Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. START OF TRANSCRIPT [00:00:30] This is Commission Presiden Hasegawa convening [00:00:33] the regular meeting of February 11, 2025. [00:00:36] The time is 10:32am we're meeting in [00:00:39] person at Pier 69, which is Port of [00:00:41] Seattle headquarters, in the chambers as [00:00:43] well as virtually the Microsoft Teams. [00:00:45] Present with me today are Commissioners [00:00:46] Cho, Felleman and Mohamed, who are [00:00:47] currently gathered in executive session [00:00:49] awaiting the opening of the public [00:00:51] meeting. And Commissioner Calkins is [00:00:53] absent and excused. We're going [00:00:56] to recess into executive session to [00:00:58] discuss two items. The first, regarding [00:01:00] collective bargaining, per RCW 42.3 [00:01:05] 0.1404 and litigation potential [00:01:07] litigation legal risk, per RCW 42.3 [00:01:11] 9.1101 I for approximately 30 minutes. [00:01:14] And the second item is going to be [00:01:16] regarding national security and computer [00:01:18] network Safe Security, per RCW42.31AI [00:01:24] and litigation potential litigation [00:01:26] legal risk also for 30 minutes. We'll [00:01:28] reconvene in public session at 12pm [00:01:30] thank you. We are in recess. [00:01:37] This is Commission President Toshko [00:01:39] Hasegawa reconvening the regular meeting [00:01:41] of February 11, 2025. The time [00:01:44] is 12:11pm and we're meeting [00:01:48] in person at the Port of Seattle [00:01:49] headquarters building in the Commission [00:01:51] chambers, as well as virtually on [00:01:53] Microsoft Teams. Clerk Hart, please [00:01:55] call the roll for all commissioners in [00:01:56] attendance. Thank you. Beginning with [00:01:58] Commissioner Chao. Present. Thank you. [00:02:01] Commissioner Felleman. Present. Thank [00:02:03] you. Commissioner Hasegawa. Present. [00:02:06] Thank you. And Commissioner Mohammad. [00:02:07] Present. Thank you. Commissioner Calkins [00:02:10] is absent and excused from the meeting [00:02:11] today. Thank you very much. A few [00:02:14] housekeeping items before we begin. For [00:02:17] everyone in the room, please turn your [00:02:19] cell phones to silent. And for anyone [00:02:22] participating on Microsoft Teams, [00:02:24] please mute your speakers when not [00:02:25] actively speaking or presenting. Please [00:02:28] also keep your cameras off unless you're [00:02:30] a Commissioner or a member of the staff [00:02:32] participating virtually and are actively [00:02:34] addressing the Commission. Members of [00:02:37] the public addressing the Commission [00:02:38] during public comment may turn on their [00:02:40] cameras when their names call dispute [00:02:42] and you will turn them back off again at [00:02:44] the conclusion of remarks. And for [00:02:47] anyone at the dais, please turn off [00:02:49] computer speakers and silencer devices. [00:02:51] Please also remember to address your [00:02:53] request to speak through the Chair and Page 1 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:02:55] wait to speak until you've been [00:02:56] recognized. You'll turn your microphones [00:02:58] on and off as needed. All of the items [00:03:02] noted here will ensure a smoother [00:03:04] meeting. Thank you. All votes [00:03:07] today will be taken by the roll call [00:03:09] method or by general consent, so it's [00:03:11] clear for anyone participating virtually [00:03:13] how our votes are cast. Commissioners [00:03:16] will say aye or nay when your name's [00:03:18] called. And I'd [00:03:21] like to acknowledge that we're meeting [00:03:23] on the ancestral lands and the waters of [00:03:26] the Coast Salish people with whom we [00:03:27] share the commitment to steward these [00:03:29] natural resources for ourselves and for [00:03:32] future generations. [00:03:36] This meeting is being digitally recorded [00:03:38] and may be viewed or heard at any time [00:03:39] on the port's website and may be [00:03:41] rebroadcast by King County Television. [00:03:44] Now please stand and join me for the [00:03:46] pledge of allegiance. [00:03:50] I pledge allegiance to the flag, the [00:03:52] United States of America, and to the [00:03:55] republic for which it stands, one nation [00:03:58] under art indivisible, with liberty and [00:04:01] justice for all. [00:04:04] Thank you. [00:04:12] So our first item of business today is [00:04:15] the approval of the agenda. As a [00:04:17] reminder, if a Commissioner wishes to [00:04:19] make a general comment for or against an [00:04:20] item on the consent agenda, it's not [00:04:22] necessary to pull it for a separate [00:04:24] discussion. Rather, you may offer [00:04:26] general supporting or opposing comments [00:04:29] later in this meeting. Once we get to [00:04:31] that part of the agenda, however, it is [00:04:34] appropriate, if a Commissioner wants to [00:04:35] ask questions of specific staff or [00:04:37] wishes to have a dialogue on a consent [00:04:39] agenda item, to request that the item be [00:04:41] pulled for a separate discussion at this [00:04:43] time. So with that, commissioners, are [00:04:46] there any items to be pulled from the [00:04:48] consent agenda item or motions to [00:04:49] rearrange orders of the day? [00:04:53] Then now, commissioners, the question is [00:04:55] on approval of the agenda, is there a [00:04:57] motion to approve? I'll second. The [00:05:00] motion's been made by Commissioner [00:05:01] Muhammad and seconded by Commissioner [00:05:02] Cho. Are there any objections to the [00:05:05] approval as presented or amended? [00:05:08] Hearing None. The agenda is approved. [00:05:10] Thank you very much. [00:05:16] Moving forward to specials order of the [00:05:19] day, I will pass [00:05:23] it over to Executive Director Metruck to [00:05:26] introduce the item. Let me go ahead and [00:05:27] read that into the record and. [00:05:31] Yep, I forgot that note. So apologies. Page 2 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:05:34] This is item 4A. It's a proclamation [00:05:36] proclaiming February 19, 2025, as a day [00:05:39] of remembrance and recognition of [00:05:41] Executive Order 9066. [00:05:45] Good afternoon, President Hasegawa and [00:05:47] commissioners. This proclamation [00:05:49] recognizes the profound significance of [00:05:51] February 19th as a day of remembrance, [00:05:54] marking a dark chapter in our nation's [00:05:56] history. On this day in 1942, Executive [00:05:59] Order 9066 led to the forced removal and [00:06:03] incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese [00:06:07] Americans, including many from [00:06:08] Washington State, solely based on their [00:06:11] ancestry. This proclamation serves as a [00:06:13] solemn acknowledgment of past injustices [00:06:16] and a reaffirmation of our commitment to [00:06:18] equity, justice, and the protection of [00:06:20] civil liberties for all. By remembering [00:06:22] these injustices, we honor the [00:06:24] resilience of Japanese Americans and [00:06:26] renew our dedication to ensuring that [00:06:28] history's mistakes are never repeated. [00:06:32] Commission Strategic advisor Francis Cho [00:06:34] will present the Proclamation and the [00:06:36] speakers with us here today. Thank you [00:06:38] very much. Executive Executive Director [00:06:40] Good afternoon, Madam President, [00:06:42] Commissioners Executive Director Metruck, [00:06:44] my name is Francis Cho, Commission [00:06:46] Strategic Advisor. This proclamation [00:06:48] designates February 19, 2025, a day of [00:06:52] remembrance and recognition of Executive [00:06:54] Order 9066 and is being introduced by [00:06:58] Commission President Hasegawa today. [00:07:01] Three distinguished community members [00:07:03] will help read the proclamation into the [00:07:04] record. Irene Yamamoto is a Densho Board [00:07:07] member. Denshu, a non profit [00:07:09] organization, seeks to document oral [00:07:12] histories from Japanese Americans who [00:07:14] were incarcerated during World War I I'm [00:07:16] sorry, World War II. This evolved into a [00:07:19] mission to educate, preserve, [00:07:21] collaborate and inspire action for [00:07:23] equity. Next we will have Kyle [00:07:26] Kinoshita, Co President of the Japanese [00:07:28] American Citizens League, Seattle [00:07:30] Chapter. JACL is a national organization [00:07:34] whose mission is to secure and safeguard [00:07:37] the civil and human rights of Asian and [00:07:39] Pacific Islander Americans and all [00:07:42] communities who are affected by [00:07:43] injustice and bigotry. Last we will have [00:07:46] Del Watanabe, Nisei Veterans Committee [00:07:50] Commander the Nisei Veterans Committee, [00:07:53] a veterans organization whose mission in [00:07:56] part is to preserve and honor the [00:07:58] Japanese American legacies and to [00:08:01] provide community programs that meet the [00:08:03] educational, cultural and social needs [00:08:06] of the broader community. Without [00:08:08] further ado, I will yield to Irene Page 3 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:08:10] Yamamoto to begin to begin the reading [00:08:12] of the Proclamation. Thank you. Whereas [00:08:15] history reminds us of the critical [00:08:17] importance of vigilance in upholding [00:08:19] civil rights and justice for all and the [00:08:21] unjust treatment of Japanese Americans [00:08:23] during World War II serves as a solemn [00:08:25] reminder of the consequences of racial [00:08:28] prejudice and injustice. And Whereas on [00:08:31] February 19, 1942, President Franklin [00:08:34] D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order [00:08:36] 9066, signifying one of the most [00:08:39] sorrowful days in American history, [00:08:41] authorizing the forced removal and [00:08:43] incarceration of over 120,000 [00:08:46] individuals of Japanese descent, 2/3 of [00:08:48] whom were US citizens, denying them to [00:08:51] the constitutional rights and Whereas [00:08:54] the State of Washington has a unique and [00:08:56] painful connection to this history. As [00:08:58] thousands of Japanese Americans were [00:09:00] uprooted from their homes, farms, [00:09:02] businesses and vibrant communities in [00:09:04] Seattle, Auburn, Fife, Tacoma and [00:09:06] throughout the state. And Whereas [00:09:11] Bainbridge island became one of the [00:09:14] first communities in the US to [00:09:15] experience forced removal under [00:09:17] Executive Order 9066, the late [00:09:21] Fumiko Hayashida, born on Bainbridge [00:09:24] island in 1911, became one of the first [00:09:27] Japanese Americans to be incarcerated. [00:09:30] An iconic photo of Fumiko, who was 31 [00:09:34] years old, is holding her sleeping 13 [00:09:37] month old daughter Natalie while waiting [00:09:40] to board a ferry from Bainbridge island [00:09:43] on March 30, 1942. [00:09:46] Humeko was among the 227 Japanese [00:09:50] Americans forcibly Removed from their [00:09:53] homes, they were sent to the Manzanar [00:09:56] Relocation center in California before [00:09:59] being transported to Minidoka Internment [00:10:02] Camp in Idaho. Incarceration of [00:10:06] Japanese Americans would last roughly [00:10:08] three years, with most camps closing by [00:10:12] late 1945 and the last, Camp Drule Lake, [00:10:15] closing in March of 1946. [00:10:19] And Whereas the Puyallup assembly [00:10:22] center, euphemistically named Camp [00:10:25] harmony, was among 17 hastily [00:10:29] constructed temporary detention sites [00:10:32] established across the West Coast. [00:10:35] Located in what is now the Washington [00:10:38] State Fairgrounds, these centers were [00:10:41] primarily used as staging areas before [00:10:43] detainees were transported to more [00:10:47] permanent camps. And Whereas [00:10:51] despite tremendous adversity, Japanese [00:10:54] Americans demonstrated incredible [00:10:57] resilience, contributing immeasurably to [00:11:00] the nation both during the war effort [00:11:02] and in the decades that followed, [00:11:05] embodying the ideals of hope, Page 4 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:11:08] perseverance and patriotism. And Whereas [00:11:13] one such striking example of patriotism [00:11:16] in the face of adversity was the service [00:11:19] of the Japanese American Misei second [00:11:22] generation veterans. Japanese Americans [00:11:26] served throughout the theater of war and [00:11:29] comprised the famed 442nd Regimental [00:11:32] Combat Team, the 100th Infantry [00:11:34] Battalion, which was the most decorated [00:11:38] fighting unit in the United States [00:11:40] military history, who fought in Europe [00:11:44] and the Military Intelligence Service, [00:11:48] the linguists who served in the Pacific [00:11:51] and in the U.S. despite their families [00:11:54] being incarcerated behind barbed wire [00:11:57] and Whereas the lessons learned From [00:11:59] Executive Order 9066 remain [00:12:02] especially relevant today as the [00:12:05] injustices faced by marginalized groups [00:12:08] demand our collective commitment to [00:12:12] confronting prejudice, advancing equity [00:12:15] and inclusion, and reaffirming our [00:12:18] dedication to protecting civil [00:12:22] liberties, equity and justice, [00:12:25] especially in times of crisis. And [00:12:29] Whereas last month Nihonmachi Valley, [00:12:33] a public exhibit space in Seattle's [00:12:36] Chinatown International District, was [00:12:38] defaced. The public art exhibit [00:12:42] put on by the Winglut Museum in part [00:12:45] displays murals memorializing the [00:12:48] incarceration of Japanese Americans. [00:12:52] The iconic photo of Fumiko Hayashida [00:12:55] holding her daughter Natalie is one of [00:12:58] those murals. [00:13:02] Whereas the Port of Seattle honors the [00:13:04] legacy of Japanese Americans in the [00:13:06] Puget Sound region region, recognizing [00:13:09] their contributions to our cultural, [00:13:11] economic and social fabric, while [00:13:13] committing to fostering a future that [00:13:15] upholds justice and the dignity of all [00:13:19] and Whereas the Port of Seattle [00:13:20] Commission denounces all acts of [00:13:23] vandalism, harassment, intimidation, [00:13:26] discrimination, or any other forms of [00:13:29] bigotry against any and all individuals [00:13:32] and affirms the right of every [00:13:34] individual to equal protection under the [00:13:36] law and Whereas the Port of Seattle [00:13:39] Commission solemnly acknowledges and [00:13:42] commemorates February 19, the day of [00:13:45] remembrance, as a time of reflection on [00:13:49] these injustices and as an opportunity [00:13:52] to educate our to educate our community [00:13:55] and ensure that such violations of [00:13:58] rights are never repeated and Whereas, [00:14:01] in April 2023, the Port of Seattle [00:14:04] Commission unanimously passed the Equity [00:14:07] Policy Directive institutionalizing [00:14:10] equity, diversity and inclusion as a [00:14:13] central part of the organization and its [00:14:15] work and Whereas the Port of Seattle Page 5 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:14:18] Commission reaffirms the importance of [00:14:21] diversity, equity and inclusion as core [00:14:24] values of its mission and demonstrates [00:14:26] unwavering and steadfast support of its [00:14:29] Office of Equity Diversion and [00:14:31] Inclusion, ensuring it remains fully [00:14:34] supported and actively advancing its [00:14:36] initiatives. Now, therefore, the Port of [00:14:39] Seattle Commission hereby proclaims [00:14:41] February 19, 2025 as a day of [00:14:45] remembrance for Japanese American [00:14:46] incarceration and honors the resilience, [00:14:50] dignity and contributions of Japanese [00:14:53] Americans in the face of injustice, [00:14:56] committing to uphold equity and civil [00:14:58] rights for all. Proclaimed by the Port [00:15:01] of Seattle Commission this 11th day of [00:15:03] February 2025. Thank you [00:15:11] thank you, Dale, Kyle and Irene and [00:15:14] Francis for the reading of the Day of [00:15:16] Remembrance proclamation, and thank you [00:15:19] to my colleagues for entertaining it. [00:15:21] If you'll afford me the personal [00:15:23] privilege of leading on Remarks My [00:15:27] great grandfather Yoshinobu worked on a [00:15:30] ship. He traveled by SEA between Japan [00:15:34] and America several times before finally [00:15:38] deciding to disembark and set down [00:15:40] routes in Seattle in search for better [00:15:42] work. He sent for a picture bride, [00:15:47] my great grandmother Sen, and together [00:15:50] they built something from nothing a [00:15:53] brighter future for themselves and for [00:15:55] their four children who were born in [00:15:57] Seattle as American citizens. My [00:16:01] grandfather Hiroshi, my auntie [00:16:05] Naoko, Uncle Yukio, [00:16:08] and Uncle Yuki Nao. [00:16:12] My great grandma Sen passed too early in [00:16:15] childbirth with my uncle Yukinau [00:16:19] when my grandfather was just six years [00:16:21] old. As a single father, [00:16:24] my great grandfather worked tirelessly [00:16:27] to provide for aye. family, but he was [00:16:30] poor. He heavily relied upon [00:16:33] the Japanese Baptist Church located at [00:16:35] the end of Broadway near Yesler. That [00:16:39] church became my grandfather and aye. [00:16:41] siblings refuge. It's where they lived [00:16:43] and where they slept on the ground, and [00:16:46] where the women of the congregation [00:16:47] helped raise aye.. In absence of my great [00:16:50] grandmother, [00:16:54] they are even able to finally, [00:16:56] according to the census, find a place [00:16:59] where they could stay on their own. [00:17:02] By the time he was in high school, [00:17:06] on February 19, 1942, [00:17:09] President Roosevelt signed Executive [00:17:11] Order 9066, and the Western Defense [00:17:15] Command issued a notice to all people of [00:17:18] Japanese ancestry requiring them to [00:17:22] report to assembly centers. Page 6 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:17:28] They were told they were being evacuated [00:17:31] for their own safety. They were given [00:17:34] short notice to make whatever [00:17:35] arrangements they could for their [00:17:37] belongings, and they were instructed to [00:17:39] pack only what they could carry. [00:17:43] And so began the forced removal of over [00:17:46] 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry Most [00:17:50] of them were children. [00:17:54] Bank accounts were frozen. Assets were [00:17:57] seized. Interracial couples were [00:18:00] separated, their animals, their [00:18:03] belongings abandoned. [00:18:07] My grandma and my grandpa at the time [00:18:09] were teenagers at Broadway High School, [00:18:11] which we know today as Seattle Central [00:18:13] Community College. On February 19, [00:18:16] 1942, Japanese American students made up [00:18:18] 25% of its student body. But by April, [00:18:22] that number was zero. And everything [00:18:26] that my great grandfather had worked for [00:18:29] was gone. They were transported [00:18:34] in mass to the Puyallup Assembly Center, [00:18:36] Euphemistically named Camp Harmony. [00:18:41] It's what you now recognize today as the [00:18:43] Puyallup Fairgrounds. You have lovely [00:18:47] memories of that place, but what it [00:18:51] was was horsebacks and mud [00:18:57] from there. After a time, they were [00:18:59] shipped further inland, isolated from [00:19:02] the word, out of sight and out of mind. [00:19:06] It was dehumanizing. They slept in horse [00:19:09] stalls instead of paved walkways. [00:19:12] Mud at Minidoka, [00:19:16] dust. They were fed food unfit for human [00:19:20] consumption, fit for prisoners [00:19:24] of war. And they were denied dignity, [00:19:26] left with nothing but holes in the [00:19:28] ground and makeshift barriers to serve [00:19:30] as their only semblance of privacy. [00:19:33] And they were surrounded by all sides by [00:19:36] barbed wire fences. Watchtowers loomed [00:19:40] overheads, staffed with armed guards. [00:19:43] Their weapons were pointed inwards. [00:19:48] And yet each day the incarcerees, my [00:19:51] grandparents included, would stand and [00:19:54] recite the Pledge of Allegiance, [00:19:56] dutifully declaring, with liberty and [00:19:58] justice for all. [00:20:01] No crime