Port of Anacortes T-Dock, Lummi Nation Fisherman’s Cove dock projects awarded DOT funding
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. RICK LARSEN |||
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is awarding $18,379,375 in Port Infrastructure Improvement Program (PIDP) grant funding to the Port of Anacortes and the Lummi Nation for two projects aimed at improving and modernizing port infrastructure. Larsen, the top Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, supported both applications for PIDP funding.
DOT is awarding the funding through the PIDP, which is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve the movement of goods through U.S. ports and supply chain and enhance port resiliency. Washington state ports were awarded a total of $44,532,625 in PIDP grants.
Port of Anacortes T-Dock Project
DOT is awarding the Port of Anacortes a $7,400,000 PIDP grant to help demolish and replace the 47-year-old commercial T-Dock. The new modern rectangular dock will have double the working surface and new stormwater management, electrical, water and fire suppression systems, and will replace the existing concrete abutment with a concrete abutment and sheet pile wall to meet seismic codes.
“You cannot have a big-league economy with little league infrastructure,” said Larsen. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Port of Anacortes has the funding it needs to replace its aging T Dock with a new, modern dock that can accommodate more seafood landings and other commercial and Tribal maritime business while expanding public access – an investment that means more jobs and long-term economic growth on Fidalgo Island and in Northwest Washington.”
“We are grateful to Representative Rick Larsen for his continued support of Anacortes and the region’s maritime economy,” said Port of Anacortes Executive Director Brett Greenwood. “As a publicly accessible commercial dock, T-Dock is central to Anacortes’ maritime industry and plays a crucial role in supporting local workers, businesses, and the community. This investment from the U.S. Department of Transportation ensures that T-Dock will continue to drive sustained economic growth and prosperity for years to come.”
Lummi Nation’s Fisherman’s Cove Dock Project
DOT is awarding the Lummi Nation a $10,979,375 PIDP grant to demolish and replace a pier at Fisherman’s Cove Marina Dock at Gooseberry Point Waterfront on the Lummi Reservation. The grant will also help purchase an electric lift and four Davit cranes.
“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Lummi Nation has the funding it needs to construct a new dock that can accommodate larger boats and vessels at Fisherman’s Cove and a rail system for fishermen to more easily transport their catches from the waterfront to market – an investment that means more jobs, long-term economic growth and safer, more reliable maritime infrastructure in Lummi Bay and the Salish Sea,” said Larsen.
“The Lummi Nation would like to thank Representative Larsen for his support in securing funding for the Fisherman’s Cove Dock Replacement Project,” said Lummi Nation Chairman Anthony Hillaire. “By backing this project, you are directly supporting our Lummi fishermen and ensuring their access to the Salish Sea. We look forward to collaborating on future projects and continuing to work together.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is Working for Northwest Washington
Since 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has invested more than $386 million in transportation projects located in Washington’s Second Congressional District, which includes parts of Snohomish County and all of Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan counties. For more information on how the BIL is benefiting Northwest Washington, click here.
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“You cannot have a big-league economy with little league infrastructure.”
A big-league economy means bigger and faster destruction to the environment, and bigger and faster ecological overshoot. So does big league infrastructure.
“…a new, modern dock that can accommodate more seafood landings and other commercial and Tribal maritime business while expanding public access – an investment that means more jobs and long-term economic growth on Fidalgo Island and in Northwest Washington.”
Long-term economic growth leads to more development requiring more materials and energy to build and then maintain. That means more destruction to the environment.
I continue to find it amusing beyond measure that the same politicians who claim to care about the environment, climate change, etc. clearly believe they (and by extension, we) can have our cake and eat it too: more economic growth AND a livable planet. But these are not compatible, especially not at 8 billion people and counting (4 United States worth of people added to the global population every year). This should be obvious to anyone with eyes by now. If it’s not, all I can say is: are you blind?
Why do we continue to let politicians get away with this?
I’m not trying to pick on the Port of Anacortes or Larsen — this is true of ALL new development and all politicians that promote economic growth. Larsen’s quip just happened to catch my eye.