Action Taken at February 3, 2026 Meeting
Shall the commission:
15. Authorize the interim executive director to sign an agreement not to exceed $35,000 with Western Washington University for economic development services? The development services will be provided by the Center for Economic and Business Research, located within WWU’s College of Business and Economics. The port and the center will focus on econometrics, workforce, data and metrics to support the update of Whatcom County Economic Development Strategy 2027-2031 as well as general economic development efforts. The center will provide direct access to a supervised student research team to conduct the secondary research needed. (15275/Consent Agenda B) Approved 3-0
16. Authorize the executive director to apply for a state grant for reimbursement of funds associated with the removal and disposal of a sailboat? A 29-foot sailboat washed up at Little Squalicum beach. Due to the risk posed to public health and safety and the vessel owner’s inability to remove the vessel, the port assumed custody of the vessel. It was removed from the beach by Top to Bottom Inc. and towed to the port’s maintenance facility where it was disposed of by maintenance staff. The total removal and disposal costs are estimated to be $16,358. (15277/Consent Agenda C) Approved 3-0
17. Reallocate $40,000 from TSA explosive detection equipment to design of the runway rehabilitation project? Approximately 90 percent of the design is completed for the runway rehabilitation project is completed. Several unforeseen elements have been identified that must be incorporated into the final design package to ensure regulatory compliance and risk reduction during construction. The new budget for runway rehabilitation is $1,323,014. (15279/Consent Agenda G) Approved 3-0
18. Amend the contract with EA Engineering, Science and Technology of Hunt Valley, Maryland, for the port’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory? At the 9/19/2023 meeting, vote #82, the commission adopted the port’s Climate Action Strategy. The strategy serves a framework for continuing work, including implementation of projects identified to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience. EA Engineering, Science and Technology is conducting an inventory of the port’s 2024 greenhouse gas emissions. This amendment brings the total amount to $27,935. (15291/Consent Agenda G) Approved 3-0
19. Amend the contract with Maul Foster & Alongi Inc. for support on the port’s annual Sustainability Report? At the 9/19/2023 meeting, vote #82, the commission adopted the port’s Climate Action Strategy. The strategy identified numerous goals and targets and initiatives. Sustainability Reports are one way to inform the community of our progress against these goals and targets. An annual sustainability report is also a requirement of the port’s Green Marine Certification Community Relations performance indicator for Level 3. In 2025, port staff entered into a Personal Services Agreement with MFA to summarize and present the sustainability work the port completed in 2024 related to environmental cleanups, day-to-day operations, and overall progress with its Climate Action Strategy. The proposed fee for MFA to complete the report and interactive online StoryMap for 2026 is an additional $21,500 bringing the total budget to $41,465. (15292/Consent Agenda F) Approved 3-0
20. Authorize the interim executive director to accept a $100,000 state grant for planning activities at the Bellingham airport? The port applied for a $100,000 Washington State Department of Commerce Community Economic Revitalization Board grant. The board provides financing for projects designed to attract and retain private businesses, create permanent private-sector jobs, and promote economic development. The grant will finance the Airport Industrial Park Study and the port will approve $55,000 in matching funds. (15295/Consent Agenda C) Approved 3-0
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Action Taken at February 17, 2026 Meeting
Shall the commissioners:
21. Approve the fifth modification of a lease with NW Explorations? The luxury yacht company has approximately 30 employees, and it offers private charters, guided flotillas, maintenance/repairs and a brokerage department. At the 9/20/2022 meeting, vote #112, NW Explorations signed a lease for 6,000 square feet of space in the Marina Square Building and 1,348 square feet of space in the Squalicum Esplanade Building. At the 11/1/2022 meeting, vote #126, the premises was reduced by 1,000 square feet in the Marina Square Building, and in December 2024, by 1,000 square feet in the Marina Square Building. At the 1/10/2023 meeting, vote #7, the lease was modified for past due rent, moorage rent, current rent, additional rent, finance charges and state leaseholder tax. NW Explorations had until 9/30/2023 to pay $233,949 in past due amounts. At the 1/20/2026 meeting, vote #14, the lease received a fourth modification. At that time, the past due rent was $121,286. NW Explorations has proposed an 18-month payback of $6,738 per month in addition to the current rent. This modification reduces their footprint in the Marina Square building to 2,000 square feet and the rent by $2,275 per month. (15313/Consent Agenda D) Approved 3-0
