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Port of Tacoma

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The Port of Tacoma is an independent seaport located in Tacoma , Washington. The port was created by a vote of Pierce County citizens on November 5, 1918. The "Edmore" was the first ship to call at the port in 1921.

The port started out on 240 acres of land, and now owns more than 2,400 acres (972 hectares) of land that are used for shipping terminal activity, warehousing, distributing, and manufacturing.

Prior to the establishment of the Port of Tacoma, much of Tacoma's shipping activity took place along Ruston Way and along the mouth of the Thea Foss Waterway which opens into Commencement Bay and the larger Puget Sound. The port plays a large international trade role in the Pacific Northwest, and is a municipal corporation that operates under state-enabling legislation.

Each year, the port handles about 18 million tons of cargo, and more than $36 billion of commerce. Major imports include automobiles, electronics, and toys, while major exports include grain, forest products, and agricultural products. Based on tonnage, the port's largest export is grain (corn and soybeans) that come into the port by rail from the Midwest.

The port is the seventh largest container port in North America. Containers hold everything from computers and lawn furniture to apples and frozen meat. Based on container volumes, China is the port's largest trading partner.

More than 70 percent of the containers imported through the port move by rail to markets in the Midwest and East Coast. The port is served by the BNSF Railway and Union Pacific railroads. Shortline rail service is provided by Tacoma Rail, which is owned by the City of Tacoma.


Trivia

  • Port activities account for more than 43,000 jobs in Pierce County, and 113,000 jobs in Washington state.
  • There are more than 70 public ports in the state of Washington.
  • The port is known as the "Gateway to Alaska", handling more than 70 percent of all waterborne commerce moving from the Lower 48 to Alaska by water.
  • The port is home to one of the largest superfund sites in the State of Washington.
  • Over tha last 20 years, the port has invested more than $160 million in projects designed to improve the envirnoment in and around Commecement Bay.
  • The Port of Tacoma was the site of a protest against the War in Iraq in March of 2007.

See Also


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