Snohomish County News

This spring, Fincantieri Marine Repair (FMR) is expanding its presence to the Port of Everett with a new facility to support U.S. Navy assets.On March 12, the Port of Everett Commission unanimously approved a new one-year lease to establish an FMR office at the Port’s Marina Village at Waterfront Place.The U.S. Navy plans to homeport up to 12 new Constellation-class guided-missile frigates at Naval Station Everett, adjacent to the Port of Everett’s international Seaport. The FMR…

Aluminum boatbuilder Brix Marine said it has delivered the 45’ by 18’4” passenger ferry Hat Island Ferry, which recently entered service for the community of Hat Island, Wash.A small, private island community in Snohomish County, Wash., Hat Island is nestled in Possession Sound between Everett, Whidbey, and Camano Islands and operates a weekly ferry schedule to and from the Port of Everett. Its residents' requirements are reflected in the ferry design which received widespread community approval…

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau will provide up to a $5.95 million Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) loan to the Port of Everett in the State of Washington. The Port of Everett is the first Port to make it through the complex loan process.“I’ve been proud to work with the Port of Everett to secure federal investments to ensure the Port continues to meet the demands of the 21st century economy, and I’m thrilled to see the federal government bring even more resources to the table. This investment will help complete vital modernization projects and support an important economic hub in Washington state,” said U.S.

A new report from the Washington Maritime Federation shows strong health of industry, increased average salaries and tremendous opportunity to continue to grow maritime jobs. The Washington State Maritime Sector Economic Impact Study 2017 Update, released at the April 2017 Propeller Club luncheon, updates the seminal 2013 study of the same name and provides a detailed analysis of the positive economic impact of the state’s maritime industry. “This study builds upon past efforts and clearly shows the maritime industry is a cornerstone of the State’s economy…

Coast Guard personnel rescued two fishermen from a 28-foot recreational vessel when it became stranded with a disabled engine and grounded due to shoal water near Everett Wednesday night. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles hoisted the men and transported them safely to Paine Field in Snohomish County. Dispatchers from 911 transferred a call for help to watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound at 1:25 p.m. Sector watchstanders issued a Marine Assistance Request Broadcast and contacted other local agencies to tow the vessel, but none were able to respond due to shallow water. The aircrew launched in response and arrived on scene at 8:10 p.m.

Washington’s citizens could see mobility improvements in highways, ferries and freight rail if the state’s three capital grant applications are selected to receive a portion of the $600 million available nationwide in federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant funds. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) also submitted three applications this week for planning proposals that support economic development, environmental resiliency and integrated transportation choices. Of the $600 million available in TIGER grant funds, $35 million is dedicated to transportation-facilities planning. Improve intersections adjacent to Interstate 82 in Benton County. Replace the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal in Snohomish County.

Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG) said in announcement today that engineer Steve Harris is among those missing in the recent Oso disaster. Although he has not yet been found, the level of devastation wrought by the mudslide in Snohomish County makes it unlikely that authorities will locate survivors. Steve's wife Theresa was also among the missing. “Our hearts go out to Steve's loved ones as well as those of the other Oso victims during this time of uncertainty,” the EBDG statement said.

April 8, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced that Washington state ports will receive $30.3m for port security efforts across the state this year. The funds, which will now begin to be distributed to state ports, will go toward infrastructure security improvements including chemical detectors, cameras, security gates, access controls, and training and exercises. “As we work to stabilize our economy and spur investment in Washington state, it is critically important that our ports remain secure and open for business,” Senator Murray said. The funding for these grants was included in the Fiscal Year 2009 Port Security Grant Program.

Foss Maritime Co., which was responsible for a December 2003 oil spill that fouled shorelines in Snohomish and Kitsap counties, will pay nearly $577,000 in state penalties, Jay Manning, director of the Department of Ecology (Ecology), announced. "This spill was miniscule compared to the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska and the cleanup effort was aggressive, but the effects were still serious," Manning said. A Foss barge spilled approximately 4,700 gallons of heavy fuel oil while being filled at the ChevronTexaco terminal at Point Wells in Snohomish County just after midnight on Dec. 30, 2003. Oil washed onto shore at the terminal and drifted across Puget Sound to coat beaches and the Doe-kag-wats marsh on the northern shore of Port Madison.

Governor Chris Gregoire announced the designation of 11 Innovation Partnership Zones in Washington, geographic areas that will promote and develop the state’s regional economies. Innovation Partnership Zones build on the success around the world of “research parks,” such as the Research Triangle in North Carolina and Torrey Pines in California and bring together research and higher education opportunities, innovation and economic activity to be a strong engine for regional economies. “Washington is home to some of the greatest innovations in the world and I am excited to support the continued success of our state’s world-class companies,” said Governor Gregoire.

Foss Maritime Co. will pay the Suquamish Tribe $1.1 million for environmental and spiritual damage caused by a 2003 oil spill near Edmonds, Snohomish County, reported by the AP. Nearly 4,700 gallons of heavy oil polluted a section of the tribe’s shellfish beds at Indianola when a Foss barge was overfilled at a fueling station at Point Wells on Dec. 30, 2003. The tribe announced that it had reached a settlement with Foss on Feb. 9. It plans to use the money to help build a $20m cultural and economic revitalization project on the reservation. Foss, which took responsibility for the accident, previously paid the tribe $126,000, plus $265,000 to a federal fund for environmental cleanup projects. Source: AP

Washington State Ferries' newest ferry Snohomish was launched last month. It is now undergoing last-minute installations and sea trials before officially entering service on the Seattle/Bremerton route. The sleek ferry is the sister ship of Chinook, already in service on the Seattle/Bremerton route. With a few minor exceptions - the biggest being a new bow configuration so it can front load at auto ferry slips - Snohomish is a replica of Chinook. According to Snohomish County Councilman Rick Larsen, the ferry's name comes from one of the region's Native American tribes, symbolizing a connection to the past. And as a passenger-only ferry, it represents the commitment to a regional transportation system, particularly to practical alternatives to driving alone.