22. Renew a lease with 6207250 Incorporated d/b/a/ Steamworks Brewing Company of Burnaby, B.C., for office and hanger space at the Bellingham airport? In February 2021, the port approved a five-year lease with 6207250 Incorporated, for approximately 2,492 square feet of office and hangar space located at the south end of hangar HD, including the adjoining hangars HD1 and HD16 and three parking spaces located at 4131 Mitchell Way, Bellingham. This renewal is for one-year and four one year renewals. If all renewals are exercised, the port will receive $107,110 over the five-year term. (15314/Consent Agenda E) Approved 3-0
23. Renew a lease for one-year with Ecological Land Services for space at the Harbor Mall? On March 8, 2024, the port entered into a lease with Ecological Land Services Inc. for office space located in Suite 26 at the Harbor Mall. The premises include 600 square feet of office space for environmental services that include wetlands, streams, wildlife and habitats, mitigation bank, development, and permitting. The monthly rent will be $630.36 per month plus tax. (15315/Consent Agenda F) Approved 3-0
24. Approve a 30-day runway closure at the Bellingham airport? The closure in the summer of 2027 is associated with the Runway Rehabilitation Program. There will be LED light upgrades to taxiway A, B and G and marking replacement will be on taxiway B and G. Beside repair of a 24-foot section of a cracked runway, blast pads will be installed at the north and south ends of the runway and there will be reconstruction of three taxiways. The paving project is estimated to cost $13 million and the total project between $25 and $30 million. The runway closure is expected to result in a $385,000 revenue loss for the port. The financial impact to airlines, tenants and concessionaires is being investigated. (15317/Action Item #1) Approved 3-0
25. Adopt an updated moorage model? This vote rescinds Resolution 1403, passed at the 5/17/2022, vote #70. The marina model for moorage rates at Squalicum and Blaine harbors is updated. Also updated are recreational moorage, active commercial fishing, moorage, upland storage and live aboard rates rates are projected to cover operational and capital costs at both harbors. The next review is scheduled for 2030. 15325/Action Item 2 (Resolution 1428) Approved 2-1, Bobby Briscoe opposed.
26. Authorize the executive to sign a $3 million EDI loan/grant agreement with Whatcom County to provide for infrastructure improvements at the Fairhaven Marine Industrial Park? The Economic Development Investment Program (EDI) funding will be a $1 million grant/$2 million loan. The marine industrial park is a 15-acre working waterfront located at 801 Harris Avenue in Fairhaven. The improvements will include the replacement of aging stormwater and wastewater systems, the construction of a 500-foot sea berm, elevating site grades to reduce tidal flood risk, and the placement below ground of electrical and telecommunications equipment. Construction will be completed by 12/31/2027. The loan is for a 20-year term with 1 percent interest rate. (15327/Consent Agenda C) Approved 3-0
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Action Taken at March 3, 2026 Meeting
Shall the commission:
27. Amend the 2026 strategic budget to reallocate $1,100,000 from the Harris Avenue cleanup project to the Shipping Terminal dredging project? In 2024, five bids were received for the phase 3 dredging project. American Construction of Tacoma was the low bidder at $22.4 million. Phase 3 is for dredging, repairs at the south terminal and replacement of the heavy lift area. The budget for dredging increases from $9,500,000 to $10,600,000. (15434/Action Item #1) Approved 3-0
