T
he Port of Bellingham, Washington's second-largest port by acreage, is set to increase cargo traffic with a new rail line connecting the Bellingham Shipping Terminal to the BNSF line within three years. This expansion will strengthen regional supply chains, reduce environmental impacts from trucking, and boost cargo volumes.

    However, the modernization of the shipping terminal has raised concerns among nearby residents in Fairhaven and South Hill. Port Commissioner Ken Bell acknowledged that the port's communication efforts have been lacking, leading to community frustration over issues like noise and dust pollution from industrial activities.

    The port owns a significant portfolio of properties across Whatcom County, including the Marine Drive Industrial Complex and the Millworks affordable housing project. While some developments, such as the Birchwood Neighborhood Association-approved industrial complex at 742 Marine Drive, have brought in high-paying jobs and limited environmental impacts, others have sparked controversy over zoning and environmental regulations.

    The port's economic development mission takes precedence over affordable housing concerns. Commissioner Bell emphasized that providing jobs is a more effective way to address housing needs than subsidizing housing directly. The port's properties encompass 1.7 million square feet of office, commercial, and industrial space, with about 250 tenants and 300 leases or rental agreements.

    The port's waterfront holdings include Squalicum Harbor, the Marine Drive Industrial Park, and the Bellwether on the Bay development, which features a luxury hotel, restaurants, and office space. The Bellingham Cruise Terminal and the Bellingham Shipping Terminal are also key assets, generating nearly $1.4 million in rental revenue in 2024.

    In addition to its waterfront properties, the port owns the Bellingham International Airport, which it purchased for $1 in 1957. Future plans include a new building at the Fairhaven Marine Industrial Park and stormwater improvements, funded by federal grants.

    The Port of Bellingham's Regional Economic Partnership team works to attract businesses and create jobs throughout Whatcom County, not just within port-owned facilities. This effort is crucial in an area with a rising cost of living, where public agencies like the port play a vital role in facilitating economic development.