was committed, no trial or due [00:20:05] process. But the resistance that [00:20:08] took place within the camps was great. [00:20:13] It looked like Gordon Hidebayashi openly [00:20:17] defying internment, turning himself into [00:20:20] the FBI for breaking curfew. He invited [00:20:23] jail time and prosecution in order to [00:20:25] challenge the legality of the order. In [00:20:27] the landmark case, Hidebayashi versus [00:20:29] the United States, Resistance looked [00:20:32] like no. No boys who answered to their [00:20:35] loyalty, questionnaires in defiance. [00:20:37] No, I will not serve in the U.S. [00:20:40] army. And no, I will not forgo Page 7 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:20:43] allegiance to the Emperor who never had [00:20:45] my loyalty to begin with. [00:20:48] And it looked like the 442nd [00:20:53] Regimental Combat Team, the segregated [00:20:56] unit of Japanese American soldiers who [00:20:58] heroically broke the Gothic line in [00:21:01] Italy and became the most decorated [00:21:03] battalion in U.S. history. They fought [00:21:06] for America's ideals even as their [00:21:10] families were denied those very ideals [00:21:12] back home behind barbed wire. [00:21:15] And it looked like incarcerees inside, [00:21:18] creating beauty despite their captivity. [00:21:22] Art, baseball fields, crops forming [00:21:26] communities, deepening their faith. [00:21:30] Years passed before the gates found [00:21:32] finally opened and they were allowed to [00:21:34] return home. [00:21:37] The mass incarceration of Japanese [00:21:39] Americans has since been acknowledged as [00:21:42] a grave injustice, one that resulted [00:21:45] from what historians refer to as a [00:21:48] Failure of political leadership and [00:21:52] the rallying cry of the Japanese [00:21:53] American community became never again. [00:22:00] Densho. Former Executive director Tom [00:22:03] Ikeda once said, history does not [00:22:07] repeat itself, but it does rhyme. [00:22:11] Last week at my daughter's daycare, I [00:22:14] noticed a posting inside the door [00:22:18] that said, ICE agents may not enter [00:22:20] without proof of a warrant. [00:22:25] It struck me that the fear that our [00:22:28] communities live in today is real and [00:22:30] it's immediate. The very tangible [00:22:33] possibility that an agent could enter a [00:22:36] classroom and take away a four year old. [00:22:41] We understand that racism, [00:22:44] xenophobia and intolerance are the seeds [00:22:47] of harmful political action. [00:22:50] And we understand what that looks like [00:22:53] in its present day of forced removal, [00:22:57] indefinite detention, [00:22:59] denial of due process. [00:23:03] We recognize what this looks [00:23:06] like. And that's why the Day of [00:23:09] Remembrance is not just about [00:23:10] reflecting. It's a call to [00:23:14] action. One that compels us to learn [00:23:16] from our lessons so that they won't be [00:23:18] repeated today and not into the future. [00:23:22] Oh, you're locked. Yeah, [00:23:26] hot mic. Someone needs to turn off their [00:23:28] mic online. I'd like to thank our [00:23:32] presenters and I'd like to thank my [00:23:34] colleagues. And most of all, I'd like to [00:23:38] thank all the people day in, day out, [00:23:42] in a systemic level, but also in the [00:23:45] very front lines. Something as simple [00:23:48] as a daycare who the provider's very job [00:23:52] is to keep our children safe and [00:23:55] healthy, are doing the work to protect [00:23:57] our communities. Thank you, Page 8 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:24:03] Commissioner. Who wants to [00:24:06] follow that up? Happy to. Commissioner [00:24:09] Mohamed. [00:24:14] Well, first, I just would like to start [00:24:16] by thanking the speakers for sharing [00:24:19] your powerful words as well and reading [00:24:23] the proclamation and for everyone who [00:24:25] worked on it. And I want to thank [00:24:29] Commission President Hasegawa for your [00:24:32] words, for your reflection. I feel like [00:24:35] anytime you bring a proclamation [00:24:37] forward, it's almost a history lesson. [00:24:41] And I just appreciate the thought that [00:24:43] goes into how you bring these [00:24:46] proclamations forward. [00:24:50] And I appreciate your voice on this [00:24:52] commission. [00:24:56] Your voices as a collective remind us [00:24:59] why this history must never be forgotten [00:25:02] and why our commitment to justice must [00:25:05] be unwavering. [00:25:09] So I thank you, Commission President [00:25:11] Hasegawa, for bringing this proclamation [00:25:13] forward and for ensuring that we honor [00:25:16] the past while taking action for a [00:25:19] more just future. And I'll [00:25:23] just say, like, in light of all of the [00:25:25] geopolitical conflicts unfolding around [00:25:27] the world and even here at home, this is [00:25:30] a moment that serves as a critical [00:25:32] reminder of our responsibility to stand [00:25:35] for justice, inclusion, and the [00:25:37] protection of all communities. And at [00:25:39] the port, we do reaffirm our commitment [00:25:41] to stand against discrimination and [00:25:45] exclusion in all its forms, period. [00:25:49] And I want to make it very clear for [00:25:53] both the listening public and for the [00:25:55] port staff and everyone that [00:26:01] we are prepared to defend our values as [00:26:05] a port to defend the values of equity, [00:26:08] inclusion and justice for all. Always. [00:26:12] And so again, I thank you for bringing [00:26:13] this proclamation forward and thank all [00:26:15] those who worked on it. [00:26:19] Commissioner Felleman, [00:26:25] Commissioner Cho gets to play cleanup. [00:26:27] I very much appreciate the speakers and [00:26:30] President Hasegawa for leading this [00:26:33] effort and helping us understand where [00:26:35] we been so that we know where we're [00:26:37] going and avoid making similar mistakes [00:26:40] in the future. The rally of [00:26:45] Never Forget is very analogous to to the [00:26:48] Holocaust Remembrance Day of Never [00:26:49] Again. And it's interesting to note that [00:26:52] while Holocaust remembrance day was the [00:26:54] 27th where 2/3 of the European Jewish [00:26:57] population was exterminated and the [00:26:59] February 23rd is the Chinese Expulsion [00:27:03] Remembrance Day. So it seems like [00:27:05] nobody's beyond discrimination. [00:27:09] And I think the fact that when Page 9 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:27:12] perhaps we should be talking about [00:27:14] paying attention now and the [00:27:17] dehumanization of people, the idea that [00:27:20] we could displace Gazans or [00:27:23] Greenlanders, the idea that we're even [00:27:26] talking about things like this, [00:27:30] if we don't pay attention now, we are [00:27:32] only going to suffer these same mistakes [00:27:34] again. I am greatly appreciative. I know [00:27:37] that Kyle has participated in the Asian [00:27:39] Jewish alliance work with that I've [00:27:42] attended. And these unlikely coalitions [00:27:45] are needed more than ever right now. [00:27:48] And I hope that persists as things [00:27:51] continue to heighten in it the anti [00:27:55] the discriminatory behaviors that are [00:27:57] continuing to occur here and around the [00:27:58] world. So thank you for reminding us of [00:28:01] all this and never again. [00:28:05] Commissioner Choir. Thank you President [00:28:08] Hazegawa and thank you to our guests [00:28:10] today for taking the time to come to us [00:28:12] and read the proclamation. You know, [00:28:16] the Day of Remembrance has a special [00:28:17] place in my heart not because I'm [00:28:20] Japanese American, but because, you [00:28:22] know, I worked for Senator Bob Hasegawa [00:28:24] in the State Senate. And I had the great [00:28:27] fortune of organizing the Day of [00:28:30] Remembrance for two years when I was [00:28:32] working for Senator Hasegawa. And you [00:28:35] know, when the NVC and Densho [00:28:39] and all these amazing members of the [00:28:42] community came allowed me to really [00:28:45] connect with leaders and those who [00:28:49] continue to take the mantle of Never [00:28:52] Forget. And in fact I was reflecting [00:28:55] back on the last time I organized Day of [00:28:57] Remembrance. And I remember meeting [00:28:59] Shikta Nagi who I [00:29:03] think at the time was around 95 and I [00:29:06] had this opportunity. We always break [00:29:09] bread afterwards and talk to aye.. And [00:29:12] you know, the 100th Infantry Battalion [00:29:15] was the most decorated battalion in U.S. [00:29:18] history. In military history. And I [00:29:20] remember asking aye., what do you think [00:29:23] motivated you all to fight so hard? And [00:29:25] he said, we had to prove ourselves. We [00:29:28] had to prove ourselves as Americans. [00:29:32] And that aye. me because I remember my [00:29:34] late mentor, Norm Mineta, who was, [00:29:38] you know, not in the 442 or [00:29:41] he was too young at the time, but even [00:29:44] after retirement, I remember Norm would [00:29:47] always wear an American flag on aye. [00:29:50] lapel of aye., of aye. suits. [00:29:53] And I remember asking aye., man, you're [00:29:56] always wearing that American flag on [00:29:58] your lapel. And I remember aye. response [00:30:02] being, because I feel like I always have [00:30:04] to, you know, prove myself and show that [00:30:06] I'm just as American as anyone else. Page 10 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:30:08] And that was a remnant of aye. experience [00:30:10] as a child being thrown into the [00:30:12] incarceration camps. And so this [00:30:15] phenomenon of being a perpetual [00:30:18] foreigner or, or not American enough [00:30:20] continues to be something that we as [00:30:22] minorities in this country continue to [00:30:24] deal with and fight through. Obviously, [00:30:27] as a center of immigrants, my parents [00:30:30] continue to fight this. And sometimes [00:30:32] I'm asked where I'm from too. [00:30:35] But going down the path of history, if [00:30:38] you don't mind, when we talk about the [00:30:40] Day of Remembrance in the Nisei veterans [00:30:42] and the 442, there's one aspect of that [00:30:45] history that I love to remind my [00:30:47] community, the Korean American [00:30:48] community, and that is of a colonel in [00:30:51] the U.S. army named Yong OK Kim. And I'm [00:30:54] seeing some head nods. So I'm sure you [00:30:56] all, some of you may know young Okim, [00:30:58] but Young Okim was a second generation [00:31:00] Korean American. He was born in Los [00:31:02] Angeles and he was placed [00:31:06] in the hundredth infantry battalion of [00:31:09] the 442. And as [00:31:12] a Korean, the army actually realizing [00:31:16] that he was actually Korean and not [00:31:18] Japanese, he was offered a transfer. [00:31:23] And he responded, he actually rejected [00:31:26] the transfer. And he said, there are no [00:31:29] Japanese nor Koreans here. We're all [00:31:32] Americans and we're fighting for the [00:31:33] same cause. And so he chose to stay with [00:31:36] the hundredth and the 442 and fought [00:31:38] valiantly beside the Japanese. [00:31:42] And that spirit of oneness, [00:31:46] E pluribus unum out of many, one is [00:31:51] our motto as a country. But that's who [00:31:53] we are as a country, as a people. [00:31:58] E pluribus unum out of many, one. That [00:32:00] is diversity. That is diversity. And [00:32:04] it's super disheartening for us to see [00:32:07] that diversity, equity, [00:32:09] inclusion is being attacked in today's [00:32:14] climate politics, because we all know [00:32:17] that is what makes America exceptional. [00:32:20] That is what makes America America. And [00:32:22] look, I think we live in the greatest [00:32:24] country in the world, full stop. But the [00:32:26] experience of the Japanese Americans is [00:32:29] proof that we are not perfect, that we [00:32:31] don't always get it right, whether it's [00:32:33] on a national level or even at a [00:32:35] commission level. And that we are an [00:32:37] experiment. And that the 442, the [00:32:40] incarceration of Japanese Americans and [00:32:43] the reminder of the [00:32:48] recognition of the Day of Remembrance [00:32:51] serves as a sober reminder that we're [00:32:55] still working on it and that each day we [00:32:57] work. And I'm just grateful to my [00:33:00] colleagues here. Thank you, Page 11 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:33:01] Commissioner Hasegawa, for your [00:33:02] leadership. Thank you for continuing [00:33:06] to run with the torch of those [00:33:09] who came before us as an example of what [00:33:13] can happen, what should never happen [00:33:15] again, and what we're fighting for. [00:33:17] Thank you. Thank you. [00:33:21] Commissioners. I'm wondering if [00:33:24] there is a motion on the floor to adopt [00:33:26] a proclamation. Motions so moved. [00:33:29] Second been made by Commissioner [00:33:31] Muhammad and seconded by Commissioner [00:33:32] Cho. Are there any further comments? [00:33:36] Seeing none. Clerk Hart, please call the [00:33:38] roll for the vote. Thank you. [00:33:42] Beginning with Commissioner Cho. Aye. [00:33:44] Thank you, Commissioner Felleman. Aye. [00:33:46] Thank you, Commissioner Mohammed. Aye. [00:33:49] Thank you, Commissioner Hasegawa. Aye. [00:33:51] Thank you. Four ayes zero nays for this [00:33:54] item. [00:34:05] Thank you all. [00:34:08] And that brings us to the next item on [00:34:11] our agenda, [00:34:15] which is the executive Director's [00:34:16] report. Executive Director Metruck, [00:34:19] you have the floor presenter. Hasegawa. [00:34:23] Commissioners, good afternoon. [00:34:26] Along that very appropriate proclamation [00:34:29] about the upcoming Day of Remembrance [00:34:31] and our commitment to equity, justice [00:34:34] and protection of civil liberties for [00:34:36] all, I want to start by acknowledging [00:34:38] that February is also Black History [00:34:40] Month. At the Port of Seattle. We [00:34:43] celebrate the achievements and history [00:34:44] of African Americans annually. And this [00:34:46] year we celebrate African Americans in [00:34:48] labor through our celebrations. We're [00:34:51] focusing on a quote from A. Philip [00:34:53] Randolph, the labor and civil rights [00:34:55] leader who founded the Brotherhood of [00:34:56] Sleeping Car Porters, a black union, [00:34:59] and helped organize the March on [00:35:00] Washington in 1963. [00:35:04] He says, and I quote, equality is [00:35:08] the heart and essence of democracy, [00:35:10] freedom and justice. Equality of [00:35:14] opportunity in industry and labor [00:35:16] unions, schools and colleges, [00:35:18] government, politics and before the law. [00:35:21] And this is how we strive to do our work [00:35:23] here at the Port of Seattle. For [00:35:26] example, on the side of inclusion [00:35:28] recently at the recently concluded [00:35:31] Seattle Boat show at Lumen Field, our [00:35:33] maritime division sponsored six [00:35:35] different port guest organizations. [00:35:38] Providing dedicated exhibit booth space [00:35:40] on the shore floor gave us an [00:35:43] opportunity to provide underserved [00:35:46] boating programs that would have not [00:35:48] otherwise been included in the boat Page 12 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:35:50] show. The sponsored organization [00:35:53] included SeaStr, which creates inclusive [00:35:56] access to waterborne activities and [00:35:58] Future Tides, an independent news [00:36:00] organization for the Pacific Northwest [00:36:02] waterways. Other forecasts included the [00:36:04] Corinthian Yacht Club, Youth Sailing and [00:36:06] of course Waterfront Alliance, Sisters [00:36:09] in Action Sports Seafare Volunteers and [00:36:12] Port Anti Human Trafficking Team. [00:36:16] I have a few additional community [00:36:17] engagements also to announce going [00:36:19] forward, we are hosting our four we are [00:36:22] hosting four upcoming information [00:36:24] sessions for South King County Fund [00:36:26] Economic Opportunities for Communities [00:36:28] Program. This program supports economic [00:36:31] opportunity within the Port [00:36:35] area and information sessions take place [00:36:37] in February 12th, 13th, 19th and the [00:36:41] 26th in Tukwila, Kent at the Ports [00:36:43] Duwamish Community Hub and online. More [00:36:47] information is on the Events section of [00:36:49] the Ports Port of Seattle website. [00:36:52] Staying with Community updates tomorrow, [00:36:54] February 12th the SEA Stakeholder [00:36:57] Advisory Roundtable START holds a State [00:37:00] Policy Advocacy Day in Olympia. [00:37:03] We plan to build on the success of the [00:37:05] START DC fly in in 2023, which led to [00:37:08] the four Airport City priorities being [00:37:10] included in the 2024 FAA Reauthorization [00:37:14] Act. As with the federal advocacy [00:37:17] effort, we believe that this is the [00:37:19] first time an airport sponsor has worked [00:37:21] with local communities to help advocate [00:37:23] for shared aircraft noise and emissions [00:37:25] policies. At the state level. [00:37:28] Representatives from each of the six [00:37:30] airport cities, including six elected [00:37:32] officials, will be attending. This [00:37:34] includes Burien, Des Moines, Federal [00:37:36] Way, Normandy Park, SEA Tac and Tukwila. [00:37:40] I also want to highlight another [00:37:41] upcoming community event on Saturday, [00:37:44] March 1st from 10:00am to 12:30pm we [00:37:46] invite the public to join Port staff and [00:37:49] partners as we plant 300 native trees [00:37:51] and shrubs near the City of Sea-Tac [00:37:53] PacWest Little League fields. Ongoing [00:37:56] maintenance projects like this are very [00:37:58] popular and increase tree canopy and [00:38:00] improve the ecosystem diversity. To [00:38:03] conclude our community updates, I want [00:38:05] to thank you, thank you Commissioners [00:38:07] and to recognize the External Relations [00:38:08] team for successful State of the Port [00:38:10] Breakfast last week. We're well on track [00:38:13] to having a record setting event in [00:38:14] terms of attendance. We had over 400400 [00:38:19] that RCP, but the inclement weather put [00:38:22] a little damper on that. But we still [00:38:23] even in that weather we still add over Page 13 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:38:25] 300, 309 attendees. So I [00:38:28] appreciated the remarks from each of you [00:38:31] sharing our vision for the Port for the [00:38:33] future and your time during our planning [00:38:35] and also for your time during our [00:38:37] training retreat that followed. Before [00:38:40] turning to today's meeting, a few [00:38:42] updates on issues that have been in the [00:38:44] news. First, I want to recognize that [00:38:46] the Aviation Division for their work [00:38:48] managing both the inclement weather last [00:38:50] week and as well as the airfield [00:38:52] collision of two aircraft in a taxiway [00:38:55] between the South Concourse and the [00:38:57] South Aviation hangars and I want to [00:38:59] thank those teams at the Aviation [00:39:02] Division for staying ready prepared and [00:39:04] focused for whatever could happen. [00:39:07] Finally, at my last Executive Director [00:39:09] report, I shared that our staff and [00:39:11] industry partners continue tracking news [00:39:13] out of the Trump administration that may [00:39:15] impact port operations or programs. [00:39:18] Many employees and partners are asking [00:39:20] if the port has been impacted by the [00:39:22] federal funding freeze which it's now [00:39:25] underway, which is now under a court [00:39:27] ordered withdrawal. At this point, we [00:39:30] are not aware of any examples of missed [00:39:32] payments to the port. We are asking our [00:39:35] staff to closely track any issues raised [00:39:37] by federal employees interacting that [00:39:39] interact with the port about leaving the [00:39:42] workforce or changes to programs or [00:39:44] policy. This is a rapidly evolving [00:39:46] situation and we'll continue to monitor [00:39:48] this. Our employees and members of the [00:39:50] community are also asking if