The Port has awarded a $750,000 contract to American Construction of Tacoma to rehabilitate three deteriorated piers in Blaine Harbor in support of the working waterfront. The project will open up additional dock space and increase the load bearing capacity of the piers for commercial fishing vessels and maritime industries which rely on these structures to do business.
“Marine trades are an important part of Blaine’s local economy” said Port Commission President Dan Robbins. “The commercial seafood industry is expanding and the Port is committed to making the investments necessary to strengthen Blaine Harbor’s marine industrial area as a center for economic growth.”
This project will repair the North, South and Sawtooth Piers with new timber piles, decking, framing beneath existing cranes, bull rails and stringers. The project will also construct two sewage pump-out floats to support boaters and promote environmental stewardship.
“The Port has seen an increase in demand for marine industrial property in Blaine Harbor” said Port Real Estate Director Shirley McFearin. “Several of our commercial seafood tenants have expressed interest in expanding operations and outside investors continue to be attracted by Blaine Harbor’s strategic location along the US/Canada border.”
The Port Commission recently approved a long-term lease with Sundance Marine Holdings which plans to develop a $9 million dry boat storage facility in Blaine Harbor.
The Port will host a design charrette later this year with tenants, commercial fisherman and the Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition to identify and prioritize additional improvements in support of the continued growth of Blaine’s maritime industries. Projects to be considered include site layout improvements and modifications to the shape of the Sawtooth Pier to better service the needs of the modern commercial fishing fleet.