28. Authorize the interim executive director to sign a $2,300,000 settlement agreement with Marine Services Northwest for a remediation site within the inner boat basin? The site is located on aquatic lands owned by the Port of Bellingham, at slips 18 and 20 within the inner boat basin of Squalicum Harbor. Between from 1981 and 1996, Marine Services Northwest operated two quickie lifts used for lifting small vessels out of the water for repair, maintenance, and cleaning, including bottom scraping and repainting. Environmental investigations have identified hazardous substances at concentrations that require action under Model Toxics Control Act. In 2015, the port filed a lawsuit in the Whatcom County Superior Court against the known and potentially liable persons in order to recover costs associated with the planned environmental cleanup of the site. Following mediation on 11/19/2025, the port and counsel for all defendants have negotiated a settlement agreement to resolve the outstanding dispute. (15344/Action Item #2) Approved 3-0
29. Approve a lease and development agreement (amendment #1) with Aircraft Hangers Northwest? At the 6/17/2025 meeting, vote #72, the commission approve two leases with Aircraft Hangars Northwest for a proposed development at Bellingham airport. Aircraft Hangars Northwest proposed to construct two aircraft hangers and to be completed by December 2026. Both hangers have received construction approval from the FAA. The second hanger obstructed the line-of-sight from the air traffic control tower delaying FAA approval. The delay prohibited the port from reviewing the hanger’s plans. This amendment extends the document deadline, allows the second hanger to be enlarged to the original design if the control tower relocates and allow the hanger to be build over a stormwater pipe. (15346/Consent Agenda B) Approved 3-0
30. Approve a license agreement with Washington State University for a weather station near 6211 Northwest Drive? At the 4/15/2025 meeting, vote #42, the commission authorized the purchase of 58.81 acres of agriculture land located at 6211 Northwest Drive. The port leases the property to the nonprofit Whatcom Food and Farming Station. It represents berry farms, dairy farms, vegetable farms, market-oriented farms and agricultural businesses. Washington State University will build and maintain the station. It will measure air temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, solar radiation, precipitation, soil temperature, particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone. In lieu of rent, data gathered by the station will be shared with the port. (15348/Consent Agenda D) Approved 3-0
31. Authorize the interim executive director to sign the amended subrecipient agreement and associated documents with the National Lab of the Rockies? At the 1/7/2025 meeting, vote #3, the commission authorized the executive director to accept a $1,525,892 federal grant for the energy transition plan. The grant was from the Environmental Protection Agency; it will assist the port in prioritizing areas for transition to electricity at the shipping terminal, Squalicum Harbor and cruise terminal. The port is partnering with the National Renewal Energy Lab and Pacific Northwest National Labs on the work. The National Lab of the Rockies (formerly the “National Renewable Energy Lab” or “NREL”) is a governmentowned, contractor-operated laboratory included as a subrecipient in the EPA grant. The NREL will be supporting the port’s energy transition plan with an energy inventory, energy growth projection and a modernization strategy. (15350/Consent Agenda F) Approved 3-0
32. Revise the Bellingham airport tariff and fee schedule? The commission periodically reviews its tariff and fee schedule to ensure rates and charges remain aligned with regional market conditions, provide appropriate cost recovery, maintain competitiveness, and comply with regulatory requirements. The proposed tariff rates will increase the airport’s annual revenue by an estimated amount of $50,000. The revisions become effective on 5/1/2026. (15351/Consent Agenda G) Approved 3-0
33. Small Works Roster. Contracts under $350,000 fall within the interim executive director’s spending authority; they only require commission notification. The interim executive director awarded a $38,478 contract to Goldrock Invt of Everett to replace a rotten floor and decking at Nick’s Bella Marina on Squalicum Harbor. (15361/Consent Agenda E) Approved 3-0
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Action Taken at March 17, 2026 Meeting
Shall the commission:
34. Authorize the executive director to approve updated rental rates for meetings and events? The past year has seen a large increase in the number of bookings for port facilities; these changes will allow meetings and events to remain in the mid-market range of facility rentals in order to balance covering costs and remaining accessible to most Whatcom County residents. The rate increases include the Fisherman’s Pavilion, Bellingham Cruise Terminal Doom Room, and the Squalicum Boathouse, Blaine Boating Center, Marine Park, and Zuanich Point Park. The pop up rental rate for the Downton waterfront was removed. These updated rate changes make booking periods clearer and more uniform for customers. (15382/Consent Agenda D) Approved 3-0