changes [00:39:52] related to immigration policy and [00:39:54] enforcement impact the Port of Seattle. [00:39:57] As one of the largest international [00:39:59] airports in the country, we serve people [00:40:01] from all over the world and our [00:40:02] employees and the 200 or the 20,000 plus [00:40:05] workers at SEA represent many different [00:40:07] cultures, countries and communities. [00:40:10] Our rich diversity makes us stronger [00:40:12] here in the port. Last month, the Ports [00:40:14] Police Department conducted a refresher [00:40:16] training for their officers on [00:40:17] immigration policies in the state's Keep [00:40:19] Washington Working law as they do this [00:40:23] every year. Our number one priority is [00:40:25] the safety of the people that we serve. [00:40:28] We have a long history of supporting [00:40:30] immigrants and refugees and making SEA a [00:40:32] welcoming, inclusive gateway to the [00:40:34] Pacific Northwest in our nation. This is [00:40:37] an issue that we take seriously and and [00:40:39] it's something that the Port of Seattle [00:40:40] will continue to prioritize in our work. [00:40:42] If there's one thing the Port of Seattle [00:40:45] staff have become very if there's one Page 14 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:40:48] thing that the Port of Seattle staff is [00:40:50] they've become very good over the past [00:40:52] few years and that is adjusting to new [00:40:55] and challenging situations and we'll [00:40:57] continue to do that. I'm confident that [00:40:59] we'll be able to continue to make [00:41:00] progress on our strategic priorities and [00:41:03] our values. Moving to today's Commission [00:41:07] meeting, I want to highlight a few items [00:41:08] on our agenda. We're always looking for [00:41:11] ways to enhance safety in our operations [00:41:13] and on our consent agenda we have an [00:41:15] action related to designing a virtual [00:41:17] ramp tower. This innovative technology [00:41:20] is currently only deployed at a few [00:41:21] airports across the country. Once [00:41:24] constructed, the virtual ramp tower will [00:41:26] integrate with existing systems and data [00:41:28] feeds to create more efficient and safer [00:41:30] operations, such as using infrared [00:41:33] cameras to be able to see planes at low [00:41:35] visibility conditions. We also have an [00:41:38] order on child care and briefings on our [00:41:40] local and regional policy priorities as [00:41:43] well as our Pacific Northwest to Alaska [00:41:45] Green Corridor project. While there are [00:41:49] 62 green corridor initiatives around the [00:41:51] world. The Pacific Northwest to Alaska [00:41:53] project is the only one focused on [00:41:55] cruising and one of the first initiated [00:41:57] of all the green corridors. We're very [00:42:00] proud that the Board of Seattle is [00:42:01] playing such a critical role in [00:42:02] developing and advancing this project. [00:42:04] I'm pleased to say that across the [00:42:06] board, the industries we work with [00:42:08] remain committed to their transition to [00:42:10] clean fuels. What I find when meeting [00:42:13] with leaders in red and blue states and [00:42:15] outside of the United States is that [00:42:17] whether you are motivated by reducing [00:42:19] emissions or increasing energy [00:42:21] independence, energy security or [00:42:24] innovation, the transition to clean [00:42:26] energy alternatives is viewed as a [00:42:28] necessary step for our resilience and [00:42:30] competitiveness in the future. That is [00:42:33] certainly the Port's perspective, but [00:42:35] it's been reassuring to see it shared so [00:42:37] universally across the industries and [00:42:39] geographies. I'll have more to say about [00:42:41] these items during their introductions. [00:42:44] Commissioners, thank you. That concludes [00:42:45] my remarks. Thank you. Executive [00:42:47] Director Metruck Commissioners, do you [00:42:49] have any questions for the Executive [00:42:51] Director? Seeing none, [00:42:54] we are now at Committee reports which [00:42:57] will be introduced by Erica Chung, [00:42:59] Commission's Strategic Advisor. Good [00:43:01] afternoon, President Asagawa, [00:43:03] Commissioners Executive Director Metruck [00:43:05] I have one committee report for you Page 15 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:43:06] today. On Tuesday, February 4, [00:43:09] President Hasegawa and Commissioner [00:43:11] Mohamed convened the AV Workforce [00:43:13] Conditions ad Hoc Committee where they [00:43:16] reviewed the Child Care Feasibility [00:43:17] Navigator Order. With the inclusion of [00:43:20] citing and leveraging existing state and [00:43:22] local programs language. The Committee [00:43:25] recommends the order for Commission [00:43:26] action at today's Commission meeting [00:43:28] later today. Thank you. This concludes [00:43:30] my report. Thank you, Erica. Thank you, [00:43:33] Erica. Are there any follow up questions [00:43:35] for Commissioners regarding committee [00:43:36] reports? Seeing none, [00:43:39] we will continue on our agenda to public [00:43:42] comment. The Commission welcomes public [00:43:44] comment as an important part of the [00:43:46] public process. Comments are received [00:43:47] and considered by the Commission in its [00:43:49] deliberations. Before we take public [00:43:51] comment, we're going to review the rules [00:43:53] for in person and virtual comment. So [00:43:55] Clerk Hart, please play the recorded [00:43:58] rules. [00:44:04] The Port of Seattle Commission welcomes [00:44:06] you to our meeting today. As noted, [00:44:08] public comment is an important part of [00:44:10] the public process and the Port of [00:44:12] Seattle Commission thanks you for [00:44:14] joining us. Before proceeding, we will [00:44:16] overview the rules governing public [00:44:18] comment. For your general information. [00:44:21] Each speaker will have two minutes to [00:44:23] speak unless otherwise revised by the [00:44:24] Presiding Officer for the purposes of [00:44:26] meeting efficiency and the speaker shall [00:44:28] keep their remarks within the allotted [00:44:30] time provided a timer will appear on the [00:44:32] screen and a buzzer will sound at the [00:44:34] end of the Speaker's comment period. [00:44:36] The Commission accepts comments on items [00:44:39] appearing on its agenda and items [00:44:41] related to the conduct of Port business. [00:44:43] Presiding Officer will ask speakers to [00:44:45] limit their comments to these topics. [00:44:47] This rule applies to both introductory [00:44:49] and concluding remarks. Disruptions of [00:44:52] Commission public meetings are [00:44:54] prohibited. General disruptions include, [00:44:56] but are not limited to, the Speaking [00:44:59] before being recognized by the Presiding [00:45:01] Officer holding or placing banners and [00:45:03] signs in the meeting room in a way that [00:45:05] endangers others or obstructs the flow [00:45:07] of people or view of others at the [00:45:09] meeting Intentionally disrupting, [00:45:11] disturbing, or otherwise impeding [00:45:13] attendance or participation at a meeting [00:45:15] Refusing to follow the direction of the [00:45:17] Presiding Officer or security personnel [00:45:20] Attempting to use the comment time for [00:45:22] purposeful delay without conveying a Page 16 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:45:24] discernible message Using the comment [00:45:26] period to assist in the campaign for [00:45:28] election of any person to any office or [00:45:31] for the promotion of or opposition to [00:45:33] any ballot proposition, except when [00:45:35] addressing action being taken by the [00:45:37] Commission on on a ballot proposition [00:45:39] appearing on its agenda directing public [00:45:42] comments to the audience engaging in [00:45:44] abusive or harassing behavior including, [00:45:47] but not limited to, derogatory remarks [00:45:49] based on age, race, color, national [00:45:52] origin, ancestry, religion, disability, [00:45:55] pregnancy, sex, gender, sexual [00:45:58] orientation, transgender status, [00:46:00] marital status or any other category [00:46:02] protected by law the use of obscene or [00:46:05] profane language and gestures, assaults [00:46:07] or other threatening behavior and sexual [00:46:10] misconduct or sexual harassment for [00:46:12] safety purposes. Individuals are asked [00:46:15] not to physically approach Commissioners [00:46:17] or staff at the meeting table during the [00:46:19] meeting. Individuals may provide written [00:46:22] public comment before or after the [00:46:24] meeting, and in addition, speakers may [00:46:26] offer written materials to the [00:46:28] Commission Clerk for distribution during [00:46:30] their testimony to the Commission. A [00:46:32] detailed list of the public comment [00:46:33] rules is available through the [00:46:35] Commission Clerk. If a meeting is [00:46:37] disrupted by an individual in attendance [00:46:39] in the meeting room or by an individual [00:46:41] providing public comment in person or [00:46:44] virtually, the court will impose [00:46:46] progressive consequences that may result [00:46:48] in exclusion from future meetings. [00:46:51] Written materials provided to the Clerk [00:46:52] will be included in today's meeting [00:46:54] record. The Clerk has a list of those [00:46:56] prepared to speak. When your name is [00:46:59] called, please come to the testimony [00:47:00] table or unmute yourself. If joining, [00:47:03] virtually repeat your name for the [00:47:05] record and state your topic related to [00:47:08] an item on the agenda or related to the [00:47:10] conduct of poor business. For those [00:47:12] joining virtually when you have [00:47:14] concluded your remarks, please turn off [00:47:16] your camera and mute your microphone. [00:47:19] Our public comment period will now [00:47:21] commence. Thank you again for joining us [00:47:23] today. Thank you. Recorded Voice [00:47:28] Clerk Hart, please take us through [00:47:31] public comment. We'll start with in [00:47:32] person and then go virtual. [00:47:36] Thank you. Beginning with in person, I [00:47:39] have Tom Johnson. [00:47:44] I'll pick you up, so please go ahead and [00:47:47] yes, and restate your name for the [00:47:48] record. Tom and the item or topic [00:47:51] related to port business you want to Page 17 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:47:52] talk about. I'm Tom Johnson and I am [00:47:54] here to spe speak in support of agenda [00:47:57] item 8k. Welcome. Floor is yours. [00:48:00] Thank you. [00:48:04] Top. Top. Top. School. School. School. [00:48:06] Good afternoon, President Hasegawa [00:48:08] Commissioners and Ed Metruck. My name is [00:48:10] Tom Johnson and I'm a member of the [00:48:11] port's Transgender Inclusivity employee [00:48:14] Resource group. I have come on my own [00:48:16] time today to speak in support of the [00:48:18] proposed federal legislative agenda [00:48:20] items 8k. I urge you to adopt it and [00:48:23] then quickly to mount a strong, united [00:48:25] and very, very public defense of the [00:48:28] port's raised values and century agenda. [00:48:31] Today's item lays out how much the [00:48:33] port's constituents need it to be a [00:48:34] leading voice on free travel, speech, [00:48:37] immigration and medical care and to join [00:48:39] its constituents to fight against the [00:48:41] anti blackness, transphobia, [00:48:43] Islamophobia, anti Asian and immigrant [00:48:45] bashing that animates so many recent [00:48:47] federal actions. We port employees were [00:48:50] relieved by recent internal messages to [00:48:52] and from executive leadership expressing [00:48:54] strong support and commitment around [00:48:55] these values. Don't all port [00:48:57] constituents deserve this same relief [00:48:59] and reassurance that we received [00:49:01] internally? Area employers, workers and [00:49:03] voters need to know the port has their [00:49:05] backs now when there's so much [00:49:07] temptation to cave in advance to the [00:49:09] federal bluster. As an example, look at [00:49:11] Seattle Children's Hospital, a local [00:49:12] institution whose leadership recently [00:49:14] threw their own gender clinic page [00:49:16] patients, their families and staff under [00:49:18] the bus by canceling gender affirming [00:49:21] medical care in an admitted attempt to [00:49:23] curry perceived federal favor. Now, the [00:49:25] Port of Seattle is stronger than that [00:49:27] and better than that. My time working [00:49:29] among you has taught me this, and [00:49:30] everyone in the region deserves to know [00:49:32] it too. And the port has the external [00:49:35] relations team to help make it happen. [00:49:37] When the port decided to map to [00:49:38] defensive industrial zoning recently, [00:49:40] leadership moved like lightning to [00:49:41] develop and deliver public commentary to [00:49:43] the press and to gather constituent [00:49:45] allies to develop a joint public letter [00:49:47] that it broadcast widely. Leaders moved [00:49:50] fast because they believed the port's [00:49:51] constituents deserved to see them suit [00:49:53] up and show up. Today's proclamation [00:49:56] reminded me how the brutal World War II [00:49:58] Japanese American incarceration [00:50:00] experiences found their groundwork in [00:50:02] powerful local white business leaders Page 18 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:50:04] who gained and held the ears of, among [00:50:05] others, the Governor, Art Langley, a [00:50:07] former Seattle mayor. These leaders had [00:50:10] lobbied and agitated for years for the [00:50:11] expulsion of all Asian Americans from [00:50:13] our region and expropriation of their [00:50:15] property. The war was the excuse these [00:50:17] forces needed, not their cause. And such [00:50:19] forces are again at the ready today. [00:50:22] Today's item 8 case shows how much the [00:50:23] port's broad constituency deserves to [00:50:25] see its full public energy brought to [00:50:27] bear around these federal issues. I can [00:50:28] tell you that employee, resource group [00:50:30] members across all the port's line of [00:50:32] business stand ready to help. Thank you. [00:50:36] Thank you very much. [00:50:40] Clerk Hart Go ahead and invite our next [00:50:42] speaker. Thank you. Our next speaker [00:50:45] from our team's call is Aaron Brakel. [00:50:48] Aaron, if you're joining us by telephone [00:50:51] Star 6 to unmute otherwise, [00:50:54] please restate your name for the record [00:50:55] and the agenda item or topic you'd like [00:50:57] to speak about related to the conduct of [00:50:59] Fort Business. [00:51:07] Yes, this is Aaron Brakel. Can you hear [00:51:10] me? We can hi. Thank you very much. [00:51:14] My name is Aaron Brakel. I am the Clean [00:51:17] Water Campaigns Manager for the [00:51:18] Southeast Alaskan Conservation Council. [00:51:20] I appreciate the opportunity to speak [00:51:22] with the Park Commission today. My [00:51:24] comments are about item 11A, the Pacific [00:51:26] Northwest Alaska Green Corridor and the [00:51:29] scope of the fuel use baseline work that [00:51:31] is currently currently underway. I'm [00:51:33] addressing you from one Land on [00:51:38] Southeast Alaska Conservation Council [00:51:40] has been working to protect the lands [00:51:42] and waters of Southeast Alaska for over [00:51:44] 50 years. I grew up in downtown Juneau [00:51:46] and I've had a front row seat to the [00:51:48] growth of the cruise industry in our [00:51:50] port since 1970 and my son lives in [00:51:53] Seattle. As an organization, we do not [00:51:56] have a public position at this time on [00:51:57] the Green Corps. We are, however, [00:52:00] strongly opposed to the use of heavy [00:52:02] fuel oil and scrubbers. Through its [00:52:05] tariff provisions, the Port of Seattle [00:52:07] has acknowledged the environmental harms [00:52:09] of scrubber waste discharge and has [00:52:11] prohibited scrubber discharges from [00:52:13] vessels at Berke in support of [00:52:17] the International Maritime Organization [00:52:19] Direction to get shipping to net zero by [00:52:21] 2050 the baseline for the Pacific [00:52:24] Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor [00:52:26] should include the full Alaska cruise [00:52:28] ship route, not just the first mover [00:52:31] ports in Southeast Alaska. It should [00:52:34] include all ocean going cruise vessels Page 19 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:52:37] that depart from Seattle and Vancouver [00:52:39] with Alaska stops. This will help [00:52:42] to clarify the parameters for this [00:52:44] larger net zero objective for [00:52:49] cruise ships departing your port in the [00:52:52] Alaska trade. The baseline should [00:52:55] include each type of fuel used and the [00:52:57] volume of each fuel used, including [00:53:00] heavy fuel oil, marine gas, oil, ultra [00:53:03] low sulfur, diesel, [00:53:06] liquid, natural gas and any other fuel [00:53:09] used. Specifically, the baseline should [00:53:12] identify how many vessels use heavy [00:53:16] fuel oil and how many use 0.1% [00:53:20] sulfur emission control Area compliant [00:53:23] fuel and how much heavy fuel oil is used [00:53:27] and each type of fuel. Thank you very [00:53:29] much for the opportunity to provide this [00:53:31] comment today. Thank you. Erin can [00:53:36] introduce the next speaker. Yes, our [00:53:38] next speaker from the room is Sally [00:53:40] Andrews. [00:53:43] Sally, please go ahead and repeat your [00:53:45] name for the record in your agenda item [00:53:47] or topic related to the conduct of port [00:53:48] business. You rest wish to Speak about, [00:53:50] please. Good afternoon. My name is Sally [00:53:53] Andrew. I'm a Vice President for Cruise [00:53:55] Lines International association, or [00:53:57] CLIA. My comments today are in support [00:53:59] of Agenda Item 11A, the Pacific [00:54:01] Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor. [00:54:05] I'm here today representing our member [00:54:07] cruise lines, many of whom were first [00:54:09] movers in this initiative. First, I want [00:54:11] to acknowledge all those who are [00:54:12] participating in evaluating this [00:54:14] opportunity. Assessing the feasibility [00:54:17] of a green corridor is a true [00:54:19] collaboration between the public and [00:54:20] private sector. Maritime decarbonization [00:54:23] is challenging, layered and complex, [00:54:26] covering many aspects including the [00:54:28] availability of alternative fuels, how [00:54:31] fuels are delivered and bunkered, [00:54:33] cruise ship technical considerations, [00:54:35] cost and more. And while there's no [00:54:37] quick fix, the Green Corridor [00:54:39] collaboration represents a desire to [00:54:41] work together on finding solutions. I [00:54:44] wanted to take this opportunity to [00:54:45] recognize the leadership of the Port of [00:54:47] Seattle staff in their role in [00:54:49] stewarding this project. They have done [00:54:51] a lot of heavy lifting. I will come up [00:54:53] short trying to identify everyone. I do, [00:54:56] however, serve on the stakeholder [00:54:58] working group and want to acknowledge [00:55:00] the hardworking colleagues from the [00:55:02] port, Ryan Childs, Melissa Parks, Rosie [00:55:05] Courtney and Linda Springman for their [00:55:07] hard work. CLIA member cruise lines are [00:55:10] actively pursuing net zero emissions by Page 20 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:55:12] 2015 2050, consistent with the [00:55:14] International Maritime Organization's [00:55:16] 2023 strategy for GHG reduction. The [00:55:20] industry is making significant [00:55:21] investments in sustainable technologies, [00:55:23] including alternative fuel development, [00:55:27] energy sources and shore power. A [00:55:29] growing number of alternative fuel [00:55:31] capable new builds are entering the [00:55:33] fleet which will reduce emissions [00:55:35] significantly by using fuels such as [00:55:37] methanol and lng. Additionally, many of [00:55:40] these new builds are being designed with [00:55:41] fuel flexibility in mind to enable a [00:55:44] transition to low and zero emission [00:55:46] fuels when they become available