Office of Rep. Derek Kilmer announcement.
TACOMA, WA – Today (October 31, 2023), U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06), announced $54 million in new federal funding for the Port of Tacoma Husky Terminal Expansion Part One. The terminal expansion project will reconfigure the terminal yard for better truck circulation, install 40 reefer racks and related power supplies, and relocate on-terminal structures.
“This is a big deal – and it’s a testament to the steps we’re taking to grow the economy and build a sustainable future,” said Rep. Kilmer. “Here’s what this $54 million grant means: It means that the Port of Tacoma can keep leading the way in creating jobs and reducing emissions. It means we can expand this important terminal without the cost being solely borne by local taxpayers. It means our region can better compete in the 21st-century economy. And thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, it means that the Port of Tacoma will be at the forefront of trade and in shipping Washington state products all over the world.”
“This expansion represents a major investment in Tacoma’s economy and the environment,” said Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards. “Not only will it create good-paying jobs for our residents, it also aligns with Tacoma’s ongoing efforts to harness opportunities as they emerge in the green economy.”
“The Northwest Seaport Alliance wants to thank Congressman Kilmer and the other members of the Washington State Congressional Delegation who supported this project and recognize the important role The Northwest Seaport Alliance plays in promoting economic vitality across our state,” said Commissioner Deanna Keller, Co-Chair, The Northwest Seaport Alliance. “This award will launch a series of coordinated improvements at Husky Terminal in our South Harbor that will further enhance our gateway’s global competitiveness. By densifying the terminal and expanding its refrigerated cargo capacity, we will be able to improve service for importers and help agricultural exporters move more cargo to international markets.”
The Husky Terminal Expansion Part One Project, spearheaded by The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), will revolutionize operations with a focus on densification for efficient container handling and increased cargo capacity. The expansion will introduce advanced storage solutions for quicker cargo processing and a robust strategy to curb emissions through terminal electrification and reduced vessel berth times. To reduce supply chain challenges, the terminal will expand its reefer (refrigerated container) facilities. Taken together, these enhancements not only aim to elevate the Port of Tacoma’s global competitiveness but also to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050 while uplifting neighboring communities and creating jobs.
In April 2023, Rep. Kilmer expressed strong support for NWSA’s application to the 2023 Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) for its Husky Terminal Expansion Part One Project to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. The NWSA, a marine cargo operating partnership of the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma and manager of the Husky Terminal in Tacoma, applied for the award in April 2023.
About the Port Infrastructure Development Program
The PIDP is a discretionary grant program administered by the Maritime Administration. Funds for the PIDP are awarded on a competitive basis to projects that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods into, out of, around, or within a port.
PIDP grants support efforts by ports and industry stakeholders to improve port and related freight infrastructure to meet the nation’s freight transportation needs and ensure our port infrastructure can meet anticipated growth in freight volumes. The PIDP provides funding to ports in both urban and rural areas for planning and capital projects. It also includes a statutory set-aside for small ports to continue to improve and expand their capacity to move freight reliably and efficiently and support local and regional economies.
In FY2023, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) appropriated $450 million to the PIDP.
