made recommendations about the requests in March. The largest recipient is Blaine, which will be given $33,000 for engineering support for construction of Boblett Street across the now-closed Blaine Airport.
"The City of Blaine is very appreciative of the financial support given to us by the Port of Bellingham for the Boblett Street connector project,'" said Blaine City Manager Gary Tomsic. "In these difficult economic times, partnerships are essential and the Port has become a very supportive partner in our economic development efforts."
This project constructs the extension of Boblett Street across the airport property tying in the truck route (SR 543) and Odell Road. This new road segment will open up the highly valuable 34-acres airport property for development. In addition, Boblett Street will become the new gateway into the city's industrial area. The total project cost, including construction, is estimated at $750,000.
In addition to the Blaine project, Sumas will receive $7,000 for engineering services toward the resurfacing of Bob Mitchell Avenue. This heavy haul road was originally built by the port to serve Sumas's industrial area. The total project cost, including construction, is estimated at $127,000
The Blaine and Sumas projects leverage $468,000 in federal funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The port also approved providing the city of Everson with $10,000 in matching funds for engineering, planning and legal services for a street and drainage improvement plan.
The Port's economic development efforts are funded with countywide property tax revenues. This money also is used for development and maintenance of Port parks, trails and public access areas, for maintenance of Port infrastructure and for environmental programs.
The Port of Bellingham operates Whatcom County's major transportation terminals including the Bellingham Airport, Fairhaven Transportation Station and the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. The Port also serves about 2,000 moorage customers in its Blaine and Squalicum Harbors.
In addition, about 300 businesses operate on Port properties. The Port of Bellingham is a countywide independent special purpose government.