at [00:55:48] scale. Pilot programs continue to test [00:55:51] and improve sustainable fuel [00:55:53] technologies. We look forward to keeping [00:55:55] you updated this year and the upcoming [00:55:58] crew season, which is in 59 days. [00:56:01] Thank you. Thank you. [00:56:07] Our next speaker from the room is Nick [00:56:09] Longo. Nick, please go ahead and repeat [00:56:12] your name for the record in your agenda [00:56:14] item or topic related to the conduct of [00:56:16] port business. Please. [00:56:26] Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name [00:56:28] is Nick Longo. I'm here speaking in [00:56:30] support of agenda item 8k. [00:56:34] My name is Nick Longo. I am a port [00:56:36] employee, an immigrant and a member of [00:56:39] the LGBTQ community, and a gay [00:56:43] father. I work as a planner in the [00:56:45] Aviation Capital Program and Planning [00:56:47] Group and I help lead two employee [00:56:50] resource groups. One is Voice, the Voice [00:56:54] of Immigrants Committed to Equity. That [00:56:57] is the employee resource group for [00:57:00] immigrants, refugees and Allies. And the [00:57:02] other one is the Transgender Inclusivity [00:57:04] Group. I'm also a former recipient of [00:57:07] the Charles Blood Champion of Diversity [00:57:09] Award Today I speak not just [00:57:12] for myself, but for many of my [00:57:14] colleagues who are deeply concerned [00:57:17] about the growing threats to equity and [00:57:20] inclusion. Immigrants, refugees, [00:57:23] transgender people are among the first [00:57:25] to be targeted by the ordinances, [00:57:29] recent ordinances, but we know they will [00:57:31] not, will not be the last ones. The port [00:57:34] has long been a leader of justice, [00:57:37] inclusion and equity, and we need the [00:57:40] leadership now more than ever. People [00:57:43] are scared and our employee resource [00:57:46] groups want to be a true source of [00:57:49] support. We trust that the party will [00:57:53] stay true to its values and the goals of [00:57:56] the central agenda, even if these new [00:57:59] ordinances are creating chaos and [00:58:01] challenges sometimes seem to be [00:58:05] in conflict with our values and goals. Page 21 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [00:58:10] So if the commission, as I think it is [00:58:13] working on anything to support [00:58:17] employees, we, the Seattle powered [00:58:20] employee resource groups, want to [00:58:23] collaborate and want to be part of the [00:58:25] conversation. We appreciate your [00:58:28] leadership. We are confident that you [00:58:31] will continue to be compassionate, bold [00:58:34] and proactive in standing with employees [00:58:38] and supporting employee resource groups [00:58:40] like ours. Thank you. Thank you. [00:58:50] Our next speaker, Madam Commission [00:58:52] President, is Norman Melendez. [00:58:57] Welcome, Norman and Norman, [00:59:00] please go ahead and repeat your name for [00:59:01] the record and your topic. Thank you. [00:59:04] Yeah, I'm privileged to be here. Good [00:59:07] afternoon, Commissioners, Executive [00:59:09] Director present here, also my [00:59:12] colleagues at the Port of Seattle. Good [00:59:13] afternoon. I'm Norman Melandres, [00:59:15] working for the port. I'm here to [00:59:17] represent the Voice ERG and Happy erg, [00:59:21] like my colleague mentioned, Nick Longo. [00:59:25] We want to have affirmation from the [00:59:28] commissioners for the support of our [00:59:30] immigrants at the Port of Seattle. [00:59:34] We at the Voice ERG represent [00:59:36] immigration at the port. And it [00:59:40] seems each ERG group at the port is [00:59:44] being touched or being led and [00:59:48] members of those ergs are immigrants. [00:59:51] So most of us right now are kind of [00:59:53] scared and wanting support from, from [00:59:55] the commissioners and for our executive [00:59:58] leaders to support us and our goal to [01:00:01] have like a safe and secured environment [01:00:04] as we work for the Port of Seattle. And [01:00:08] thank you for this opportunity again and [01:00:10] have a good day. [01:00:15] Thank you, Norman. [01:00:19] Our next speaker from the room is Stefan [01:00:21] Moritz. Stefan, please go ahead and [01:00:24] repeat your name for the record and your [01:00:26] agenda item or topic related to the [01:00:27] conduct of port business. Please. [01:00:30] Good afternoon, members of the [01:00:33] Commission Ed Metruck. My name is Stefan [01:00:36] Moritz. I'm with with UNITE Here Local [01:00:39] Aid, the union of hospitality workers in [01:00:42] Washington and Oregon. I'm here to talk [01:00:46] about childcare and the agenda item [01:00:49] related to that today. First, I do want [01:00:52] to say, though, I want to second what [01:00:55] the previous speakers have said about [01:00:58] the political environment that we live [01:01:00] in. And our members, who many of them [01:01:04] are immigrants, come from bipoc [01:01:07] communities, feel the threat of [01:01:10] what is going on on a national level [01:01:13] very acutely. And so I think the port as [01:01:15] a community, I think it's a great [01:01:18] opportunity to support people across Page 22 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:01:20] those lines, whether it's who they work [01:01:23] for, whether it's a contractor or the [01:01:24] port, where they come from and what [01:01:27] communities they are a part of. So on [01:01:30] childcare, I want to thank you all for [01:01:34] taking up this issue. Commission [01:01:36] President Hasegawa for reaching out and [01:01:40] having a conversation with us about [01:01:43] this. Our members work from very, [01:01:46] very early in the morning to very late [01:01:49] at night, get to the [01:01:52] airport many different ways and face [01:01:56] a lot of challenges in being able to [01:01:57] secure the quality, [01:02:00] affordable childcare that they need so [01:02:03] they can actually serve the airport and [01:02:06] the Port of Seattle in the way that they [01:02:08] do every day. And so removing those [01:02:11] barriers to folks, I think is, you know, [01:02:14] important for people, both from an [01:02:17] affordability perspective, like all of [01:02:19] our members struggle to make ends meet [01:02:22] in this, you know, increasingly [01:02:25] expensive region of ours. But I think it [01:02:29] also poses challenges to the employers [01:02:32] that our members work for to [01:02:36] be able to staff and have an environment [01:02:39] where people can both make a living and [01:02:42] also support their families. This issue [01:02:44] is really important and I think I really [01:02:48] want to commend how you are approaching [01:02:49] this from multiple angles and try to [01:02:52] make a difference here. We're here to be [01:02:54] part of this process and whenever [01:02:58] there's any questions or any way we can [01:02:59] support, we will be there. So thank you. [01:03:02] Thank you, Stefan. [01:03:07] I'm loving the mutual support in the [01:03:09] room right now. Everybody's so affirming [01:03:12] for those online, everybody keeps [01:03:14] applauding for all the speakers who come [01:03:17] up and it's great. That's it for people [01:03:20] who signed up in advance. Do we have [01:03:21] anybody else in the room who did not [01:03:23] sign up in advance that would like to be [01:03:26] clapped for by the whole room? [01:03:29] Is there anybody online who'd like to [01:03:31] address the Commission that did not sign [01:03:33] up in advance? All right, seeing none, [01:03:37] then that brings us forward. And [01:03:40] Clerk Hart, you can give us a synopsis of [01:03:42] any written comments that we received. [01:03:47] Just one moment here. [01:03:52] Thank you, Madam Commission President, [01:03:54] Members of the Commission, Executive [01:03:55] Director Metruck. We've received two [01:03:58] written comments for the meeting today. [01:04:01] These have been previously distributed [01:04:02] to the Commission for your information [01:04:04] and will become a part of the meeting [01:04:05] record. Both pertain to item 11A on the [01:04:08] agenda. The first comes from Iris [01:04:10] Antman, who speaks to the Green Corridor Page 23 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:04:12] and complications that come with the use [01:04:14] of green methanol, noting that it is [01:04:17] toxic and is a safety issue due to its [01:04:19] explosive nature. She notes that mega [01:04:21] cruises will never be green and it is [01:04:24] time to reduce and phase out. Cruising [01:04:26] to Alaska as an economic driver. Peggy [01:04:29] Prince states that green methanol is not [01:04:31] a climate wise solution and the [01:04:33] substance is produced from fossil fuels [01:04:35] and therefore is not a net zero carbon [01:04:38] product. She also notes the toxic [01:04:40] flammable nature of the fuel and that [01:04:42] methanol fuel tanks are two and a half [01:04:44] times larger than oil tanks. She closes [01:04:47] her statements by stating that the only [01:04:49] viable way to reduce greenhouse gas [01:04:51] emissions in the Salish SEA is to [01:04:53] curtail cruise traffic. And that [01:04:55] concludes the written comments we've [01:04:56] received today. Thank you very much. [01:04:58] Clerk Hart. [01:05:01] So at this point, [01:05:05] our next order of business is the [01:05:07] Consent Agenda. Items on the Consent [01:05:09] Agenda are considered routine and will [01:05:11] be adopted by one motion. Items removed [01:05:13] from the Consent Agenda will be [01:05:15] considered separately immediately after [01:05:17] adoption of the remaining Consent Agenda [01:05:19] items. At this time, I'll entertain a [01:05:21] motion to approve the Consent agenda [01:05:24] covering items 8A through N. [01:05:27] So moved. Second. The motion [01:05:30] has been made by Commissioner Cho and [01:05:32] seconded by Commissioner Felleman. [01:05:34] Commissioners, please say aye or [01:05:35] neighboring names called for approval of [01:05:37] the Consent Agenda beginning with [01:05:39] Commissioner Cho. Aye. Thank you. [01:05:41] Commissioner Pellamon. Aye. Thank you. [01:05:44] Commissioner Muhammad Aye. Thank you. [01:05:46] Commissioner Hasegawa. Aye. [01:05:49] Thank you. Four ayes. The zero nays for [01:05:51] this item. Thank you very much. The [01:05:52] motion carries. [01:06:00] And moving on, we have one new business [01:06:03] item, Clerk Hart. Please read it into [01:06:05] the record and Executive Director Metruck [01:06:07] will introduce use it. [01:06:14] Thank you. Multitasking this IS agenda [01:06:17] item 10 a order number 2025 04. [01:06:21] An order directing the Executive [01:06:22] Director to conduct a feasibility study [01:06:24] for increasing child care access that is [01:06:26] accessible, affordable and or flexible [01:06:29] for SEA workers and to establish the [01:06:31] Child Care Navigator Pilot program for [01:06:33] Seattle Tacoma International Airport. [01:06:38] Commissioners is one of the busiest [01:06:39] airports in the country. SEA operates [01:06:43] in a complex regulatory environment with [01:06:45] a 247 workforce of over 2200 employees. Page 24 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:06:50] A stable workforce is essential to [01:06:51] maintaining seamless operations. And yet [01:06:54] nationwide child care the nationwide [01:06:56] child care crisis is having a direct [01:06:58] impact on our airport employers and [01:07:01] workers. Child care access and [01:07:03] affordability remain significant [01:07:05] barriers to workforce stability. This [01:07:07] issue can affect employee retention, [01:07:09] attendance and job productivity across [01:07:11] our operations. Today's order addresses [01:07:14] some of these issues through the [01:07:17] feasibility of developing a child care [01:07:18] center and the creation of a technical [01:07:20] assistance program. The presenter this [01:07:22] afternoon is Eric Schenfeld, the Senior [01:07:25] manager in Federal International [01:07:27] Government Relations and a big [01:07:29] Philadelphia Eagles fan. [01:07:33] I was going to sing Fly Eagles, Fly, [01:07:34] but I think probably that's not the time [01:07:36] or place. Meet me in the lobby [01:07:37] afterwards and we'll score a touchdown. [01:07:40] One, two, three. So focus. Thanks. [01:07:43] Sorry. Yes, commissioners. He distracted [01:07:46] me. Blame the Executive Director. Good [01:07:49] afternoon, Commissioners and Executive [01:07:50] Director Metruck. My name is Eric [01:07:52] Schinfeld, Senior Manager of Federal and [01:07:54] International Government Relations for [01:07:55] the Port of Seattle and here today to [01:07:57] present this order on child care [01:07:59] opportunity and access for SEA workers. [01:08:02] Let me start before I talk about the [01:08:04] substance of this. I want to really [01:08:05] thank everyone for all of the work that [01:08:09] has come before that brought us to here [01:08:11] today. Of course, commissioners [01:08:12] including Commission President Hasegawa [01:08:14] and Commissioner Mohammad, but also [01:08:16] Julie Collins, who has led this work up [01:08:19] until recently Bukta Khayzar, who is our [01:08:23] Director of Office of Equity and [01:08:25] Diversity and Inclusion. So many other [01:08:27] people who have helped to bring this [01:08:29] work to where it is right now, [01:08:30] including over the last year developing [01:08:33] a study to look at what our options are [01:08:35] for increasing access for SEA workers to [01:08:38] affordable, accessible and flexible [01:08:41] childcare. As Executive Director Metruck [01:08:43] said, this is not an issue for us of [01:08:46] wouldn't it be nice to have childcare [01:08:48] for airport workers? This is not an [01:08:50] issue of, oh, you know, what a [01:08:53] thoughtful thing to do. We are the owner [01:08:56] and operator of one of the biggest and [01:08:59] most complex airports in the country, [01:09:01] Seattle, Seattle Tacoma International [01:09:03] Airport. And we need that airport to be [01:09:05] successful in all of the ways we need it [01:09:07] to be successful. We need the [01:09:08] infrastructure to work, we need the Page 25 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:09:11] systems to work, the technology to work, [01:09:13] and probably most importantly, we need [01:09:15] workers to work. We need to have the [01:09:18] approximately 22,000 people who come to [01:09:20] work every day at our airport to be able [01:09:23] to hire those folks and retain those [01:09:26] folks. And we know in the 21st century [01:09:28] that one of the key drivers of our [01:09:30] ability to attract and retain a high [01:09:33] quality workforce is accessible [01:09:35] childcare. So many people we have heard [01:09:37] directly from employers and employees at [01:09:39] the airport cannot come work at our [01:09:42] airport, which is not proximate to [01:09:44] sufficient childcare. Certainly not [01:09:46] proximate to sufficient, accessible, [01:09:49] affordable, flexible childcare. And so [01:09:51] we really have a lack of ability to [01:09:53] truly attract and retain the best [01:09:55] quality workforce at this airport. And [01:09:57] so this order today builds, like I said, [01:10:00] on the work that has been done over the [01:10:01] past year or two to really figure out [01:10:03] how we get to that point. And the way I [01:10:05] like to think about this order is it is [01:10:07] sort of a short term solution and a [01:10:10] longer term solution. That short term [01:10:12] solution, as you'll see here in this [01:10:13] Order is the development of a child care [01:10:15] navigator program that will be a program [01:10:17] that offers employees hands on, fully [01:10:21] comprehensive in language and culturally [01:10:23] appropriate support to identify not only [01:10:26] existing openings in child care [01:10:28] facilities, but also other resources [01:10:30] that can help them afford that. What are [01:10:32] the subsidies? What are the tax credits? [01:10:34] What are the ways that we can help you [01:10:36] actually apply for slots at these [01:10:38] existing child care facilities so that [01:10:41] we can take advantage of what already [01:10:42] exists. And so we're really excited to [01:10:44] move forward with that program. This [01:10:46] order authorizes us to identify a [01:10:49] consultant or consultants to help us [01:10:51] offer those services to workers at SEA. [01:10:54] We know, though, that no matter how much [01:10:56] child care navigator support we offer, [01:10:59] that is not going to solve the problem [01:11:01] because there simply are not enough open [01:11:02] child care slots. There are not enough [01:11:04] qualified child care workers to serve [01:11:07] the demands of our facility. And so we [01:11:09] need to take that longer term approach [01:11:11] as well, which is ultimately the [01:11:13] development of a child care center, a [01:11:15] physical child care center at or near [01:11:16] SEA. We have identified that need, we [01:11:19] have identified that opportunity. But of [01:11:21] course, that is an incredibly, [01:11:23] incredibly complicated proposition. And [01:11:25] so we are proposing to conduct a [01:11:27] feasibility study. In fact, you are Page 26 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:11:28] directing us to conduct a feasibility [01:11:30] study through this order that would [01:11:32] really help us figure out how do we get [01:11:33] there from here, what are the [01:11:35] operational models, what are the [01:11:37] potential partnerships, what are the [01:11:39] financial modeling that we need to [01:11:41] understand about how to make this truly [01:11:43] affordable and accessible. And I think [01:11:46] one of the most important things that [01:11:47] this feasibility study will identify is [01:11:49] going back to those employers at SEA, [01:11:52] going back to those employees, and truly [01:11:54] understanding the demand, truly [01:11:56] understanding the need, and how the lack [01:11:59] of childcare is affecting our ability to [01:12:01] track that workforce. And what are the [01:12:03] solutions in specific, at what price [01:12:05] point? Where? How does this work? When [01:12:08] is it 24, 7? Is it during the regular [01:12:10] workdays? All of these questions that [01:12:12] are going to make ultimately this child [01:12:14] care center fully successful. We need to [01:12:16] lay the groundwork now with data, with [01:12:18] research, and with that real sort of [01:12:20] consumer demand research. So those are [01:12:24] the two things that this order is [01:12:25] directing staff to do the short term. [01:12:27] And when I say short term child care [01:12:29] navigator, that navigator program will [01:12:31] exist forever. But that is sort of [01:12:33] something we can do in the near term to [01:12:35] start this process. And then that [01:12:36] feasibility study, which we will conduct [01:12:39] asap, that will eventually lead, [01:12:41] hopefully in the next year or two or [01:12:43] three to the start of that physical [01:12:45] child care center. Those are the two [01:12:47] things that are in this order. The last [01:12:48] thing I will say about this order is [01:12:50] that of course, we want to make sure [01:12:52] that all of this work is extended, [01:12:53] accountable and we are building in [01:12:55] accountability into this process. [01:12:57] Regular reports to the commission on our [01:13:00] Progress. The the RFPs themselves will [01:13:02] have very specific metrics of what we [01:13:04] consider success to be in terms of the [01:13:06] Child Care Navigator program, how it [01:13:09] measures success, how many people it [01:13:11] serves, do those people actually find [01:13:13] long term solutions for child care? And [01:13:16] then of course, all of the metrics that [01:13:17] are in the feasibility study to be able [01:13:18] to finalize that report and then figure [01:13:20] out next steps from there. So with that, [01:13:22] Commissioners, thank you so much for the [01:13:24] opportunity to be here today and happy [01:13:25] to answer any questions about this [01:13:26] order. Thank you very much, Eric, [01:13:29] for the presentation without any