Port of Anacortes Board of Commissioners approves 2026 budget
November 7, 2025 | News
PRESS RELEASE
Nov. 7, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jill Brownfield, Director of Finance and Administration
Jill.Brownfield@portofanacortes.com
360-299-1807
Port of Anacortes Board of Commissioners approves 2026 budget
ANACORTES, WA – The Port of Anacortes Board of Commissioners approved the Port’s 2026 budget following a public hearing on Nov. 6.
“Our 2026 budget builds on the strong financial position we’ve achieved by staying nimble through a dynamic and challenging year in 2025,” said Port Director of Finance and Administration Jill Brownfield. “With a strong cash position and low debt levels, the 2026 budget focuses on preserving and improving infrastructure and advancing projects that support a diverse economy. This strategy ensures we meet our financial obligations year after year and maintain the flexibility to pursue future economic development opportunities.”
The Port anticipates $21.333 million in operating revenues and $18.321 million in operating expenses for 2026. The Port also anticipates investing $13.03 million in Port and grant funding for capital improvements for the airport, marina, marine terminal, industrial properties, and equipment.
2026 Revenue
In 2026, the Port projects a 6% decrease from the 2025 adopted budget. This projection is based on many factors. The Port anticipates reduced activity at the marine terminal due to national impacts from federal tariff and trade policies. This is balanced by stable occupancy in Port properties, consistent demand for services and facilities, and market-rate adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index.
In addition to operating revenues, the Port is projecting non-operating revenues of $3.224 million, of which an estimated $1.853 million are levied funds (which includes new construction). In 2026, the Commission-approved 1% tax levy increase, bringing the levy to 15 cents per $1,000 assessed value. The Port Commission has directed that these funds be used only for property acquisition, industrial development (including environmental costs), debt service for general obligation bonds, and public access improvements. At this levy rate, a property within the Port district with a median value of $899,000 would pay about $140 in annual taxes to the Port.
2026 Expenses
Operating expenses are projected to decrease 9.3% from the 2025 budget. This projection reflects anticipated decreases in longshore and stevedoring labor costs, which is tied to forecasted declines in bulk product export volumes. While the Port anticipates maintaining current staffing levels, consultant engagement, preventative maintenance, and professional development, other discretionary spending has been reduced awaiting economic stabilization.
The Port continues to service debt from its one outstanding general obligation bond, anticipating a $123,000 interest expense in 2026. The Port anticipates a new bond issue of $6 million in 2026 to support capital improvements. Costs to issue the bond are included in the 2026 budget.
Capital improvements
The Port has continually invested in its extensive infrastructure to maintain facilities, improve operations, and support future jobs and economic benefit for Anacortes. In 2026 the Port plans to invest $8.1 million in Port funds and nearly $5 million in grant funds in projects to improve the airport, marina, docks, industrial facilities, and equipment. Capital projects in 2026 include:
• Runway lighting improvements at the airport
• Design and bid for T-Dock reconstruction
• Pre-construction and construction for electrification at T Dock and A Dock
• Installation of fiber-optic between Docks MNO and PQ
• Pre-construction of Pier 61 redesign
• Pre-construction and construction of Pier 2 vessel accessibility points, fenders, dolphins, and pile cap #22 repairs
• Access control gates at Wyman’s Ramp and Pier 2
• Permitting and construction for Curtis Wharf commercial pumpout system, shore to ship power, and public access improvements
• Continued redevelopment of the North and West Basin, including advancing phases 2, 3 and 4
• Replacement of West Basin Building Harbormaster Office HVAC equipment
• Design of Cap Sante event facility
• Design and permitting for O Ave Commercial Development
• Design and priority repair of structural cracking in Port warehouses
• Construction of a new bathroom in Warehouse 10
• Replacing equipment used to maintain Port facilities
Environmental program
The Port of Anacortes has a robust program to identify and address environmental contamination from prior operations on Port properties, and has completed more than $66 million in cleanup efforts since 2008.
In 2026 the Port anticipates investing $3.202 million, including grant funds from the Model Toxics Control Act, in environmental cleanup and post-construction monitoring activities. Activities include monitoring completed cleanup sites and additional remedial investigation and interim action work at the Quiet Cove and former Pier 2 Log Haul Out sites.
The Port is also proud to have been awarded two highly competitive EPA Clean Ports grants, supporting the Port and its six partners in investments in zero-emission technologies and climate and air quality planning. These investments are expected to support job growth, the working waterfront, and strengthen the Port’s role as a sustainable economic engine for Anacortes and the surrounding region.
Learn more about the Port’s 2026 budget at www.portofanacortes.com
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The Port of Anacortes was formed in 1926 to promote economic development for Anacortes and the surrounding area. The Port district is led by a board of five elected Commissioners: Bonnie Bowers, Jon Petrich, Kathy Pittis, Jon Ronngren, and Shawn Ottenbreit. Public meetings are held the first and third Thursdays of the month at 6 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Port Administrative Office, 317 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes, WA. For more information, visit www.portofanacortes.com.