Port Identifies 2025 Legislative Priorities
January 27, 2025 | News
Each year, the Port of Anacortes (Port) identifies legislative priorities to help focus advocacy efforts on projects that responsibly utilize public funds and bring significant benefits to Anacortes and the surrounding region. During this year’s Legislative Session, the Port is focusing on six main priorities aimed at supporting the economic and environmental health of our community:
Pier 61 Replacement Budget Request
The Port is requesting support from the Legislature to fund a design, permitting, and mitigation package for the Pier 61 replacement. The partially dilapidated pier serves local islands with one barge service, bringing items the state ferries can’t carry (propane, oxygen, construction supplies, etc.). To better support the needs of the community, the Port seeks to replace the pier with a facility that can support four barges. The Port requests $1.2M for this work.
Support Electrification Efforts at Ports
The Port continues to look for opportunities to advance efforts to electrify operations. In 2024, WSDOT launched grant funding for port electrification, funded with $26.5M in the 2024 legislative session. The Port will continue to advocate for this grant program and support additional funding to increase access and deployment of important decarbonization projects.
Model Toxics Control Act Support
The Port supports continued funding for Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) cleanup projects and the reduction of barriers to apply for MTCA funding. In the 2023-2025 budget, Legislature took $50M from the tax fund and deposited into the general fund. The Port will advocate for full funding of port capital projects from MTCA and continue to work with other stakeholders to support funding for cleanup projects.
Energy Supply & Grid Resiliency
There is uncertainty around sufficient available power and the grid’s ability to meet the Port’s economic development goals. The Port will continue to work with the Washington Public Ports Association to identify potential actions to be considered, including potential legislative proposals.
Commercial Pumpout Funding
It is illegal for commercial vessels to discharge into the Puget Sound. Projects are currently under construction in Anacortes, Everett, and Tacoma in a multi-year effort to site facilities throughout the Puget Sound. The Port supports continued funding to expand additional facilities.
Match Act 2.0
The Port supported passage of the Match Act by Legislature during the 2024 session, which aims to ensure the state is helping local governments and special purpose districts better compete for federal funding. The Port supports the proposed Match Act 2.0 which seeks to provide state funding to increase the competitiveness of existing local government grant applications.
Click here to view and download the Port’s legislative priorities handout: Port Legislative Priorities 2025