35. Approve fees for bike lockers on port property? At the 6/3/2025 meeting, vote #62, the commission authorized the executive director to accept a $9,248 grant from the Whatcom Transportation Authority to fund bike lockers at the Bellingham airport and the Fairhaven Station at a proposed cost of $10,271. At the 11/4/2025 meeting, vote #108, the commission authorized the transfer of $4,200 to cover cost overruns in design of the bike lockers. The bike lockers fees will be $0.05 per hour for storage up to 10 days and $0.12 per hour for storage from 11 to 14 days. After 14 days, the locker contents will be considered abandoned and impounded by the port. These fees mirror the City of Bellingham-owned bike lockers for consistency. (15383/Consent Agenda C) Approved 3-0
36. Authorize the interim executive director to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Washington Public Ports Association (11 members) to serve on the coalition steering committee of the Manufacturing Industrial Base Coalition? The purpose of the steering committee is to keep marine trade manufacturing jobs in Washington state. In July 2025, the State of Washington awarded a $714.5 million contract to an out-of-state shipbuilder to build three new hybrid-electric state ferries. This decision marks the first time in more than 50 years new state ferries will be built outside of Washington, prompting concerns about the strength and future competitiveness of the state’s shipbuilding industry. The coalition of ports will address concerns about Washington’s maritime manufacturing industry and the ability of ports and our tenants to compete for large contracts in shipbuilding, repair and maintenance. The Port of Seattle will fund the first phase of work which includes hiring a consultant to convene stakeholders and develop a work plan informed by interviews with port and industry representatives. (15386/Action Item #1) Approved 3-0
37. Renew and modify a one-year lease with Tommycraft Inc., doing business as Hard Drive Marine? In September 2023, the port entered into lease with Tommycraft Inc., doing business as Hard Drive Marine for 9,500 square feet for building 1A in the Marine Drive Industrial Park for aluminum fabrication of road building. When the lease was renewed, building 1B was added for an additional 3,500 square feet. This renewal deletes the 3,500 square feet in building 1B. The rent for one year will be $95,000. (15401/Consent Agenda E) Approved 3-0
38. Terminate a lease agreement with Fence Brothers LLC, for building 5 in the Marine Drive Industrial Park and enter into a new lease for building 1B? In July 2025, the port entered into a lease with Fence Brothers LLC for approximately 3,300 square feet in building 5 at the Marine Drive Industrial Park . The new lease will terminate the lease for building 5 and add building 1B at the Marine Drive Industrial Park. Building 5 will allow the Fence Brothers to assemble and fabricate docks, decks, and fences, including welding it provides a larger footprint. The rent for one year is $14,000. (15401/Consent Agenda E) Approved 3-0
39. Modify a lease with Gaston Bay? At the 3/7/2006 meeting, vote #37, the commission terminated a lease with Sonny Foods and entered into a 35-year harbor land lease with Gaston Bay. Gaston Bay purchased the existing building from Sonny Foods LLC and renovated it into a Gold LEED certified office. The lease requires rents to be renegotiated every five years. This modification will increase the rent 2 percent for the first two-years and 3 percent for the remaining five-year period. The rent for the five-year period will be $125,349. (15402/Consent Agenda F) Approved 3-0
40. Authorize the interim executive director to apply for a state grant to reimburse the port for all costs associated with the removal and disposal of an abandoned sailboat? On 3/12/2026, a 30-foot sailboat washed up at Squalicum Harbor’s outer basin break wall. The owner could not be contacted, and an emergency was declared to facilitate the removal of the sailboat before more damage was done to the vessel and environment; the port started the custody requisition process. The vessel was removed from the break wall by Top to Bottom Inc. and towed to the port’s maintenance facility and is being stored until the owner appeals the custody process or the custody requisition deadline on 4/27/2026. Disposal of the sailboat will be conducted by port maintenance staff. The total estimated cost for removal and disposal of the vessel is $20,000. (15423/Action Item #3) Approved 3-0
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