notes, [01:13:32] I might add, and on your ongoing work to [01:13:34] get this body of work to where it is Page 27 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:13:36] today. So Commissioners, before we jump [01:13:38] into Q and A and comments, is there a [01:13:41] motion on the floor? So moved. I'll [01:13:44] second. The motion has been made by [01:13:46] Commissioner Mohaven and seconded by [01:13:47] Commissioner Cho. And with [01:13:51] that I will open the floor for comments [01:13:53] and questions from my colleagues. [01:13:55] Commissioner Mohammed thank you [01:13:57] Commission President Hasegawa. Eric Mr. [01:14:00] Metruck, thank you for your comments that [01:14:03] you made today. I want to thank [01:14:05] Commission President Hasegawa for [01:14:07] bringing this item forward. It's an [01:14:09] honor to co sponsor this order with you. [01:14:12] But I remember when you you the first [01:14:14] day that you joined the port, [01:14:16] childcare, child care facilities was one [01:14:19] of your top priorities. And so I just [01:14:22] appreciate how thoughtful you've been in [01:14:25] bringing this forward. If you read the [01:14:27] order, what you'll notice is that this [01:14:30] order explores multiple options for [01:14:33] expanding access to affordable and [01:14:35] accessible childcare. You weren't locked [01:14:38] into just getting something done, but [01:14:40] doing it in the most thoughtful way, [01:14:42] bringing forward an order that looked at [01:14:45] how to study this before we got to where [01:14:48] we are today. And so I just want to [01:14:50] recognize that and appreciate your [01:14:52] leadership. And you know, one of the [01:14:55] things that is in this order is [01:14:57] leveraging existing state and local [01:15:00] programs. I want to call out programs [01:15:02] that are offered through the Washington [01:15:04] State Department of Child Youth and [01:15:06] Family Services dcyf. I know that there [01:15:09] are so many community members who [01:15:12] provide child care services, who [01:15:15] participate in those programs and who [01:15:17] are looking for opportunities to welcome [01:15:20] folks who work on our facilities and [01:15:22] would love to have their children part [01:15:25] of those programs. And so Eric, you [01:15:27] talked about those short term solutions. [01:15:29] That is one of those short term [01:15:31] solutions. And I hope that we can expand [01:15:33] and see if there's opportunities for us [01:15:35] to make the appropriate connections. [01:15:39] Both Mr. Mutrick and Eric both talked [01:15:41] about the importance of bringing this [01:15:43] forward really is centered around [01:15:45] maintaining a strong and well trained [01:15:48] workforce has been a top priority for [01:15:52] the port. And that includes being [01:15:55] able to support our tenants and their [01:15:58] employees that operate at our facility. [01:16:01] And this is obviously one of the ways to [01:16:02] do that. And this issue has been a [01:16:05] priority for this commission. We have a [01:16:07] track record for supporting childcare [01:16:10] initiatives. If you guys Remember, in Page 28 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:16:14] January 24th of 2023, the Port [01:16:16] Commission did pass an amendment to add [01:16:19] childcare advocacy to the Port of [01:16:20] Seattle's legislative agenda. We [01:16:23] supported a number of House bills, [01:16:26] House Bill 1199 that passed, that [01:16:29] ensured that child care facilities is [01:16:33] more accessible and people who are [01:16:35] living in condominiums that are designed [01:16:39] as single family homes can operate [01:16:41] childcare centers out of their homes in [01:16:44] that kind of way. And so I just [01:16:46] appreciate that this has been a priority [01:16:49] of the commission and I'm looking [01:16:50] forward to us continuing to find [01:16:53] opportunity opportunities to expand [01:16:55] childcare accessibility. And yeah, [01:16:59] order. Thank you. Thank you, [01:17:01] Commissioner Mohammed. Questions or [01:17:03] comments, Commissioner Chubb? No, look, [01:17:05] I just want to thank my colleagues, [01:17:07] Commissioner Hasegawa and Commissioner [01:17:09] Mohamed, for their leadership on this. [01:17:11] I have long been an advocate in support [01:17:13] of this, but I'm really glad we have [01:17:15] these two amazing leaders pushing [01:17:19] this. I'm sure it helps that you or both [01:17:22] mothers who are probably dealing with [01:17:24] your own health childcare challenges, [01:17:28] but I do think that this is both a [01:17:31] retention tool, but also a recruitment [01:17:34] tool for us as an organization. And [01:17:37] hopefully this will truly move the [01:17:39] needle in making our organization one of [01:17:42] the best places to work in the state. [01:17:44] So thank you, Eric, all the work that [01:17:45] you have done, and I'm looking forward [01:17:48] to seeing the results of this study. [01:17:52] Commissioner Felleman. [01:17:55] Well, I'd like to add my voice [01:17:57] appreciation to President Hasegawa and [01:18:01] Mohammed for taking on what's really a [01:18:04] national problem. And for the port, [01:18:06] this is going to be the mantra for the [01:18:08] next couple of years, that we have to do [01:18:10] it locally because we're not looking for [01:18:12] the feds to show any leadership. And [01:18:15] thank you for Eric's leadership and [01:18:17] being able to steward this process [01:18:19] through other than taking umbrage of aye. [01:18:21] opening comments and that my wife's from [01:18:23] Kansas, but other than that, I think [01:18:26] it's in good hands and once again, [01:18:28] appreciate all your work. We're not in [01:18:30] Kansas anymore. Commissioner, [01:18:35] I don't regret you for opening this item [01:18:38] with just general football talk because [01:18:40] I know you're just really, really [01:18:41] excited, as am I. This has been a long [01:18:44] time coming. I just want to, to [01:18:46] acknowledge and thank the staff that [01:18:48] have been carrying this. So when I [01:18:51] joined the port, my daughter had Page 29 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:18:54] just turned about 1 years old. And I [01:18:57] know firsthand just how complicated it [01:19:00] could be to try and make it all work [01:19:05] between parenthood and getting to where [01:19:07] you need to be on time and dependably. [01:19:09] And that's not just an anecdote, that's [01:19:12] a national crisis that is being [01:19:15] manifested right here at home with very [01:19:18] real issues with folks having access to [01:19:20] childcare. When we started this, [01:19:24] we knew that we needed to have a needs [01:19:26] assessment formally in order to be able [01:19:28] to understand the scope of the issue for [01:19:32] our own workforce and all the different [01:19:34] folks who we come into contact with to [01:19:37] make our airport and, and our port work. [01:19:41] And so that was the first thing that we [01:19:43] funded as a commission. This has been a [01:19:45] joint effort by everyone with that needs [01:19:48] assessment. It demonstrated that folks [01:19:50] are struggling, that we as a port are [01:19:53] struggling with retention, attendance [01:19:54] and productivity. And that namely what [01:19:58] folks need is childcare that is [01:20:00] affordable, accessible and [01:20:04] flexible. We understand that [01:20:08] as a result, we are going to have to [01:20:10] have a multi pronged approach to [01:20:12] answering this crisis. And then what [01:20:15] we're doing is we're establishing a [01:20:16] business case to be able to do this. So [01:20:19] like Eric said in aye. opening statement, [01:20:20] this isn't a feel good thing or nice to [01:20:24] have. This is an issue that we must [01:20:26] address in order to be able to operate [01:20:29] efficiently, successfully, functionally [01:20:31] as a port. So in its immediate term, [01:20:34] what this order is going to do is it's [01:20:36] going to create a child care navigator [01:20:39] program which offers comprehensive, [01:20:42] culturally and linguistically [01:20:43] appropriate services to help Port of [01:20:46] Seattle workers and airport workers [01:20:48] understand the existing resources that [01:20:50] already exist locally and by the state [01:20:53] and other areas. But as [01:20:57] Eric also mentioned, even if everybody [01:21:00] had access to everything that existed, [01:21:02] it still wouldn't be enough. And that's [01:21:05] part of what our former study did, is it [01:21:07] said, what's one of the things that [01:21:09] we're going to need to do? And lo and [01:21:10] behold, it said we need to explore [01:21:13] establishing a brick and mortar [01:21:15] operation that can create more [01:21:17] opportunities for people who work at or [01:21:20] near the airport. So the second thing [01:21:22] that this order is going to do is it's [01:21:24] going to study the feasibility for a [01:21:26] brick and mortar child care facility at [01:21:28] or near the airport. This is a really [01:21:31] big deal. And this, [01:21:34] this is probably a really one of the Page 30 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:21:37] most exciting junctures that this is, [01:21:40] that this has come to. To this point, I [01:21:43] felt like, you know, as carrying it like [01:21:45] my baby. Nope. Well, okay, pun intended. [01:21:49] And there has been such a recognition [01:21:52] and a respect for this issue and the [01:21:55] need to be able to identify solutions [01:21:57] that this issue has really gotten legs [01:22:00] and it's. And it's walking all on its [01:22:02] own. If I think all five of us were [01:22:05] to disappear from the commission [01:22:06] tomorrow, this work would proceed and go [01:22:09] on because it's that important. [01:22:13] That said, we have had a lot of folks, [01:22:15] not just internally, but externally, [01:22:16] that have been thought partners that [01:22:18] have helped us understand and study this [01:22:20] issue. One of the issues that did come [01:22:22] up is that we realized we had an [01:22:23] internal port policy that said that if [01:22:25] you are engaged in this process, that [01:22:27] act precludes you from participating in [01:22:29] the rfp. So my question for you, Eric, [01:22:32] is for the people who respond to the [01:22:36] rfp, what does that do to either [01:22:40] preclude them from participating down [01:22:43] the line as an actual child care [01:22:46] provider or facilitator? Thank you for [01:22:49] that question, Commissioner. And so the [01:22:53] lesson was very, very difficultly [01:22:56] learned in this last process. We were [01:22:59] not able to cons to continue with the [01:23:01] contractor who did the initial study [01:23:04] because of our rules around conflict of [01:23:06] interest in procurement. And so that is [01:23:09] a lesson that we have talked a lot about [01:23:11] over the last few months and really [01:23:12] figuring out what we can do to make [01:23:16] sure that we don't make some of the same [01:23:17] mistakes again. One of those is just [01:23:19] going to be transparency to say to [01:23:22] folks, hey, if you apply for this RFP to [01:23:25] help us do this feasibility study, here [01:23:27] are the rules around procurement that we [01:23:29] have at the port, and you should know [01:23:31] those and be aware of those. I do think [01:23:34] that one of the things that gives us a [01:23:35] lot of optimism is that we are not the [01:23:38] first airport to tackle a physical [01:23:40] childcare center. There are about half a [01:23:42] dozen airports around the country that [01:23:44] are addressing this issue in various [01:23:47] forms, and they're all different. You [01:23:48] know the old joke about once you've seen [01:23:50] one airport, you've seen one airport. [01:23:52] We know they have different governance [01:23:54] models, different funding streams, et [01:23:56] cetera. But we do believe there's a lot [01:23:58] to learn from them. And one of the [01:24:00] things we've learned from them is that [01:24:01] there are organizations that understand [01:24:04] how to do childcare feasibility studies [01:24:06] that are not necessarily child care Page 31 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:24:08] providers themselves. And so that is [01:24:10] definitely going to be something that we [01:24:11] consider in this process is to say, [01:24:13] well, we know that there are X number of [01:24:15] child care providers who could actually [01:24:16] do this work. You know, we want to make [01:24:19] sure they know that being part of the [01:24:21] feasibility study may create a conflict [01:24:23] of interest. Maybe it makes Sense to [01:24:25] also be sure that folks apply that are [01:24:27] not in themselves childcare providers, [01:24:29] but also do this work just in terms of [01:24:31] the feasibility study. So looking at all [01:24:34] the different options, working very [01:24:36] closely with our legal department, with [01:24:37] our central procurement office, with all [01:24:39] of our stakeholders to understand how we [01:24:41] do this. Well, [01:24:45] this is, I think, discrete work, [01:24:47] understanding the feasibility of a child [01:24:48] care center versus operating. And so [01:24:51] we'll try and find the path forward that [01:24:53] makes sure that we don't preclude long [01:24:55] term partnerships that we think could be [01:24:56] really great fits for us. Okay, thank [01:24:58] you. Thank you. So in considering the [01:25:02] scope of this rfp, the study must [01:25:03] collect data, more additional data from [01:25:06] employers and employees at SEA. [01:25:09] It's going to examine operational and [01:25:12] financial models for how a fully [01:25:14] licensed center could be delivered. So [01:25:17] did, am I hearing you say that this is [01:25:19] actually only going to look at [01:25:21] feasibility? Because I understand that [01:25:24] it is going to look at operational [01:25:26] models. Yes. I may be using the wrong [01:25:29] term here. When I talk about [01:25:31] feasibility, I mean all of those things, [01:25:33] right? What is every single piece of [01:25:35] information that we need to know in [01:25:37] order to successfully build and have a [01:25:40] child care center operated at or near [01:25:42] the airports? And so all of those [01:25:43] things, including down to, as we've [01:25:45] talked about, Commissioner, what are the [01:25:48] physical regulatory requirements of a [01:25:50] child care center? How many toilets does [01:25:52] it need? How many sinks does it need? [01:25:54] What is the out, the access to outdoor [01:25:56] space? All of these things that we need [01:25:58] to know so that not only can we [01:26:00] understand sort of generally the [01:26:01] feasibility, but also where could it [01:26:04] potentially be at or near the airport? [01:26:07] Could it be on the 12th floor of our [01:26:10] stock building? Well, actually, no, it [01:26:12] can't because there's no outdoor play [01:26:15] space on the 12th floor of stock. [01:26:16] Right. So these things that answer [01:26:19] feasibility in all the definitions of [01:26:22] feasibility, maybe there's a better term [01:26:23] for it than feasibility. And we'll look Page 32 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:26:26] at that so that we're clear with whoever [01:26:27] is, is responding to the rfp. Thank you. [01:26:30] And then that kind of answered my next [01:26:32] question, which was does this, the scope [01:26:36] of this study also explicitly include [01:26:39] siting for potential places? This will [01:26:43] inform everything we need to know to [01:26:44] figure out where a childcare center [01:26:46] could go at or near the airport. I think [01:26:48] the question, I don't think this study [01:26:50] will say it's definitely going to be at [01:26:53] Gate C5. In fact, it definitely will not [01:26:56] be a Gate C5. But I do think it will [01:26:59] give us everything we need to know to [01:27:01] say, okay, here are the four to seven [01:27:04] places at or near the airport that could [01:27:05] work. And then I think the actual siting [01:27:08] has a lot to do with who ultimately is [01:27:10] our partner and what they're looking for [01:27:12] as well. Right. And I also imagine that [01:27:14] there'd be a potential space that, for [01:27:16] whatever regulatory or legal reason, [01:27:20] it's not the space that could be [01:27:23] identified as currently feasible, but [01:27:25] might require some level of advocacy to [01:27:27] the faa. I'm thinking about port [01:27:28] properties being allowed to be used for [01:27:30] non airport purposes, and I don't know [01:27:33] to the threshold, but if child care. If [01:27:37] we've made the legal case for this to be [01:27:38] considered as an official airport [01:27:41] function. Yeah, I mean, I would say that [01:27:44] is front of mind for all of our [01:27:45] discussions on this topic. But as I [01:27:47] began this presentation, this is an [01:27:50] airport operations issue. Yes, this is. [01:27:53] We are concerned about our ability to [01:27:56] have enough high qualified workers to [01:27:58] operate our airports. And you believe [01:28:00] that we've met the thresholds that for [01:28:02] all of our properties that we identify [01:28:04] as potentially feasible for a location, [01:28:07] that it would be up to snap. This is our [01:28:10] intention and goal, and we will be [01:28:13] crossing all of our T's and dotting all [01:28:14] of our ayes throughout this entire [01:28:15] process to get to that point. Do you [01:28:17] foresee a need for future commission [01:28:18] advocacy? I. You know, as Commissioner [01:28:22] Felloman said, in this world of federal [01:28:24] government, I cannot say anything with [01:28:28] certainty, so we will absolutely keep [01:28:29] that in mind. But our goal is to work [01:28:32] within existing regulatory authority, [01:28:35] both at the state and federal level, to [01:28:36] make this work. And then I [01:28:41] lost track of what I was saying because [01:28:42] my colleagues were making fun of me for [01:28:44] saying crossing ayes and dotting T's, [01:28:46] but know what I mean? Not what [01:28:49] I say. Okay, well, that's. [01:28:54] It's really exciting to see it get to [01:28:56] this point. And thank you so much for Page 33 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:28:58] the thoughtful presentation. I think, [01:29:01] like, my ongoing concern is, you know, [01:29:03] the challenges that will be there [01:29:04] because of FAA regulations and [01:29:06] requirements, making sure that we are [01:29:08] compliant with all of them. And that the [01:29:10] scope of this is not just feasibility. [01:29:13] And it turns out it's not feasible. [01:29:14] It's about what is the path to get to. [01:29:16] Yes. Because we're determined to make [01:29:18] this happen. Yes, we should. I almost [01:29:20] call it a business plan, except that's [01:29:21] not the right term either, but it is. [01:29:24] We'll call it a roadmap project. And [01:29:26] then timeline. Can you just clarify [01:29:28] timeline? Yeah, that is so our goal. We [01:29:30] have a draft of the rfp. We'll be [01:29:32] running that through all of the final [01:29:34] checks and we'll be ready to release [01:29:35] that pretty soon. Especially now that [01:29:38] you all have authorized that. And that [01:29:39] will be under the executive director's [01:29:42] delegation of authority at these budget [01:29:44] levels that we're looking at. We'll [01:29:46] obviously keep you fully in the loop [01:29:47] there. So we'll release that RFP [01:29:49] immediately. And hopefully this is a [01:29:51] process that takes somewhere in the [01:29:53] range of about a year or so to complete, [01:29:55] with drafts and updates along the way [01:29:57] would be my goal. Wonderful. So is there [01:30:00] any other questions? Debate seeing [01:30:03] none. Clerk Carr, please call the roll [01:30:05] for the vote. Thank you. And we will [01:30:07] begin with Commissioner Hasegawa. Aye. [01:30:10] Thank you. Commissioner Mohammed. Aye. [01:30:12] Thank you. Commissioner Cho. Aye. Thank [01:30:15] you. Commissioner