Yesterday the ports of Tacoma and Seattle formally approved an interlocal agreement to begin the process of combining management of their respective marine cargo operations.

According to the Seattle Times, a common theme at the joint commission meeting where the vote took place was the need for the state to come alongside in support of the ports by passing a transportation revenue package.

“I call on the state. Let’s be bold, let’s make a difference,” Port of Seattle Commissioner Tom Albro said during the meeting.

Seattle Commission Co-President Stephanie Bowman agreed. She said now that the two ports are forming an alliance, it is the state’s turn.

“The paradigm shift that happens with the seaport alliance is that before, the Legislature said to us — ‘You two need to stop competing — until you get your act together, we are not going to do this,’” she said in an interview.

“Well, you know what, we have our act together, and the impetus is now on the Legislature to do it.”