Les Reardanz has been the Executive Director of the Port of Everett's since 2014. Previously, Les served as the Port's Deputy Director since 2011. Les is a Navy reservist currently serving with the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Les Reardanz spoke to our Club on Friday, December 1st about the History of the Port of Everett, Capital Construction and Job Growth. His discussion centered around the theme of Who we are; What we do; How we do it and Why we do it. Otherwise a STRATEGIC SNAPSHOT!
The Port District and boundaries were formed in 1918 serving nearly 100,000 people but it wasn't a countywide port. Special Purpose District economic development governed by three elected Port commissioners. The Port's customs district ranks first in the state at $29 billion in exports (including airplanes) and it is the 3rd largest container port in the state. Operates three lines of business and homeport to Naval Station Everett.
Port Operation: Job and Taxes support more than 35,000 jobs and $373 million in taxes. The 2016 U.S. West Coast Export value shows the port at #5 with $29.3 billion. Port rankings starting at the top show Los Angeles ranked #1 followed by, Long Beach,Tacoma, Oakland, Everett and Seattle.
Seaport modernization is underway and accomplishes the creation of a minimum of 1,100 foot berth and dredges South Terminal ensuring that the facilities meet 21st Century infrastructure needs as well as the region's disaster recovery needs. The goal is to meet the diverse needs of the aerospace industry and supports Naval Station Everett and its National Security efforts. Among the projects are the South Terminal Modernization Phase II and the clean up of the former Weyerhaeuser Mill-A site which existed from the 1930s to 1979.
The Port is working to acquire 66 acre Kimberly-Clark property which has significant environmental uncertainties slowing progress but the Port Commission has authorized the purchase of 2.2 acres of parking. The 2017 Work Plan include solidifying funding for the South Terminal Modernization Project; complete construction on Phase II rail, permit South Terminal Wharf Upgrade Phase II, continue negotiations for the Kimberly-Clark property, prepare investigation and feasibility study for larger Mill A project and the creation of a new waterfront community balancing a working waterfront with recreational waterfront. American Classic Homes has been selected as well as the Hotel Indigo as part of the Port waterfront community. There is so much more in "what" the Port views as critical to their development including the Grand Avenue Park Bridge Construction and the Riverside Business Park. Great report on the activities of the Port of Everett.