As port commissioner, I take seriously the delicate balance between economic opportunity and our environmental and social responsibilities. The Port of Bellingham powers our community’s prosperity with a mission to promote economic growth while improving residents’ well-being.
Recent experiences underscore the need to continually assess our operations, learn from challenges and make course corrections when needed. By doing so, we fulfill the port’s mission and advance a community vision for healthy economic, environmental and social outcomes.
One of the port’s most significant assets is the Bellingham Shipping Terminal (BST). This facility has the potential to create family-wage jobs, lower taxpayer costs and be an economic engine for Whatcom County. During my time as a commissioner, we have invested in the revitalization of this facility through repair, dredging, acquiring new equipment and marketing.
Some of our tenants have worked out better than others, and our team has learned from the recent experience with ABC Recycling. Community members want a working waterfront and one that is a good neighbor. Our team at the port strives to do both and adjust as necessary.
In our role as stewards of our lands and bay, we’ve made tough decisions. For example, we recognized that ABC had ongoing stormwater violations and other community impacts associated with their operations. While the project initially aligned with the port’s goals, it became clear ABC could not meet its commitments, and costs outweighed benefits. We took community input and terminated the lease without cost to the port or taxpayers. While this tenant did not work out as expected, we continue to invest in BST and market its potential.
For example, we’re installing a new stormwater management system at BST to mitigate runoff and protect Bellingham Bay. As we prepare for future cargo, it is my priority that future cargo be cleaner and quieter than what we saw with ABC. Work is also underway to modernize BST by dredging ship berths, replacing degraded pier sections and building a heavy-lift zone.
This work is funded through a $7.6 million federal grant. In 2024, we received a $17.9 million federal grant that will reconnect rail to the terminal, creating opportunities for new cargo and reduced truck traffic. Additionally, we received a $1.9 million federal grant to develop a solar and battery storage microgrid providing vessels with clean, renewable shore power. This grant-funded work occurs in addition to ongoing clean-up of historical industrial and municipal waste pollution.
The ABC experience reshaped how we evaluate tenants, prioritizing those whose values align with the port’s mission of sustaining a working waterfront while meeting community goals. At the Dec. 17, 2024, commission meeting, staff presented a thorough investigation of a new potential cargo commodity at BST. Granite Construction is interested in supplying clean, washed gravel for road paving and site preparation projects.
This is a cleaner and quieter cargo. The product is consumer-grade, and they plan direct sales to the public and supply for local municipal projects. Staff and I have visited multiple granite gravel sites to see and hear the cargo operations. No cargo is without impacts, but I believe this cargo is compatible while also creating quality jobs and revenue. I commend the staff’s thorough evaluation and feel confident we have a good model for review in the future.
While learning from challenges is important, we should also celebrate successes such as the ongoing transformation of our waterfront. Many people have shared with me their enthusiasm for the access and activities now available on the former pulpmill site, as they gather at the Portal Container Village and enjoy the pump track and festivals. Our recently inaccessible waterfront is becoming a hub of activity! Tangible results demonstrate the lasting impact we can achieve when we work together.
Citizens are right to expect a lot from their local governments and let us know when we can do better. By investing in facilities like BST, we rebuild essential infrastructure, create sustainable revenue streams and support public services. A stronger port means a stronger economy and greater capacity to fund vital social services.
At a recent community listening session, a participant said: “We want the port to be as successful as possible because the whole community is going to benefit. I’m not sure there’s an organization that can have a countywide effect like the port can. And if it’s successful, it’s going to help everybody.” I agree!
We know open communication between citizens, partners and port staff leads to the best outcomes. When we engage directly, misunderstandings and assumptions of ill intent are often resolved. This principle guides us to increase transparency and community engagement. By listening, sharing updates and taking action, we strengthen trust.
The Port of Bellingham is more than an agency — it is a driving force behind Whatcom County’s economic vitality, environmental stewardship and community vision. The Bellingham Shipping Terminal is one part of our economic infrastructure. By addressing challenges and modernizing BST, we can expand waterfront access, create family-wage jobs and care for our natural resources. The port will continue to serve all county residents, now and for generations to come.
Port of Bellingham Commissioner Michael Shepard represents District 1, South Whatcom County, in a four-year term through Dec. 31, 2025.
