Waterfront Wednesday News

June 19, 2024

Maritime Economy Satellite Accounts Statistics Published

The marine economy accounted for $476.2 billion, or 1.8 percent, of current-dollar U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022, an increase from $424.2 billion.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis published the Maritime Economy Satellite Accounts statistics, detailing the impact of the United State's maritime economy. For more information, see the link below.

Senator Boozman Releases Farm Bill Framework

This past Tuesday, Senator Boozman released a Farm Bill framework that includes provisions which promote numerous benefits to seafood and fishing industries in the nation.

To read about the inclusion and provisions, check out the article in the National Fisherman publication via the link below:

Ferries Conference Set for Seattle in October

The Whatcom Chief Ferry. Photo: LummiIsland.com

From Ferries Conference website:
"Ferries 2024 is part of our continuing advocacy effort to promote marine transit as part of a viable alternative to single occupant vehicle commuting. As commute patterns change, passenger ferry service provides the flexibility for communities to adapt to these changes quickly, affordably and sustainably. And passenger vessels provide communities with an attractive alternative to traditional mass transit that add to the quality of life enjoyed by residents and employers alike.

Ferries 2024 is intended to help transit agencies, economic development agencies, community leaders and elected officials determine whether marine transit is right for their community. The program has been developed to help community leaders determine what type of marine transit might best suit that community’s particular applications. 

We hope you can join us in Seattle on October 8th, 2024.

To register and find out more, follow the link below:

NWIRC Cohort Kicks Off in Bellingham

The Northwest Innovation Resource Center hosts its 2024 Cohort Kick-off event in Everett on Thursday, June 27.  Join them to learn about the upcoming innovators and projects in the Blue Tech economy. If you're an investor, innovator or maritime stakeholder, this event is beneficial in helping you build your network.

Learn more about the BlueTech/CleanTech cohort at the NWIRC website below:

Bellingham Angel Investors Hosts Start Up Competition

Our maritime sector is always adapting and changing. Are you interested in helping the maritime economy evolve into what's next? A group of local citizens, Bellingham Angel Investors (BIA), is organizing a "Startup Pitch Competition" for your next idea.  For more information on the competition or to check out more resources in getting your idea off the ground, follow the link below:

Port Hears Comments on Shipping Terminal Expansion

The current plan for the BNSF rail spur into the shipping terminal. Graphic courtesy BNSF

The Port of Bellingham heard public comments on Tuesday, June 18, for the issuance of Limited Tax General Obligation (LTGO) Bonds, that would help offset costs for the pier and wharf rehabilitation and work done as part of the Terminal Modernization Project for the shipping terminal.

The project is composed of several pieces, the wharf and pier being but one part. The pier work will include new pilings, stormwater catchment and management, reinforcing of the pilings and new pilings, as well as the ability for the loading crane to access the dock for operations. This work will then allow safer, more efficient, more environmentally friendly loading and unloading of break-bulk cargo to the terminal.

On the land-side of the terminal, the Port is also proposing, alongside BNSF Rail, to add in a spur to the terminal (diagram above), providing rail-car access to the property for the first time since the Georgia-Pacific Mill left the area.

Combined, these two aspects of the project will provide the ability to host more and varied contracts through the terminal, bringing in millions in revenue to the community currently unavailable due to the lack of proper infrastructure at the property. The Shipping Terminal has the potential to be a significant economic boon to the county with an estimated millions in revenue from several concurrently running contracts and addressing concerns from the community that the property hasn't been generating revenue in the past. The increase in ships and cargo through the terminal would also support the local ILWU Longshoremen's Union, as well as benefit other businesses all throughout the waterfront. The increase in employment and revenue is then expected to flow into the small businesses outside the maritime sector as those workers spend their money locally.  There are over 6,000 jobs impacted by the maritime sector in our county and the economic ripple effect to our region, while not specifically measured at this point, is significant. This project represents an investment in the future of the region as the City and Port work to enhance our economy and provide living wage jobs to our region.

The Port is looking to subsidize the nearly $27 million project with several federal grants, the LTGO funds, and other sources of funding. The project would look to be completed by 2028, with new contracts for the terminal currently being considered. The measure to issue the Bonds was approved unanimously at Tuesday's Port Commission meeting.

To learn more about the project and its potential economic impact, see the "FAQ on the Terminal" on the Port's website via the link below:

NW Maritime Apprenticeship Accepting Applications

Ben Oliver with Vanessa Pena during a workshop for the program: Photo: Sierra Oliver

Are you currently employed in the marine service industry and eager to learn more? Are you an employer and have employees interested in furthering their skills? Are you intrigued by the marine service technician career but not sure where to start?

The Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship is currently recruiting apprentices for the new Level 1 cohort starting in September 2025.

About the Apprenticeship:

• Four-year, registered apprenticeship training Marine Service Technicians (MST)
• An MST is a skilled tradesperson who builds, refits, maintains, surveys, and/or repairs vessels up to 150 feet. They work in marinas, boatyards, service centers, and specialty businesses serving the small-craft, recreational, and commercial marine industry
• Open to companies in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island, and San Juan County
• Adopted the time-tested, industry-developed and continually updated Quadrant Marine Institute curriculum
• On-the-job training coupled with related supplemental instruction
• Classes run September-April: one evening class a week and one Saturday workshop a month

In this program, you’ll:

• Gain hands-on experience in twelve marine subjects
• Learn from experienced MSTs
• Earn a competitive wage while you train
• Gain specialized skills at your place of work
• Become a valuable asset in the marine industry
• Earn professional industry certifications

Eligibility requirements:

• Be employed by a marine service company
• At least 18 years old
• Must have a high school diploma/GED

Financial aid for Apprentices is available through Veterans' Aid and WA Grant for Apprenticeships.

Contact Program Director, Sierra Oliver at soliver@waterfrontfoundation.org or 360-820-9135 to learn more about the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship and how to become an apprentice or an employer sponsor.

Instagram: @nwmaritimeapprenticeship

Facebook: Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship

MWNHA Wins Emmy for Promotional Video

The Maritime Washington National Heritage Area earned an Emmy recently for their promotional video that highlights the work they do.

“This is Maritime Washington” was nominated in the PSA – Single Spot or Campaign category, for “excellence in announcements that effectively create awareness, focus interest on, or marshal support for worthy community causes or nonprofit organizations.” The award was granted by National Academy for Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) and represents an incredible achievement by the Fishboat Media team: Jeremy Johnson, Tyler Rowe, and Samuel Wolfe, a story-telling collective based in Port Townsend, which focuses on the maritime culture and heritage of the region.

To read about the award, follow the link below:

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