The Port of Everett, WA received a $11.25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to modernize and strengthen Pier 3 cargo facility.

The port says the funds will enable and support and support the safe, efficient, and reliable freight movement and maritime commerce at Washington’s third largest container port.  

The grant will strengthen and modernize the port’s Pier 3. Credit: Port of Everett

PIDP grants are awarded nationally on a competitive basis to projects that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods into, out of, or within a port to ensure infrastructure can meet the nation’s freight transportation needs and anticipated growth in freight volumes.  

The port said it is grateful for this “critical maritime infrastructure investment” that will ensure it will continue to safely support 40,000+ local jobs, regional economic development, and the Washington state economy.,” In a press release, CEO/Executive Director Lisa Lefeber said. “We are also grateful for the ongoing support of our congressional delegation in helping advocate for funding for our project.” 

The Pier 3 Strengthening Safety and Commerce project will diversify the types of cargo that can be handled at the site, permitting the operation of cargo-handling equipment on the pier, maintaining the safety of this valuable part of supply chain infrastructure for maritime users and port operations. This funding will support the full scope of the project, including planning and engineering, environmental review, permitting, and construction. The project includes installing new vertical piles beneath the pier and restoring other damaged piles, adding new life to the structure.

The Port of Everett’s project to strengthen Pier 3 at its international seaport will add new piles to areas of existing damage to improve its operational capacity.  Credit: Port of Everett.

Constructed in 1973, Pier 3 has helped facilitate global and regional trade for decades. Cargo operations at the pier have included bulk alumina ore and cement, general cargo, and forest products. Today it is primarily used for bulk cement operations due to its proximity to a 55,000-ton dry bulk cement storage dome at Hewitt Terminal at the Seaport; cement stored at the Seaport is a critical supply chain asset for the Washington state construction industry. The port added that the north side of the pier is also used by a tenant for ship repair work for the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, U.S. Coast Guard, Washington State Ferries, commercial fishing fleet, and other vessel maintenance and repair work.

Pier 3 is the longest berth at the Seaport, measuring 730 feet long with a 120-feet-wide concrete deck, but cannot currently be used to its full operational potential. The pier was originally designed to carry a uniform live load of 800 pounds per square foot but was derated in recent years to a uniform live load of 600 pounds per square foot on its south side, 400 pounds per square foot on its north side, and some areas being derated even further. The strengthening project will enhance the pier’s operational capacity. 

“The Port of Everett Seaport is already the region’s premier breakbulk cargo port, and strengthening Pier 3 will improve our capacity to support current operations, diversify the types of cargo we can serve, and help us continue to support global trade and local economic development,” Port of Everett Chief of Seaport Operations Tim Ryker said. 

The Port of Everett Seaport is located 25 miles north of Seattle, and is a natural deep-water, self-operating seaport.  The Port of Everett is the third largest container port in Washington state and is the region’s premiere breakbulk cargo facility, handling high-value, conventional and over-dimensional cargoes in support of the aerospace, construction, manufacturing, military, agriculture, energy, and forest products industries.

Learn more at www.portofeverett.com/seaport.