Port of Tacoma Commissioners on November 21 approved entering into a design agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deepen the Blair Waterway to accommodate larger ships. Commissioners also approved upgrading rail switches in the Banana Yard, renovating restrooms at the Fabulich Center, and buying a property on East 11th Street adjacent to the potential site of a new Port Maritime Center.  

At a public hearing, Commissioners approved the 2024 operating budget which included $99.8 million in revenue and an ending cash balance of $113.8 million. They approved a three percent increase to the property tax levy, but the effect on the average homeowner should be flat. The owner of a property with an average assessed value of $554,000 will pay an annual tax levy of $75. Port of Tacoma taxes account for 1.4% of levy collections in Pierce County. 

A video of the meeting can be viewed here. 

The meeting begins at 12 p.m. at The Fabulich Center, 3600 Port of Tacoma Road, room 104. Meetings are streamed live on the Port’s website and archived for later viewing. Public comment may be given in person at the meeting or sent by email to comment@portoftacoma.com. Please visit our public comment procedure page for more information.