EVERETT, WA – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced the Port of Everett will receive $17.75 million in federal funding to increase freight capacity on Everett’s waterfront. The funds come from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) program.

“This is great news for businesses and workers who depend on the Port of Everett to connect local goods and services with global markets,” said Rep. Larsen, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “I will continue to champion federal investment in Northwest Washington to build and sustain local projects, put people to work and boost long-term economic recovery.”

“This funding couldn’t come more quickly to help make sure vital transportation and economic priorities for our state—like building a new cargo terminal at the Port of Everett—don’t get sidelined as our communities work overtime and expend every resource to keep people safe during this pandemic,” said Senator Murray, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I will continue pushing in the Appropriations process to make sure programs like the BUILD program keep working like they should, and fighting to push critical federal assistance to important infrastructure projects in every corner of Washington state.”

“This $17.75 million federal investment is a huge win for the Port of Everett and Snohomish County” said Senator Cantwell. “The project will provide new investment in the local economy and increase the port’s onsite capacity by 33 acres, allowing more product to move more efficiently throughout the region and helping the port’s efforts to become a strategic seaport.”

The BUILD grant will enable the Port to develop a new cargo terminal and make other infrastructure improvements. The area is currently a “brownfield site,” which is a property that may contain hazardous substances or pollutants. Federal funds will help the Port finalize the cleanup and create jobs on the site. The Port will also use the grant to connect utilities, improve stormwater infrastructure and increase capacity to support maritime commerce and freight mobility.

“I am beyond thrilled with the news of this BUILD grant,” Port of Everett CEO Lisa Lefeber said. “The grant is a game-changer for our region, and the Port of Everett stands ready to deliver on the scope of this critical maritime project to enhance the movement of freight and restore jobs to the site. On behalf of the Port, I want to thank Senator Murray, Senator Cantwell and Congressman Larsen for their dedication and persistence on this project. I also want to thank the office of the Secretary of Transportation and the Maritime Administration staff for believing in our project. Now it’s time to create more jobs on this waterfront!”

The BUILD program, previously known as the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program, invests in important road, rail, transit and port projects, including improvement of Washington state’s ferry terminal in Mukilteo and the Port of Everett’s terminal modernization projects. In May, Larsen urged U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao to consider the Port of Everett’s BUILD grant application, citing the project’s importance to the local and regional economy. Larsen has also consistently called for increasing federal funding for BUILD grants.

###