For the first time since voters approved the creation of the Port of Everett 105 years ago, the port is advancing an effort to expand the boundaries of its port district.
Port commissioners have authorized port staff members to submit the proposition to Snohomish County Council for voters to consider the expansion, which is expected to appear on the August 2024 primary ballot.
The measure calls for extending the port district to all of Snohomish County, excluding the city of Edmonds, Port of Edmonds and Town of Woodway limits.
“At this time, only about 15% of the county population has access to port economic development resources,” Port CEO/Executive Director Lisa Lefeber said. “The Port of Everett is one of the largest ports in the state that doesn’t serve the whole county. This measure, if passed, would allow the port to invest in key transportation, economic development and environmental projects outside the current district.”
The port is expected to prepare and file the necessary paperwork with the Snohomish County auditor and the Snohomish County Council to include the measure on the ballot. A simple majority would be needed for approval.
