BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON. – As 2025 approaches, the Port of Bellingham remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable economic development, infrastructure optimization, and responsible land management. With more than 200 capital projects in motion, the Port continues to play a crucial role in fostering economic growth and enhancing transportation gateways for the benefit of Whatcom County.
Major Funding and Economic Impact
Over the past two years, the Port has successfully secured nearly $80 million in state and federal grants. These funds enable the Port to hire local contractors, stimulate economic activity, and create family-wage jobs for the community. Given that the Port’s primary funding source—a 1.7% property tax assessment—is distributed among various public priorities, including economic development, parks, infrastructure preservation, and environmental cleanup, grants remain an essential component of funding local projects. Property taxes contribute only about 12% of the Port’s annual revenue, making external funding critical to meeting Whatcom County’s extensive economic development needs.
Revitalizing the Bellingham Shipping Terminal
The Port’s largest ongoing capital project is the modernization of the Bellingham Shipping Terminal, a longstanding pillar of regional economic activity. In recent months, a dredging project successfully removed legacy contamination, restoring navigation depths and allowing a new class of vessel to dock for the first time in years. This development has directly supported local longshoremen, ship agents, security personnel, and other maritime workers. While further improvements are necessary to fully reactivate the terminal, the recent progress marks a significant step toward revitalizing this crucial economic asset.
Environmental Restoration and Marine Infrastructure Improvements
Another key initiative is the removal of historic contamination from the I&J Waterway, one of a dozen cleanup sites in Bellingham Bay. This project aims to protect marine life, ensure public health, and reinforce marine infrastructure. The Port anticipates the launch of two additional large-scale Bellingham Bay cleanup projects later this year, setting the stage for the City of Bellingham’s Salish Landing waterfront park. The Port remains committed to working alongside the Washington State Department of Ecology, the City of Bellingham, and other stakeholders to remediate contaminated sites and return them to productive use.
Promoting Sustainable Economic Development and Business Growth
The Port continues to support economic sustainability by attracting new businesses and providing resources to local enterprises. However, business recruitment efforts are hindered by a shortage of industrial land. To address this, the Port is evaluating infrastructure investments and zoning modifications to create ready-to-use industrial sites, ensuring that businesses seeking expansion opportunities choose Whatcom County over competing regions.
A notable success story is All American Marine, a leading boat manufacturer that nearly relocated out of state due to space constraints. The Port identified a new location on Bellingham’s downtown waterfront, allowing the company to expand its workforce of over 75 employees. Recently, All American Marine built the world’s first commercial hydrogen fuel cell passenger ferry, demonstrating the Port’s commitment to fostering innovative and sustainable industries.
Infrastructure Investments in Small Cities
Recognizing the unique economic challenges faced by small cities within Whatcom County, the Port has secured grants to study housing and workforce needs in Point Roberts. The findings will guide future infrastructure investments and business development strategies. Additionally, the Port continues to champion broadband expansion efforts, securing funding to extend high-speed internet access to underserved areas, including Point Roberts.
Enhancements at Bellingham International Airport (BLI)
Bellingham International Airport (BLI) remains a key regional asset, with Alaska Airlines recently adding a fourth daily flight to Seattle. Despite industry-wide challenges such as pilot and aircraft shortages, the Port has introduced a new airline incentive package to attract additional routes and destinations. Several large, federally funded capital projects at BLI are also in the pipeline, creating job opportunities for local contractors and bolstering the airport’s long-term viability. Key projects include:
- Expansion for International Flights: Construction is set to begin on the first phase of infrastructure improvements to facilitate commercial flights to Mexico.
- Runway Rehabilitation: A $30+ million runway repaving project is scheduled to enhance operational efficiency and safety.
- Air Traffic Control Tower Replacement: A $100+ million investment will replace BLI’s existing control tower, ensuring state-of-the-art air traffic management capabilities.
Enhancing Public Engagement and Waterfront Development
The Port is committed to making Bellingham’s downtown waterfront a year-round attraction. The return of Fire & Story, a community event featuring fire pits, illuminations, live performances, and artisan showcases, is a testament to this vision. Additionally, 2025 will bring further enhancements to the waterfront, including:
- A youth-oriented bike zone developed in partnership with the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition.
- Expanded restroom facilities near the Digester Tanks to accommodate increased visitor traffic.
- New waterfront access near the Acid Ball, providing temporary public access ahead of the City of Bellingham’s planned extension of Waypoint Park.
Stay Informed and Get Involved
With over 200 active projects focused on economic growth, environmental stewardship, and community enhancement, the Port of Bellingham encourages residents to stay informed by following its social media channels or attending Commission meetings, which are streamed on YouTube. These public meetings offer an opportunity for community members to voice their opinions and stay eng