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Port of Port Angeles nears completion of Marine Trade Center; commissioners to consider Opportunity Fund agreement
Summary
Port of Port Angeles officials said construction at the Marine Trade Center is nearing completion and the port is marketing the site to marine manufacturing and repair businesses; county staff to present an Opportunity Fund grant agreement for commissioners' approval May 20.
Port of Port Angeles staff told the Clallam County Board of Commissioners on May 12 that the Marine Trade Center construction is nearing completion and the port is already marketing the site to potential marine trade tenants, and county staff said an Opportunity Fund grant agreement will be before the board on May 20.
The project is important to county economic development goals because it creates an industrial waterfront site intended for boat manufacturing, repair and government marine work — activity the port and county say will create local jobs.
Catherine Fraser, joining by Zoom for the update, said construction resumed in spring and site grading, final paving and punch‑list work are underway. ‘‘The site is ready to be energized,’’ Fraser said, adding that a couple of electrical switches are still expected later in the summer but that the port is already hosting site visits from interested developers.
Mitch Woods, county staff, said the Opportunity Fund agreement includes stronger compliance provisions than previous grants and was reviewed by the prosecuting attorney's office and the port. The county’s Opportunity Fund board previously recommended support subject to terms; staff said commissioners will consider the agreement on May 20.
Fraser said the port’s business development team has taken potential tenants to the site and expects several acres will be built on soon. The port projects about 115 direct jobs associated with the Marine Trade Center once developed and will continue marketing at marine trade events.
Commissioners discussed the county’s role in economic development and said the Opportunity Fund partnership is intended to provide infrastructure support that helps attract private investment. The board signaled readiness to consider approving the agreement at the next regular meeting.