Commissioner: Lessons from ABC Recycling inform gravel-shipping proposal
Future cargo that is 'cleaner and quieter' is a priority for Bellingham waterfront
As port commissioner, I take seriously the delicate balance between economic opportunity and our environmental and social responsibilities. The Port of Bellingham powers our community’s prosperity with a mission to promote economic growth while improving residents’ well-being.
Recent experiences underscore the need to continually assess our operations, learn from challenges and make course corrections when needed. By doing so, we fulfill the port’s mission and advance a community vision for healthy economic, environmental and social outcomes.
One of the port’s most significant assets is the Bellingham Shipping Terminal (BST). This facility has the potential to create family-wage jobs, lower taxpayer costs and be an economic engine for Whatcom County. During my time as a commissioner, we have invested in the revitalization of this facility through repair, dredging, acquiring new equipment and marketing.
Some of our tenants have worked out better than others, and our team has learned from the recent experience with ABC Recycling. Community members want a working waterfront and one that is a good neighbor. Our team at the port strives to do both and adjust as necessary.
In our role as stewards of our lands and bay, we’ve made tough decisions. For example, we recognized that ABC had ongoing stormwater violations and other community impacts associated with their operations. While the project initially aligned with the port’s goals, it became clear ABC could not meet its commitments, and costs outweighed benefits. We took community input and terminated the lease without cost to the port or taxpayers. While this tenant did not work out as expected, we continue to invest in BST and market its potential.
For example, we’re installing a new stormwater management system at BST to mitigate runoff and protect Bellingham Bay. As we prepare for future cargo, it is my priority that future cargo be cleaner and quieter than what we saw with ABC. Work is also underway to modernize BST by dredging ship berths, replacing degraded pier sections and building a heavy-lift zone.
This work is funded through a $7.6 million federal grant. In 2024, we received a $17.9 million federal grant that will reconnect rail to the terminal, creating opportunities for new cargo and reduced truck traffic. Additionally, we received a $1.9 million federal grant to develop a solar and battery storage microgrid providing vessels with clean, renewable shore power. This grant-funded work occurs in addition to ongoing clean-up of historical industrial and municipal waste pollution.
The ABC experience reshaped how we evaluate tenants, prioritizing those whose values align with the port’s mission of sustaining a working waterfront while meeting community goals. At the Dec. 17, 2024, commission meeting, staff presented a thorough investigation of a new potential cargo commodity at BST. Granite Construction is interested in supplying clean, washed gravel for road paving and site preparation projects.
This is a cleaner and quieter cargo. The product is consumer-grade, and they plan direct sales to the public and supply for local municipal projects. Staff and I have visited multiple granite gravel sites to see and hear the cargo operations. No cargo is without impacts, but I believe this cargo is compatible while also creating quality jobs and revenue. I commend the staff’s thorough evaluation and feel confident we have a good model for review in the future.
While learning from challenges is important, we should also celebrate successes such as the ongoing transformation of our waterfront. Many people have shared with me their enthusiasm for the access and activities now available on the former pulpmill site, as they gather at the Portal Container Village and enjoy the pump track and festivals. Our recently inaccessible waterfront is becoming a hub of activity! Tangible results demonstrate the lasting impact we can achieve when we work together.
Citizens are right to expect a lot from their local governments and let us know when we can do better. By investing in facilities like BST, we rebuild essential infrastructure, create sustainable revenue streams and support public services. A stronger port means a stronger economy and greater capacity to fund vital social services.
At a recent community listening session, a participant said: “We want the port to be as successful as possible because the whole community is going to benefit. I’m not sure there’s an organization that can have a countywide effect like the port can. And if it’s successful, it’s going to help everybody.” I agree!
We know open communication between citizens, partners and port staff leads to the best outcomes. When we engage directly, misunderstandings and assumptions of ill intent are often resolved. This principle guides us to increase transparency and community engagement. By listening, sharing updates and taking action, we strengthen trust.
The Port of Bellingham is more than an agency — it is a driving force behind Whatcom County’s economic vitality, environmental stewardship and community vision. The Bellingham Shipping Terminal is one part of our economic infrastructure. By addressing challenges and modernizing BST, we can expand waterfront access, create family-wage jobs and care for our natural resources. The port will continue to serve all county residents, now and for generations to come.
Port of Bellingham Commissioner Michael Shepard represents District 1, South Whatcom County, in a four-year term through Dec. 31, 2025.
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