Felleman. Aye. Thank [01:30:17] you. Four ayes, zero nays for this item. [01:30:19] The motion carries. Thank you very much. [01:30:23] You can clap that. [01:30:27] Lots of clapping today. Yes, lots of [01:30:29] clapping. We embrace the clapping and we [01:30:32] are now at presentations and staff [01:30:33] reports. Clerk Hart, please read the [01:30:35] next item into the record. Executive [01:30:36] Director Medjuk will then introduce the [01:30:38] item. Welcome to the dais. Thank you. [01:30:41] This IS agenda item 11A. The Pacific [01:30:43] Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor [01:30:45] Project Briefing Commissioners. [01:30:49] The Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green [01:30:51] Corridor is a groundbreaking partnership [01:30:54] uniting major cruise lines, home ports [01:30:56] and ports of call in a shared effort to [01:30:58] explore decarbonizing the Alaska cruise [01:31:02] market. Since its launch in 2022 and [01:31:06] spearheaded by the Port of Seattle, [01:31:07] this project has gained momentum. As you [01:31:09] will hear, we signed our project charter [01:31:12] in 2023 and initiated a feasibility [01:31:14] study in 2024 to assess the feasibility [01:31:17] of four cruise vessels sailing to Alaska Page 34 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:31:19] on green methanol by 2032. The [01:31:23] feasibility assessment is led by Maersk [01:31:25] by the Maersk McKinney Moeller center [01:31:28] for Zero Carbon Shipping, one of the [01:31:30] world's preeminent and experienced [01:31:33] nonprofit independent research and [01:31:35] development centers focused on a net [01:31:37] zero future for the maritime industry. [01:31:40] We're proud to have this level of [01:31:41] expertise working on. Our corridor [01:31:43] partners are also undertaking additional [01:31:46] initiatives on their under their own [01:31:48] volition. Through the last two years, [01:31:50] we have combined efforts on engagement [01:31:52] and policy advocacy, as well as [01:31:54] greenhouse gas tracking. You'll hear [01:31:56] more in more detail about all of those [01:31:58] efforts in the briefing today. We look [01:32:00] forward to your insights as we continue [01:32:02] leading in a. In a. As we continue [01:32:06] to lead the way in sustainable cruising. [01:32:09] The Green Corridor has been a major [01:32:11] initiative for Stephanie Jones Stebbins [01:32:15] from Maritime, Cindy Kilroy from [01:32:17] Environment and Sustainability, and [01:32:19] myself and dedicated staff and partners. [01:32:23] We're really putting a lot of work into [01:32:25] this. And as we move into the [01:32:27] presentation, I will kick off the [01:32:29] presentation and then I will hand it [01:32:31] over. To I'm not sure Sarah goes first. [01:32:33] Sarah O.J. director of maritime and [01:32:35] Environmental Sustainability Linda [01:32:38] Springman is also here and Director of [01:32:40] Cruise and Maritime Marketing and Ryan [01:32:42] Child, Senior Environmental Program [01:32:44] Manager and doing a ton of work on the [01:32:48] Green Corridor as well. We'll all speak [01:32:50] so with that Commissioner, I'll start [01:32:52] the presentation. [01:32:55] We're excited to provide this update to [01:32:57] the Commission on the Corridor. It's a [01:32:59] collaborative partnership with ports and [01:33:01] the industry. Working together as we [01:33:03] know is to decarbonize the cruise, the [01:33:07] cruise market and the cruises emanating [01:33:10] from both Vancouver and from Seattle. [01:33:13] Slide 2 please. [01:33:18] To kick off today's briefing, I'll share [01:33:19] how the Green Corridor initiative fits [01:33:21] into the port's holistic strategy to [01:33:23] achieve zero emission to achieve a zero [01:33:25] emission port by 2050 in our director of [01:33:29] Maritime and Environmental [01:33:31] Sustainability Sarah Ojay will in the [01:33:35] in also Linda Springman from Maritime [01:33:38] will introduce the concept of Green [01:33:39] corridors in the Pacific Northwest to [01:33:42] Alaska project and Ryan will take us [01:33:44] home to discuss the progress in a [01:33:47] recently launched study on green [01:33:48] methanol as we move forward. Next slide [01:33:51] please. So I'm trying to give this Page 35 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:33:54] from the top side view coming down. I [01:33:56] want to begin by putting this project in [01:33:59] context of our overall vision to be a [01:34:01] zero emission port for both the airport [01:34:03] and the seaport by 2050. Across all of [01:34:06] our operations, we aim to be a premier [01:34:08] gateway for sustainable commerce and [01:34:10] travel. This work can position the [01:34:14] port as a hub for zero emission maritime [01:34:16] and aviation transportation and ensure [01:34:18] our infrastructure and operations are [01:34:20] future ready and resilient and promote [01:34:23] health and prosperity for nearport [01:34:24] communities. In addition, we can look at [01:34:28] them as potential for economic [01:34:29] development opportunities as well. Next [01:34:32] slide please. [01:34:36] We have three pillars that support our [01:34:38] decarbonization strategy. Efficiency. [01:34:41] We have to do what we can to reduce [01:34:42] overall energy use and conserve energy [01:34:46] electrification. And then once you've [01:34:48] taken out all the operational [01:34:49] efficiencies then you move to [01:34:51] electrification electrify where we can [01:34:53] to take advantage of our access to low [01:34:55] carbon electricity. And after [01:35:00] we do both of those strategies, we move [01:35:02] to sustainable fuels. We do this where [01:35:05] electrification is not an option such as [01:35:07] with airplanes and large ships [01:35:10] and we need new fuels to achieve our [01:35:12] goals. And the port can play a critical [01:35:14] role in advocacy and supporting [01:35:16] development of these fuel fuels for both [01:35:18] of these especially because these are [01:35:20] global industries as well as we're [01:35:22] trying to approach this problem. So next [01:35:26] slide please. The port is a catalyst for [01:35:29] change. You've seen this probably this [01:35:31] diagram before. We do this through [01:35:34] leadership, innovating researching and [01:35:36] implementing new ideas and solutions. [01:35:39] We do it through partnerships, teaming [01:35:41] with industry leaders, community leaders [01:35:43] and key stakeholders to act. And through [01:35:45] stewardship, advancing domestic and [01:35:47] international discourse, policies and [01:35:49] investments that can drive change and [01:35:52] collective effort is the key to a [01:35:53] success. So we're not going to operate [01:35:56] at just one level here, as you know, [01:35:58] we're going to continue to operate at [01:35:59] all of these levels to address these, [01:36:02] to address the transition to these [01:36:04] sustainable fuels. [01:36:08] These range from, from the, the lowest [01:36:12] one where we have more direct control [01:36:13] over it, or to the higher ones where [01:36:15] we're just providing our information on [01:36:17] that. So this is, you know, it's, it's [01:36:20] one of those things where green corridor [01:36:23] is so important because it can create Page 36 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:36:24] change here in Seattle. And then those, [01:36:27] the lessons that we learned through our [01:36:29] progress here in our experience with [01:36:30] green corridors, we can share through [01:36:32] other cruise markets and actually all [01:36:34] the maritime industry throughout the [01:36:36] world. So now at this point, I'll turn [01:36:38] it over to Sarah Roger to introduce the [01:36:42] concept of green corridors. Thank you, [01:36:44] Executive Metrack. It's a pleasure to be [01:36:46] here today with you and to present this [01:36:48] information to you commissioners. So [01:36:51] what is a green corridor? If we could [01:36:53] move to the next slide, please? The [01:36:56] green corridor is a specific shipping or [01:36:59] cruising route where low and zero GHG [01:37:02] emission solutions are demonstrated and [01:37:03] supported. And we do that through [01:37:06] collaboration across sectors to [01:37:08] accelerate maritime decarbonization. [01:37:11] And the concept of green corridors came [01:37:13] out of the 2021 United Nations Climate [01:37:16] Change Conference, commonly referred to [01:37:18] as COP26, where 24 countries, including [01:37:21] the United States and Canada, signed the [01:37:24] Clyde Bank Declaration. And this called [01:37:26] for the establishment of at least six [01:37:28] green corridors by the year 2020. [01:37:31] Well, since then, many different green [01:37:34] corridor projects have been announced. [01:37:36] And on this slide you'll see a map [01:37:38] showing 62 different projects that have [01:37:41] been announced. This is through the end [01:37:42] of last year, 2024. And this includes [01:37:45] three green corridors. Out of the [01:37:47] Seattle Tacoma Gateway. There's the [01:37:49] Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green [01:37:51] Corridor project, which you'll hear more [01:37:52] about today. And there's also two cargo [01:37:55] green corridors between the Northwest [01:37:57] SEA Seaport alliance and the Republic of [01:37:59] Korea. And so, without a single answer [01:38:02] for how we decarbonize large oceangoing [01:38:04] vessels, green corridors provide a great [01:38:08] means to bring together partners across [01:38:10] the supply chain to work together on [01:38:11] specific routes and geographic areas. [01:38:14] This allows the many key players [01:38:15] involved, such as ship owners, ports, [01:38:17] fuel producers and others, to [01:38:19] synchronize our timelines and work [01:38:21] together to identify solutions and [01:38:23] reduce the risk of investments and the [01:38:25] need that we need to make to transition [01:38:27] to zero emission maritime fuels and [01:38:29] technology. The Pacific Northwest to [01:38:31] Alaska Green Corridor Project was the [01:38:33] first Green Corridor initiative in the [01:38:35] world to focus on cruise ships and we're [01:38:38] very pleased about that. It allows us to [01:38:40] work together with the cruise industry [01:38:42] to solve this complex challenge and work [01:38:45] toward the port's decarbonization goals. Page 37 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:38:48] And just as we, the port, are working in [01:38:50] collaboration with the cruise industry, [01:38:53] this project also represents internally [01:38:55] a major collaborative effort between the [01:38:57] Port's environmental department and our [01:38:59] cruise department. And the skills of [01:39:01] both groups are essential to our Port of [01:39:03] Seattle participation. So reflecting [01:39:06] that collaboration, I'd like to now turn [01:39:07] this over to Linda Springman, Director [01:39:10] of Cruise Operations and Maritime [01:39:11] Marketing to introduce the project in [01:39:13] more detail and we believe okay, [01:39:18] thanks Sarah. Thanks commissioners for [01:39:20] this opportunity. Next slide please. [01:39:24] As Sarah described, the Pacific [01:39:26] Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor [01:39:28] Project is a first of its kind Green [01:39:30] Corridor focused on cruise we launched [01:39:32] the project in early 2022 between a [01:39:35] diverse group of First Mover Partners. [01:39:38] Our partners include three global cruise [01:39:40] companies, Carnival Corporation, [01:39:42] Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Royal [01:39:44] Caribbean Group and their associated [01:39:46] brands and their cruise industry. Their [01:39:48] industry association, Cruise Lines [01:39:51] International Association. It also [01:39:53] includes two home ports for ships [01:39:55] sailing to Alaska, Seattle and Vancouver [01:39:58] Fraser Ports Authority as well as five [01:40:01] ports of call along the route in British [01:40:03] Columbia and Alaska. Also three non [01:40:06] governmental organizations with [01:40:07] connections to maritime decarbonization [01:40:10] research initiatives in the region and [01:40:12] around the world. First Mover Partners [01:40:14] joined the initiative under the [01:40:16] commitment to explore low and zero [01:40:18] emission cruising between Washington, [01:40:20] British Columbia and Alaska. [01:40:23] Next slide please. [01:40:27] So a little bit more about the corridor. [01:40:29] This slide shows a bit more detail and [01:40:32] the route we're working to demonstrate [01:40:34] low and zero emission cruise travel. [01:40:36] There are many unique aspects of a Green [01:40:38] Corridor focused on crews, including the [01:40:41] many different ports involved and [01:40:43] differences in size and resources [01:40:45] between home ports and ports of call [01:40:47] partners, some of which are rural [01:40:49] Alaskan communities. We're also looking [01:40:52] at a seasonal market which can create an [01:40:54] added challenge as fuel production [01:40:55] requires year round demand and vessels [01:40:58] are deployed to other markets when not [01:40:59] sailing out of Seattle. Finally, it's a [01:41:02] long journey to Juneau and cruise ships [01:41:04] have to consider the energy loads and [01:41:06] ship technology required to make a seven [01:41:08] day round trip cruise to Alaska on a [01:41:11] next generation fuel and also need to Page 38 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:41:14] account for passenger experience and [01:41:16] safety. Each of these variables add to [01:41:19] the challenge of this project, but also [01:41:21] show the opportunity to identify [01:41:23] solutions that could be deployed across [01:41:25] the industry. I'll now turn it over to [01:41:27] Ryan Child, Senior Environmental Program [01:41:29] Manager who will cover what we're doing [01:41:31] to find these solutions and our progress [01:41:33] to date. Thanks, Linda, and thanks to [01:41:37] the members of the commission for the [01:41:39] opportunity to present today. So we [01:41:41] launched this partnership and if we [01:41:43] could move to the next slide, please. [01:41:46] So we launched this partnership two and [01:41:47] a half years ago and I'm really excited [01:41:49] to share our progress with commission [01:41:51] today. In our first year after [01:41:54] launching, we really focused on [01:41:56] convening the partnership and our [01:41:57] initial discussion discussions focused [01:41:59] on building a strong foundation. So we [01:42:02] focused on confirming that we had [01:42:04] aligned objectives, that we all [01:42:06] understood kind of what our commitments [01:42:08] within this partnership, and also [01:42:11] confirming our definitions around what a [01:42:13] green corridor is and what we're doing [01:42:15] together. All that work was formalized [01:42:18] into creating a project charter, which [01:42:19] we were able to sign in early 2023. [01:42:23] And then first movers really came to the [01:42:25] table in this partnership originally [01:42:27] around a commitment to explore the [01:42:29] feasibility of low and zero emission [01:42:31] cruising. And so we really reached a big [01:42:33] milestone in 2023 when we began working [01:42:36] on scoping a feasibility study. And we [01:42:39] were able to Engage the Mayor McKinney [01:42:41] Moeller center for Zero Carbon Shipping [01:42:43] to help us think about that study. And [01:42:46] the Marist center is the leading global [01:42:48] think tank in advising green quarter [01:42:50] projects and maritime decarbonization [01:42:53] research around the world. So last fall [01:42:56] we reached a major milestone in that we [01:42:59] launched the feasibility study, we began [01:43:01] technical work. We were able to hire [01:43:04] some consultant support to do that, as [01:43:06] well as initiate work across different [01:43:07] partners in the study. And I'll speak to [01:43:10] the scope of that study in more detail [01:43:12] in the next few slides. In addition to [01:43:15] launching the feasibility study, I also [01:43:17] want to highlight some other areas that [01:43:20] we have identified for collaboration [01:43:23] that are needed to make this effort [01:43:25] real. So we stood up several working [01:43:26] groups focused on stakeholder [01:43:28] engagement, policy advocacy, as well as [01:43:31] a working group focused on developing a [01:43:33] greenhouse gas emissions baseline. [01:43:37] And I'll speak to that work a little bit Page 39 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:43:40] later on in the presentation. So, next [01:43:42] slide. [01:43:45] So I wanted to share more about the [01:43:48] scope and approach for the green [01:43:49] methanol feasibility study that's now [01:43:51] underway. The study is led by the Maris [01:43:54] McKinney Moeller center for Zero Carbon [01:43:55] Shipping, and the MAR center is [01:43:57] providing in kind support for the [01:43:59] project under their mission to [01:44:01] accelerate the decarbonization of the [01:44:03] maritime industry. We worked with the [01:44:06] center in to scope the study and [01:44:09] partners agreed to the project goal of [01:44:12] assessing the feasibility of four cruise [01:44:14] vessels sailing on green methanol to [01:44:16] Alaska by 2032 with the first methanol [01:44:20] powered ship in the water by 2030 within [01:44:23] the context of the study, we also assume [01:44:26] that bunkering will only take place at [01:44:28] the home ports. So that's Seattle as [01:44:29] Well as Vancouver, B.C. so we're not [01:44:32] looking, at least in this initial phase [01:44:34] of study, into the feasibility of [01:44:36] bunkering along the way or bunkering [01:44:38] green methanol up in Alaska, because we [01:44:41] are working with the Mayor Center. The [01:44:43] Mayor center developed a blueprint for [01:44:45] how to conduct feasibility studies on [01:44:47] green corridor projects. And their [01:44:49] methodology is really focused around [01:44:51] understanding the technical feasibility, [01:44:54] the regulatory feasibility, and then the [01:44:56] financial feasibility of a project. So [01:45:00] the feasibility of green methanol and [01:45:01] cruise. So that means that a key output [01:45:04] of this analysis is to inform a cost [01:45:07] gap. And what that means is what is the [01:45:09] additional cost of green methanol for [01:45:11] crews in the Alaska market compared to [01:45:14] conventional fuels? And the Mayer [01:45:16] Center's theory of change is around. If [01:45:19] you can really identify that cost gap [01:45:22] specific to this area and then work to [01:45:25] close that cost gap, that is what makes [01:45:27] a project feasible. So a lot of the [01:45:30] study is really oriented around kind of [01:45:32] understanding these corridor specific [01:45:34] costs. As I mentioned, we were able to [01:45:37] launch into technical work of that study [01:45:39] last fall that works. It remains [01:45:41] underway. And study partners signed a [01:45:44] project commitment letter, which is a [01:45:47] letter just formalizing the different [01:45:49] organizations that are involved in the [01:45:51] study, known as the Project Consortium, [01:45:54] and then also formalizing our [01:45:55] partnership with the Maris McKinney [01:45:57] Mohler Center. We expect to have results [01:46:00] of the study later this year and look [01:46:02] forward to sharing those. Next slide, [01:46:05] please. So before I [01:46:08] get into more around the scope of the Page 40 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:46:10] feasibility study, I wanted to stop and [01:46:13] just explain, kind of answer the [01:46:15] question of what is methanol? So we're [01:46:17] talking about a potentially new zero [01:46:20] carbon fuel. So what do we really mean [01:46:22] when we say methanol and what does green [01:46:24] methanol really mean? So methanol is [01:46:27] part of the alcohol family of chemical [01:46:29] compounds. It has properties similar to [01:46:32] ethanol, which is used in fuels today. [01:46:35] And methanol is not used widely today [01:46:38] as a marine fuel, but it is used [01:46:40] commonly in many different chemical and [01:46:43] manufacturing processes. And methanol [01:46:47] has advantages over some of the other [01:46:49] emerging alternative marine fuels like [01:46:51] ammonia or hydrogen. It has less [01:46:55] volatile properties. It can be stored as [01:46:57] a liquid at ambient temperatures. And it [01:47:01] also, because it's used in these [01:47:03] different processes already today, it [01:47:05] has an existing supply chain, so it can [01:47:07] be moved. It's already shipped around [01:47:09] the world. It's transported by rail [01:47:10] around the world. So that reduces some [01:47:12] of the regulatory barriers that we're [01:47:15] looking at in terms of Its use as a [01:47:16] fuel, methanol, also offers air emission [01:47:20] reduction benefits and has carbon [01:47:22] reduction potential. And I say carbon [01:47:25] reduction potential because if you look [01:47:27] at the molecule of methanol, which is [01:47:29] dependent depicted on the slide here, [01:47:31] it contains carbon. That's the big C in [01:47:35] that molecular diagram. And so that [01:47:37] means that to produce methanol, you do [01:47:40] need a carbon input or what's known as a [01:47:43] feedstock. And so to be considered [01:47:46] green, green methanol production [01:47:48] requires the use of a carbon form from [01:47:51] either a waste source or captured carbon [01:47:54] from the atmosphere, or captured. [01:47:55] Captured from another chemical process. [01:47:58] So in that way, the carbon content of [01:48:00] the green methanol can be considered net [01:48:02] zero, as when the green methanol is [01:48:05] burned, if that carbon is from a true [01:48:07] waste source or captured carbon, no [01:48:10] additional carbon is added to the [01:48:12] atmosphere. Next slide. [01:48:18] So we worked with the Mayer center to [01:48:20] form a project consortium to lead the [01:48:23] feasibility study. And the feasibility [01:48:25] study really covers all aspects of the [01:48:28] value chain when we look at how to [01:48:31] produce green methanol, how to transport [01:48:33] it, how to store it, bunker it at ports, [01:48:36] looking at ship deployment on vessels [01:48:39] that can run on methanol, and then also [01:48:41] looking at passenger willingness to pay. [01:48:43] So we have different organizations that [01:48:45] are involved in the study, all leading [01:48:47] each of these different work streams. Page 41 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:48:49] We've partnered with a green methanol [01:48:51] fuel producer, Hytogen usa. [01:48:54] They are leading the fuel production [01:48:56] analysis, which will be based on their [01:48:58] actual fuel production pathways as well [01:49:00] as their actual costs. And I'll note [01:49:03] that hydrogen's participation in the [01:49:05] study is there, sort of informing the [01:49:07] analysis, but there's no commercial [01:49:09] arrangement with their participation in [01:49:12] the study. So no commercial agreement in [01:49:15] terms of who would actually provide this [01:49:17] fuel in the future. And then our team at [01:49:20] Port of Seattle, we're working closely [01:49:22] with Vancouver Fraser Port Authority [01:49:25] within the ports work stream. And we're [01:49:26] looking at the port infrastructure that [01:49:29] is required to transport, store and [01:49:31] bunker green methanol. As a marine fuel [01:49:34] Cruise Lines International association [01:49:36] is a really important partner in this [01:49:38] work. When we originally were engaging [01:49:40] the Marist center in how we could use [01:49:43] their methodology to do a feasibility [01:49:45] study, the Mayor center doesn't [01:49:47] typically work with multiple commercial [01:49:49] partners within a green quarter [01:49:52] feasibility study. And we had already [01:49:55] formed this partnership that includes [01:49:57] three cruise lines that are all [01:49:59] different competing publicly traded [01:50:01] companies. So we had to navigate that [01:50:03] and how we could continue to keep these [01:50:06] three different cruise businesses [01:50:08] engaged in the project, while also kind [01:50:11] of protecting their confidential [01:50:13] business data and allowing them all to [01:50:15] engage in the work. And so that was [01:50:17] where CLIA came in in leading the vessel [01:50:19] decarbonization work stream as well as [01:50:21] the passenger willingness to pay work [01:50:23] stream. They are aggregating, [01:50:27] working across the three different [01:50:28] cruise businesses that are involved in [01:50:30] the project to aggregate and anonymize [01:50:33] information into the study to allow [01:50:36] those the cruise lines to each play a [01:50:39] role in the analysis. And then I want to [01:50:43] highlight the passenger willingness to [01:50:44] pay analysis, which is important in the [01:50:46] context of the study because the Marist [01:50:48] Center's methodology really centers [01:50:51] around how you close that cost gap for [01:50:54] that cost premium of green methanol. [01:50:56] And so passenger willing, the [01:50:58] willingness of passengers to pay more [01:51:01] for a greener cruise is one potential [01:51:03] driver in closing that cost gap. So it's [01:51:06] important to understand that. And then [01:51:09] the Mayor Center's role in this [01:51:11] consortium is they kind of play a role [01:51:13] in terms of overall project manager, [01:51:16] ensuring that the work streams are Page 42 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:51:18] underway following the scope that has [01:51:20] been agreed to. And then they will [01:51:22] consolidate the results from each of [01:51:24] these work streams into a final cost gap [01:51:27] analysis. And then at the completion of [01:51:29] the study, they will lead discussions [01:51:31] about next steps to begin developing a [01:51:34] roadmap for implementation. Next slide. [01:51:39] So this slide provides kind of a visual [01:51:42] overview of that scope of the study. [01:51:45] And I think it really helps highlight [01:51:47] how what we're looking at on this green [01:51:49] methanol feasibility study is the whole [01:51:52] supply chain. So we're looking at what's [01:51:55] the feasibility of green methanol [01:51:57] production? How do we produce enough [01:51:59] green methanol to serve four cruise [01:52:01] ships in one season by 2032? [01:52:04] How do we transport that fuel from the [01:52:07] fuel production facility to directly [01:52:10] bunker it onto the cruise ship or store [01:52:12] it in the port area? Looking at the home [01:52:15] ports of what's the feasibility of [01:52:18] methanol storage and bunkering? What [01:52:20] kind of infrastructure do we need at our [01:52:23] home ports to support that? And then on [01:52:25] the vessel side, how do you build and [01:52:28] deliver a vessel that is capable of [01:52:30] running on methanol on a seven day [01:52:33] itinerary to Alaska and back only [01:52:35] bunkering at the home ports and then [01:52:38] even on the port of call side as well. [01:52:41] There's some regulatory feasibility [01:52:43] questions to understand. Are there any [01:52:46] regulatory gaps for having a methanol [01:52:48] powered vessel call at your port? And [01:52:51] how do we resolve those gaps and [01:52:53] questions? Next slide. [01:53:01] So the Pacific Northwest to Alaska first [01:53:03] movers are also coordinating on other [01:53:06] initiatives in support of the green [01:53:08] Mackinaw feasibility study and in [01:53:10] support of our overall objective of [01:53:12] exploring low and zero emission cruising [01:53:14] in Alaska. So I wanted to highlight a [01:53:16] few of these other initiatives, the [01:53:18] First Movers formed working groups on [01:53:20] stakeholder Engagement and Policy [01:53:22] advocacy. The Stakeholder Engagement [01:53:25] Working Group coordinates shared [01:53:26] messaging and communications [01:53:27] opportunities, and that working group [01:53:30] has really had some major [01:53:31] accomplishments in convening two [01:53:33] webinars to provide annual updates on [01:53:35] the project in both 2023 and 2024, and [01:53:39] those webinars were attended by over 200 [01:53:41] people. We anticipate having at least [01:53:44] another communication moment or webinar [01:53:47] this year as well. The Policy Advocacy [01:53:50] Working Group is one of our more newly [01:53:53] formed working groups which formed last [01:53:55] year at the request of First Movers and Page 43 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:53:58] they are developing a strategy to engage [01:54:00] policymakers in the US And Canada to [01:54:03] advocate for policies that support [01:54:05] sustainable maritime fuels and a [01:54:07] supportive policy environment. For a [01:54:09] Green Corridor Project to happen, [01:54:12] then Our work on this greenhouse gas [01:54:15] emissions baseline and tracking comes [01:54:17] from thinking about how we can measure [01:54:20] and communicate our progress. And so [01:54:23] last year First Movers agreed to develop [01:54:25] a baseline as a starting point to [01:54:27] understand the extent of greenhouse gas [01:54:30] emissions associated with cruise ships [01:54:32] that are involved in the Screen Corridor [01:54:34] project. So we worked with CLIA [01:54:39] and the cruise lines to aggregate [01:54:41] verified fuel consumption and emissions [01:54:43] data that's reported to the IMO and [01:54:46] compile that information for 2019 and [01:54:49] 2023 specific to home port cruise ships [01:54:53] that are involved in this effort, from [01:54:55] the cruise lines and brands that are [01:54:57] involved in this effort. Those that work [01:55:00] is underway and the results are under [01:55:02] review by the First Mover partners and [01:55:05] we'll be discussing a process for [01:55:07] regular reporting as well as continuing [01:55:09] to track fuel consumption and greenhouse [01:55:12] gas emissions. Next Slide [01:55:17] so this is my final slide and I wanted [01:55:19] to just highlight some next steps for [01:55:22] the year ahead. Our first MBRS met in an [01:55:24] in person meeting in Vancouver, B.C. [01:55:27] just a few weeks ago in late January and [01:55:29] we discussed our work plan for 2025 and [01:55:32] confirmed our priorities for this year. [01:55:34] And really what rose to the top is [01:55:36] priority number one is completing the [01:55:38] Green Methanol feasibility study, since [01:55:40] that is kind of indicative of what [01:55:42] partners kind of came to the table to [01:55:44] accomplish and we look forward to [01:55:47] sharing those results. We anticipate the [01:55:49] study would be complete sometime around [01:55:51] third quarter this year, around this [01:55:53] summer, and then we would hope to share [01:55:55] those results publicly by the end of [01:55:57] this year. We do anticipate [01:56:00] opportunities for Commission engagement [01:56:02] this year, of course ensure sharing the [01:56:04] feasibility study results as those are [01:56:07] available, but also see an opportunity [01:56:10] to engage the Commission in discussions [01:56:12] around next steps for how to leverage [01:56:14] those results and next steps for roadmap [01:56:17] development as well. And then [01:56:19] additionally as we look to engage [01:56:21] policymakers and other elected [01:56:23] officials. We also see an opportunity to [01:56:25] work with commissioners on that advocacy [01:56:27] approach. And then lastly, I wanted to [01:56:30] mention that we are, as was mentioned, Page 44 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:56:34] we're not the only green quarter project [01:56:36] coming out of the Seattle Tacoma [01:56:37] Gateway. So we are also continuing to [01:56:40] coordinate closely with the Northwest [01:56:42] Seaport alliance on their cargo focused [01:56:44] green quarter projects with the Republic [01:56:46] of Korea. We're working very closely at [01:56:49] a staff level, particularly around how [01:56:51] we look at kind of overall demand and [01:56:54] aggregating demand for zero emission [01:56:56] fuels in our region, as well as port [01:56:59] readiness for infrastructure that can [01:57:02] support those fuels. So we're ensuring [01:57:05] that we can leverage the findings from [01:57:08] each of our respective feasibility [01:57:10] studies and not duplicate any analysis [01:57:12] in our efforts. And now I will turn back [01:57:15] to Steve to close. Thank you. [01:57:23] Thanks, Ryan and Sarah and Linda as [01:57:26] well. I'd like to close by reiterating [01:57:28] the commitment that we made to this [01:57:29] project and the commitment of our first [01:57:31] mover partners. You know, it became [01:57:34] obvious we had the, we had the symposium [01:57:36] or the, the conference up on the Pacific [01:57:39] Northwest Cruise Conference put on by [01:57:42] clia and as we got together, the [01:57:44] commitment remained strong on moving [01:57:46] ahead on the green corridor. There was [01:57:47] no change with the administration of our [01:57:49] partners. Both CLIA and the cruise lines [01:57:51] and all of our partners are moving [01:57:53] forward on this initiative. So even with [01:57:55] the administration change, we still have [01:57:57] commitment across all of our partners on [01:57:59] this progress moving forward. Matter of [01:58:00] fact, they reiterated, as we heard in [01:58:03] the beginning, their commitment to that [01:58:04] 2050 and accomplishing that globally. [01:58:07] And so we're continuing to share how [01:58:09] this, you know, we're continuing to work [01:58:10] together on this to move this forward. [01:58:12] And we look to continuing to share how [01:58:14] our progress progresses as we meet the [01:58:16] milestones going forward. So with that, [01:58:18] commissioners, that completes our [01:58:19] presentation and we're open for any [01:58:21] questions. Wonderful. Turn to my [01:58:23] colleagues to see if any questions. [01:58:25] Commissioner Cho. Yeah. Thank you so [01:58:26] much for the presentation and your [01:58:28] thorough explanation. Reminiscent of [01:58:31] high school chemistry. [01:58:34] You actually addressed one of the [01:58:36] questions I was going to have. Maybe [01:58:37] someone on the team anticipated it. And [01:58:39] that is the interplay between the cruise [01:58:42] corridor and the cargo corridor. I [01:58:45] really like that the study is focused on [01:58:47] the cost gap and what can be done to [01:58:50] close the cost gap. And it's my firm [01:58:53] belief that scale helps. And as you [01:58:55] mentioned, aggregating demand is one of Page 45 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [01:58:58] the things the port, one of the unique [01:58:59] things that ports could do. And I go [01:59:01] around preaching that all the time [01:59:02] whenever I go talk at conferences. And [01:59:05] so I know that these are happening in [01:59:08] parallel, it's a Roro and you [01:59:12] have one that's on railroad vessels, [01:59:14] one on cargo and then you have the [01:59:15] cruise. But I do think that there is [01:59:17] potential for us to stack the demand for [01:59:20] methanol from all these types of [01:59:22] vessels. And so hopefully and I think [01:59:25] the McKinney Morris center actually did [01:59:26] the pre visibility study for the Seaporn [01:59:29] alliance when we were looking at the [01:59:31] green corridor between Korea. And so [01:59:34] they are fully aware, they should be [01:59:36] fully aware of that aspect [01:59:39] of it. And so I'm hoping that even [01:59:41] though that this is a cruise corridor [01:59:43] focus, when they talk about cost gaps, [01:59:46] feasibility, cost and production [01:59:48] capacity, they'll take into account [01:59:50] what's happening in the other realms. [01:59:53] One question I had which is not directly [01:59:56] related but tangential to this [01:59:58] conversation is obviously one of the [02:00:00] ways you get e methanol is hydrogen with [02:00:04] CO2. And given our status as one of the [02:00:08] I think it's eight hydrogen hubs. But [02:00:12] also given the status of this [02:00:13] administration, have you seen or has a [02:00:15] seat. Has the team seen any changes in [02:00:18] funding levels, commitment from the [02:00:20] federal government or how quickly PNH2 [02:00:23] is moving as a result of kind of the [02:00:26] uncertainty that we're seeing in the [02:00:28] federal government? And maybe that's a [02:00:30] Sandy question, I don't know. But I'm [02:00:32] not sure if Sarah, if Sarah wants to [02:00:34] comment on it. But go ahead, Sarah. And [02:00:36] I'll add to that. Yeah, at this point [02:00:38] I'm not aware of any specific, you know, [02:00:41] major impacts. I think many people are [02:00:45] monitoring a lot of changes that are [02:00:46] happening clearly to funding, staffing [02:00:49] commitments. But I know that there's [02:00:52] also kind of an enduring interest in [02:00:55] energy regardless of politics. So that [02:00:58] gives us some hope. And I would say is [02:01:01] I'm looking around to see if Eric [02:01:03] Schinfeld is because that continues to [02:01:05] be something we're going to. We're [02:01:06] monitoring. You know, a lot of those [02:01:08] grants came out of the IRA and [02:01:09] especially for the hydrogen hubs and but [02:01:12] I think in the hydrogen hubs themselves, [02:01:13] they're distributed between red and blue [02:01:16] states throughout the nation. So I think [02:01:18] there's projects going on. So I think [02:01:19] that's one of the factors going into [02:01:21] that. But we'll continue. We don't know [02:01:23] of any drawback or clawback of funds or Page 46 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:01:26] anything right now. Will the feasibility [02:01:29] study include, [02:01:32] you know, sites? What does it go down to [02:01:35] the level of like site selection or. [02:01:40] I don't know. There's hypothetical [02:01:42] locations that you would transport the [02:01:44] fuel from, but it doesn't evaluate like [02:01:47] siting for Them Brian, want to add on? [02:01:50] Yeah. And for looking at storage, it [02:01:54] will tell us kind of how many acres you [02:01:58] would need, kind of what are some basic [02:02:00] specs around what you would need for [02:02:02] those sites. But we're not going to [02:02:04] level of detail of like prioritizing [02:02:06] different sites for where that storage [02:02:08] could take place. We're kind of looking [02:02:11] in terms because we're also looking at [02:02:13] the transportation piece. So we need to [02:02:15] make some assumptions about like where [02:02:16] we're transporting to and from. And so [02:02:19] we're looking at some existing areas [02:02:21] for, for existing operations. Like the [02:02:25] fuel currently comes out of Ferndale, [02:02:28] Washington and gets bunkered down to [02:02:30] Terminal 91 and Pier 66. We also there's [02:02:33] existing fuel storage on harbor island, [02:02:37] for instance. So kind of making [02:02:40] assumptions around future sites would [02:02:42] kind of need to be areas that are zoned [02:02:47] for and perhaps probably existing kind [02:02:49] of industrial like fuel storage areas. [02:02:52] Great, thank you. [02:02:58] Go for it. Hold on to mine. [02:03:00] Commissioner Felleman. Well, thank you. [02:03:03] It's great to see the updates and [02:03:05] appreciate all the work you're doing. I [02:03:07] just, I got a couple of questions. One [02:03:09] was, well, it's nice to think about the [02:03:12] aggregation of demand. It just seems [02:03:15] that Dyke and saf, there's more demand [02:03:19] than there's production. And so we have [02:03:22] the catch 22 of. [02:03:25] I was really quite amazed. In addition [02:03:28] to, you know, our corridors, we had [02:03:30] that, that page which showed all the [02:03:33] green corridors, even though they were [02:03:35] in different colors, they're still all [02:03:37] green corridors. Right. Whether they [02:03:40] were port initiated or whatever. [02:03:43] But that's a lot of fuel if everybody's [02:03:46] caradizing. And so that's just [02:03:49] one obvious challenge that we're all [02:03:52] going to face. And I know with [02:03:56] the