Port officials urge completion of Puget Sound Gateway, continued electrification grants and a supply‑chain competitiveness program
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Summary
The Northwest Seaport Alliance told the Senate committee to finish the Puget Sound Gateway and the I‑5 Port of Tacoma Road interchange, to continue Climate Commitment Act funding for port electrification and zero‑emission heavy‑duty vehicle incentives, and to advance a supply‑chain competitiveness funding program
Sean Egan, representing the Northwest Seaport Alliance (a partnership of the ports of Tacoma and Seattle), testified Jan. 14 that marine cargo through the ports supports tens of thousands of jobs and generates substantial state tax revenue, and that completing previously started projects is a state priority.
Egan asked lawmakers to finish construction of the Puget Sound Gateway and the Interstate 5 Port of Tacoma Road interchange and to continue use of Climate Commitment Act dollars to support port electrification grants and the statewide zero‑emission heavy‑duty vehicle incentive program. He also urged the development of a supply‑chain competitiveness funding program and referenced a bipartisan bill (Senate Bill 6302) that had passed the Senate unanimously last year but stalled in the House.
Egan said ports are committed to decarbonizing operations but need state support to meet electrification and emissions‑reduction goals. His testimony was entered in the hearing record for SB 5161; no committee action was taken during the hearing.