A straddle carrier at the Port of Tacoma

A straddle carrier handing containers at the Port of Tacoma's North Intermodal yard and Husky Terminal. Photo by Port of Tacoma.

A comprehensive look at Washington’s ports as an engine for economic development is the subject of a legislative study committee when it meets in Tacoma on July 9.

The Legislative Committee on Economic Development and International Relations, chaired by Lt. Governor Brad Owen, will hear about operations, challenges and opportunities encountered by the state’s 75 port districts when it meets at 9 a.m. Friday at the Port of Tacoma’s Fabulich Center at 3600 Port of Tacoma Road.

“There are key gateways opening up for cargo that we have to be aware of,” said Johnson, who is one of nine presenters to the committee. “Canadians are making investments to the north. Panama is widening the canal to the south.”

Port executives will represent the Port of Tacoma, the Port of Seattle, the Port of Longview, and the Port of Pasco.

From a Lt. Gov. Brad Owen News Release