Grays Harbor Port Authority details $60M marine terminal expansion plans

The Aberdeen City Council convened on June 25, 2025, to address various agenda items, including financial approvals and a significant presentation from the Board of ChristArt regarding regional developments.

The meeting commenced with the approval of accounts payable payroll totaling $1,000,014.33, followed by a motion to approve the meeting agenda, which passed unanimously. The council then welcomed Kayla Dunlap, the Director of Government Public Affairs at the Board of ChristArt, along with Executive Director Leonard Barnes, for their annual outreach presentation.

Dunlap provided an overview of the Board's mission, emphasizing international trade, economic development, and tourism as key focus areas. She highlighted several ongoing projects, including updates on the Byron Airport, which is nearing completion of a $1.3 million hangar for Life Flight services. The airport has also seen increased military training activities, contributing to local revenue.

The presentation detailed the industrial properties managed by the Board, noting that they currently host around 120 tenants, with significant contributions to job creation from these businesses. The Westbrook Marina was highlighted as a vital commercial hub, ranking highly in both value and volume of seafood exports, serving over 85 countries.

Dunlap also discussed a major modernization project for the marina, which involves replacing aging dock infrastructure at an estimated cost of over $60 million. This project is expected to unfold over the next decade, with initial funding anticipated from an Economic Development Administration grant.

Further updates included the Santa Business Park, which has attracted 35 tenants and is poised for growth in renewable energy sectors. The park recently hosted a successful trade event for students from multiple counties, with plans for an even larger event in the coming year.

The council was informed about ongoing improvements at Ferns Landing, which aims to enhance public access to waterfront areas, and updates on marine terminals, including a significant investment in infrastructure to support increased cargo handling capabilities.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the expansion of terminal facilities, which involves a substantial investment from both public and private sectors, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and capacity.

Overall, the council meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to boost economic development in Aberdeen and the surrounding Grays Harbor County, with a focus on infrastructure improvements and community engagement.