Port of Tacoma commissioners on September 19 unanimously approved a proclamation for National Hispanic Heritage Month, which calls on the people of Pierce County to recognize the achievements of the Hispanic/Latino community. 

Colin Millan has joined the Port of Tacoma as Director of Security where he will be responsible for the leadership and overall direction of the Port’s security department. Millan’s portfolio includes security operations across all Port assets and facilities, incident management, security project management, as well as Port Patrol and Terminal Security Officers for SSA Terminal Tacoma.

During the September 6 Managing Members meeting of the Northwest Seaport Alliance, commissioners from both the Port of Tacoma and the Port of Seattle authorized funding for work associated with deepening the berths at Husky Terminal and Washington United Terminals on the Blair Waterway. Port of Tacoma commissioners then a voted to authorize funding for work associated with the East Commencement Habitat Opportunity Project, which will be created with material dredged from the waterway deepening project.

As four interns wrap up their summer working at the Port of Tacoma, each found professional growth and newly opened doors. The internship program was the Port’s first in three years because of COVID-19, with more than 25 students applying for each position. 

After a groundbreaking career focused on service to others and community connections, Louis P. Cooper, Jr. has retired from the Port of Tacoma. Cooper leaves the Port at the end of August after 18 years, retiring from his role as Senior Director for Security and Social Responsibility.

Upon completion of a request for proposal (RFP) evaluation process, BNBuilders/TCF Architecture has been selected as the most qualified firm to develop, design and construct the Maritime | 253 Skills Center and Port Maritime Center project. The proposed site for the project is on a piece of Port-owned property along the east side of the Thea Foss Waterway, where the Wheeler-Osgood Company mill once operated.

On a day of ceremony and celebration, the traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa arrived August 30 in Tacoma. Hōkūleʻa is one of two canoes on a 43,000-nautical mile circumnavigation of the Pacific Ocean called the Moananuiākea Voyage to raise awareness about the importance of oceans, nature, and indigenous knowledge.

Port of Tacoma commissioners on August 15 approved a second interlocal agreement with Tacoma Public Schools to advance the Port Maritime Center/Maritime 253 Skills Center through the next key phase of the project that includes planning, design, development, and cost estimating.

Beavers are dam smart! They provide many ecological benefits such as wetland habitat creation, drought prevention and carbon storage. However, sometimes they build dams in areas that make them unpopular neighbors.