SAF situation, it's like an airline [02:04:00] just has to commit to having a large [02:04:02] offtake agreement and the refineries [02:04:04] will respond. And so there's a bit of a [02:04:07] kit chicken and egg problem. So [02:04:09] somebody's going to have to commit to [02:04:11] it. And so hopefully the. This very [02:04:14] defined corridor that we're dealing with [02:04:15] in Cruise will allow for a commitment to [02:04:19] be made. And it's, you know, one of the Page 47 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:04:21] things I did notice though, you know, [02:04:23] it's a, it's a bit of a different route [02:04:24] if you leave out of Vancouver than if [02:04:26] you leave out of Seattle. You know, [02:04:27] much more open water and probably a [02:04:31] shorter, it's a shorter distance if you [02:04:33] start in Vancouver, I would imagine so. [02:04:35] I don't know if you measuring the fuel [02:04:39] consumption, it would probably be [02:04:40] different depending on which port you [02:04:42] leave out. Of but that's really one of [02:04:45] my biggest interests has always been the [02:04:50] baseline. Like how do you measure [02:04:53] success? And based on what I mean the [02:04:56] relative change is important, but how [02:04:58] are we going to compare fuel consumption [02:05:00] to or greenhouse gas emissions compared [02:05:04] to other modalities? And so what you [02:05:06] said here, which was, you know, seems [02:05:09] like one of the most straightforward is [02:05:10] just fuel consumption. So is that the. [02:05:13] Because I know there's also to [02:05:15] controversy at the IMO about the way [02:05:17] cruise wants to talk about energy [02:05:19] intensity use compared to other shipping [02:05:22] lines and you know, to take all that off [02:05:25] the table and just talk about fuel burn, [02:05:28] that seems to be the cleanest way to [02:05:31] measure fuel, you know, greenhouse gas [02:05:33] emissions. So is that the intention the [02:05:36] cruise lines actually have to report to [02:05:39] the IMO their fuel consumption? [02:05:43] That's what I read. There are reportings [02:05:47] to the imo. Yes. And then we're doing a [02:05:50] unique baseline for this cruise corridor [02:05:53] that aggregates up all the vessels that [02:05:55] are in the Green Corridor partnership [02:05:58] going from Seattle or Vancouver to [02:06:00] Alaska. And there's lots of different [02:06:03] metrics, but really it is about fuel [02:06:05] consumption and the type of fuel and the [02:06:08] emissions. And Ryan can provide more [02:06:11] detail about that if you like, around [02:06:13] what's measured. Yeah, I would assume [02:06:15] you're going to have two separate fuel [02:06:17] burns based on the port of. Obviously [02:06:20] you aggregate, you anonymize the data, [02:06:22] but it seems like a bank. There would be [02:06:25] a Vancouver number and a Seattle number [02:06:28] for the effort that we're [02:06:31] doing right now. And this involved a [02:06:34] lot of discussion with CLIA and the [02:06:36] cruise lines to kind of get them on [02:06:38] board to share this level of information [02:06:41] is that it's aggregated across the whole [02:06:44] project. So we're not seeing like [02:06:47] the total fuel consumption associated [02:06:49] with ships out of Seattle and then [02:06:51] separately total fuel consumption [02:06:53] associated with ships out of Vancouver. [02:06:54] So it's aggregated for both Seattle and [02:06:57] Vancouver. I guess that makes [02:07:00] sense not to cause one as, but one could Page 48 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:07:03] measure the length of trip and assume [02:07:08] otherwise. You know, you can take miles [02:07:11] and multiply it by gallons, but be that [02:07:15] as it may, it shouldn't be that big a [02:07:17] difference. I guess the only other. [02:07:20] So when do you expect to see a baseline? [02:07:23] When is that going to come out? So we've [02:07:27] done the data collection and we have the [02:07:30] results. They were discussed at our in [02:07:33] person meeting a few weeks ago. And so [02:07:36] now we're just kind of coming up with [02:07:38] how to communicate those results. And I [02:07:41] think right now, because what we have is [02:07:45] essentially a number in terms of fuel [02:07:47] and greenhouse gas emissions for 2019 [02:07:50] and then 2023. And so those two numbers [02:07:53] don't make up very much of kind of [02:07:55] announcement on their own. So it makes [02:07:57] sense to kind of share those along with [02:07:59] some additional information about the [02:08:01] project and kind of about what we're [02:08:03] doing on this study. So we're working to [02:08:05] put that together together and working [02:08:07] with partners on a commitment for how to [02:08:09] share that. So I'm just trying to get [02:08:13] clear. So you have 19 and 23. [02:08:17] And so are you going to release that as [02:08:20] a ballpark, as a, as a baseline? [02:08:25] Yes, our intention is to, is to share [02:08:27] that. It's just, it's still being [02:08:31] reviewed by our partners, so we just [02:08:33] haven't released it publicly yet. And [02:08:35] it's based on fuel burn. Yes. All right, [02:08:38] last thing. So I was on the SEA change, [02:08:41] the first hydrogen ferry that went to [02:08:43] San Francisco built at American shipyard [02:08:46] up here. American Marine. Yeah. In [02:08:49] Bellingham. They asking them what was [02:08:51] their greatest challenge. Coast Guard [02:08:54] certification. They had no, no tools to [02:08:57] work with. So there was like starting [02:08:58] from scratch. And so obviously [02:09:02] they learned something from this [02:09:03] process. But a cruise ship is a little [02:09:05] bit bigger than a fast ferry. [02:09:08] So where do you see in all these things [02:09:12] for that development to be able to keep [02:09:14] up with you? Yeah, I mean that's [02:09:17] definitely part of the study and part of [02:09:19] kind of the regulatory feasibility [02:09:22] piece. And I think that's going to be a [02:09:25] big part of kind of the vessel [02:09:27] decarbonization pathway work that CLIA [02:09:30] is working on and the cruise lines are [02:09:31] working on for us. We did have a [02:09:34] conversation with the Coast Guard, so [02:09:35] we're trying to understand where there [02:09:37] is existing regulatory gaps. We did hear [02:09:40] from them that there's some interim [02:09:42] guidance around or interim guidelines [02:09:45] for methanol vessel design. And they [02:09:49] didn't really highlight any major gaps, [02:09:51] but would note that it's going to take a Page 49 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:09:54] process and some engagement with them on [02:09:56] kind of making this happen. We also have [02:09:59] already had a methanol powered vessel [02:10:02] enter the gateway with the let. Maersk [02:10:05] came last fall to Tacoma. And that [02:10:08] really highlighted that this is [02:10:09] happening and it can happen. And when [02:10:12] staff heard about that, we were sort of [02:10:13] like, oh, it's already happened. We need [02:10:16] to find out how and what sort of hoops [02:10:19] do they need to jump through. Because [02:10:20] that's exactly what we're trying to [02:10:21] study in the study is like, what are the [02:10:23] issues there? So that was also really [02:10:25] promising as well to see that, you know, [02:10:28] this is being worked out already. And [02:10:30] that's one of like six that Amazon [02:10:32] called for, I think, to make that [02:10:34] happen. So that's great. Thank you so [02:10:35] much for the update. Commissioner [02:10:38] Mohammed, do you have any questions? [02:10:43] No questions, but I did want to make [02:10:45] just some general comments and thank [02:10:49] the staff for this work that you all are [02:10:50] doing. I remember when we went to [02:10:54] Vancouver to make the announcement of [02:10:56] the first mover and that initial [02:10:58] commitment was being made. It was like [02:11:00] these high level ideas. Everybody was [02:11:02] really excited and just to see how it's [02:11:04] all unfolding is amazing. And you know, [02:11:08] I, I think for the listening public this [02:11:11] work is really difficult. Right. This [02:11:14] idea that we're going to decarbonize [02:11:17] everything overnight, there's not a [02:11:20] switch. If we had that switch, we would [02:11:21] switch it and make it happen right away. [02:11:23] It really takes intentional work, [02:11:25] collaboration, commitment from both our [02:11:28] external partners to work with us to [02:11:31] accomplish these really big goals that [02:11:33] we have. And combating the realities of [02:11:37] climate change really does take [02:11:40] accountability, innovation and honesty. [02:11:44] And we're leaning into those challenges [02:11:46] as a port. And I want to thank our [02:11:48] partners for consistently coming to the [02:11:50] table, meeting us where we're at with [02:11:53] these big ideas that we bring forward. [02:11:55] And again, just want to thank the staff [02:11:57] that is leading this work. Thank you so [02:11:59] much. [02:12:02] Thank you. How safe [02:12:06] is methanol? [02:12:11] Does it go boom? Well, [02:12:15] of course my scientists would want to [02:12:17] ask by what Metruck and test do you want [02:12:19] to answer that? And so with, I think [02:12:22] with all fuels we're dealing, we have to [02:12:24] manage that risk. Yeah. So go ahead. [02:12:28] Yeah, I'll be glad. It's flammable like [02:12:30] any other fuel. It is, it is flammable. [02:12:32] I think it has some unique Page 50 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:12:33] characteristics since I used to be a [02:12:35] first responder, as unique [02:12:37] characteristics. When it burns, it can [02:12:39] burn. It's different. It's hard to see [02:12:42] the flames, you know, if you, if you do [02:12:44] in a respond to it. So there's some [02:12:46] aspects about that. But that's why, you [02:12:48] know, like any fuel, you have to have [02:12:50] first responders and involved as you [02:12:52] bring it in. The regulations that you [02:12:55] were talking about, that Commissioner [02:12:57] Felleman was talking about, we've talked, [02:13:00] you know, in addition, we've. The Coast [02:13:01] Guard is coming in to talk to us more [02:13:03] about this. They're both on the [02:13:04] regulatory side and the other side of it [02:13:07] as well. So they're continuing to look [02:13:08] at that. But you know, like any, if you [02:13:10] were bringing a new fuel in, you'd want [02:13:11] to talk to the Coast Guard, but you'd [02:13:13] also want to talk to our first [02:13:14] responders in Seattle. Seattle fire. [02:13:17] And I think They've been in Seattle of [02:13:18] the conversations that have occurred [02:13:19] about that. Right. [02:13:24] So I heard you say that this [02:13:28] would need to go into a place that's [02:13:29] appropriately zoned. But are, are our [02:13:32] industrial lands currently zoned for [02:13:34] fuel storage or [02:13:38] is that an area for potential future [02:13:41] collaboration with the city in a [02:13:42] conversation with them for future [02:13:44] discussion? I'm not prepared to evaluate [02:13:47] our zoning on this topic. [02:13:50] Yeah, I mean there is fuel storage that [02:13:52] is not presenting on that today. [02:13:56] Apologies. But we could look into that [02:13:57] more. I think that would be part of that [02:14:00] analysis that comes out on its [02:14:01] suitability. If you're going to have to [02:14:03] have storage tanks with the suitability, [02:14:05] what's the zoning and all that would [02:14:07] come out of that. It'd be akin to the [02:14:09] bunkering we see already in the harbor. [02:14:13] Those, those lands Commissioner Cho [02:14:15] asked questions about the scope of the [02:14:17] feasibility study. But does it [02:14:21] include an assessment of infrastructure [02:14:25] needs or potential updates or [02:14:27] investments for our properties for [02:14:30] a. To support an operation with [02:14:34] a methanol based vessel? [02:14:38] Yes. So it's looking at what [02:14:41] infrastructure we would need to store [02:14:44] methanol. So it's kind of, it's looking [02:14:46] at first of all like how much methanol [02:14:48] is needed for these four ships and then [02:14:50] how much you would need to store at a [02:14:52] time, how much you would need to bunker. [02:14:54] So how many bunker vessels would you [02:14:55] need. And then also yes, any additional [02:15:00] improvements that would need to be made Page 51 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:15:02] to our docks in terms of like to meet [02:15:04] some of the safety requirements around [02:15:06] having a vessel be bunkered at our [02:15:09] facilities. So it'll look into those [02:15:11] issues. And then for this [02:15:15] assessment are we taking into [02:15:17] consideration other ports that have done [02:15:19] this successfully and are already [02:15:21] supporting methanol vessels. [02:15:26] We have been in kind of our overall [02:15:29] program around looking at how we can [02:15:31] support sustainable maritime fuels, [02:15:33] looking to other ports as good examples [02:15:36] and then also within the study as well [02:15:38] kind of trying to take those lessons in [02:15:40] terms of particularly where there's [02:15:43] already within like the International [02:15:45] association of Ports and Harbors has [02:15:47] different bunkering guidelines for [02:15:49] methanol. So kind of looking to [02:15:52] international guidelines as they exist [02:15:55] in that vein. I just want to chime in [02:15:57] and mention about [02:16:01] two weeks ago we were in Tampa with our [02:16:04] colleagues at the AAPA Power Summit and [02:16:07] had the opportunity to meet with [02:16:09] clusters of other member other ports who [02:16:12] are working on green corridors and [02:16:14] convened. We did the same thing last [02:16:15] year and so that partnership and kind of [02:16:17] lessons learned and sharing about the [02:16:19] challenges and. And it's just been [02:16:21] really helpful and we plan to continue [02:16:23] that and We've been talking to APA about [02:16:25] how we might maintain that type of a [02:16:27] venue for that sharing of lessons and [02:16:30] ambitions. And then my last question is, [02:16:33] I'm glad to hear that you're getting [02:16:35] lessons learned from other areas. We [02:16:37] talk about how cruise is sort of [02:16:41] trailblazing for other sectors in [02:16:43] maritime and Commissioner Cho will soon [02:16:46] be going to Busan for the signing of an [02:16:48] MOU exploring a green cargo corridor. [02:16:52] How are some of these lessons learned [02:16:55] being shared outwards with other areas [02:16:58] of the industry in [02:17:05] the future? Well, I think there's [02:17:09] the. Ryan spoke about the stakeholder [02:17:12] and communication team. So we've been [02:17:14] promoting our work through their [02:17:16] different venues. Ryan, are there [02:17:19] specific things in the upcoming work [02:17:21] plan that would be relevant to this? [02:17:25] Yeah, I think, I mean, we're trying to [02:17:27] share our progress in a lot of different [02:17:29] menus from going to different [02:17:31] conferences, engaging with other ports, [02:17:34] other ring corridor projects. I think [02:17:36] also just looking at like the other, [02:17:38] the two other ring quarter corridor is [02:17:39] happening in our region. On those [02:17:42] feasibility studies that are underway, Page 52 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:17:44] they've really focused more on kind of [02:17:47] fuel production and bunkering on the [02:17:50] Republic of Korea side of the corridor. [02:17:53] And so I think there's an opportunity, [02:17:55] particularly with the cruise focus green [02:17:57] corridor because those vessels do need [02:17:59] to bunker here. So it's really an [02:18:00] opportunity to kind of, as you, as you [02:18:04] mentioned, like the cruise industry [02:18:06] being kind of a first mover in this and [02:18:08] so just kind of sharing lessons in our [02:18:10] study kind of across these other [02:18:12] projects for how we look at like [02:18:15] bunkering infrastructure, storage [02:18:17] infrastructure for cargo as well. So I [02:18:19] think even within our gateway there's [02:18:21] kind of the opportunity to share what [02:18:23] we're learning in our study because [02:18:25] they're going to move into that next [02:18:27] phase of their project and looking more [02:18:29] around kind of the port infrastructure [02:18:32] and Seattle and Tacoma for cargo as well [02:18:34] in the next few months. Well, it's an [02:18:37] exciting next step in the, you know, [02:18:40] living the philosophy and the [02:18:43] plan to be able to transform port [02:18:45] operations into a clean energy future. [02:18:48] It's really exciting. So thank you so [02:18:49] much for your leadership. This is where [02:18:51] the river meets the road. So thank you [02:18:53] very much for the presentation. Thank [02:18:56] you. Okay, we are going to. Oh yes. [02:18:58] Executive Director, Director Mitchik, [02:19:00] President Hasegawa, since we have the [02:19:03] environmental team here, I wonder if I [02:19:04] can ask a favor. I know we have a member [02:19:07] of the team that's retiring and Kathy [02:19:10] Baynek is retiring. I just learned today [02:19:13] that she's retiring after 20. Come on up [02:19:15] so we can embarrass you. [02:19:18] I Thought I'd just take a couple minutes [02:19:20] because Kathy's been to recognize [02:19:23] Kathy. She'll be retiring after more [02:19:25] than 25 years here at the port. And [02:19:27] she's a senior manager of a remediation [02:19:29] and contracting team with the Maritime [02:19:31] Department of Environment and [02:19:33] Sustainability. And under technical [02:19:35] leadership, she successfully advanced [02:19:37] some of her most complex cleanup [02:19:39] projects on the properties and [02:19:40] environments, including the Lower [02:19:42] Duwamish Waterway, east waterway, and [02:19:44] the T191 remediation. She's done this [02:19:47] with incredible grace and dedication [02:19:51] during that time period. And so some of [02:19:52] these. I don't know, Kathy, maybe you [02:19:54] could tell us how long some of these [02:19:55] you've been working on some of these and [02:19:57] they come to. But a lot of these have [02:19:58] come to fruition. And I know that she's [02:20:00] seen as an anchor in a very complicated [02:20:03] world of bringing things together. And Page 53 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:20:06] she's dedicated not only to her team and [02:20:08] the port, but to the race values as [02:20:10] well. And her contributions will live [02:20:12] here at the port for a long time. So I [02:20:14] thought it would just be, since this is [02:20:15] her last commission meeting, to bring [02:20:17] her up in front of her colleagues and [02:20:19] thank her. So thank you. Thank you. [02:20:22] Thanks. [02:20:27] You want to talk a little bit, say a few [02:20:29] words? Kath? So I was going to say what [02:20:31] Steve said. So three of the projects [02:20:33] that I've worked on, one started in [02:20:35] 2001, Lower Duwamish harbor island, [02:20:39] which East Waterway is part of, started [02:20:41] in 1985. I was not working on it at the [02:20:44] time, and T91 we've been [02:20:48] working on since 1999. So all [02:20:51] of those sites have gotten to some part [02:20:54] of cleanup, but not total cleanup. [02:20:57] So seeing the progress they've made, [02:21:00] though it took a long time to get there, [02:21:01] has been very gratifying. And just being [02:21:05] a port employee, a public employee, has [02:21:08] been, you know, a blessing for me [02:21:11] because we get to do work that helps [02:21:15] the environment and we're not always [02:21:18] penny pinching like you have to do in [02:21:20] consulting and some of that. So I've [02:21:22] really appreciated the work that I've [02:21:23] done so well. We appreciate the [02:21:27] work that you've done. You know, [02:21:29] somebody who's relatively new to the [02:21:31] port, you know, you show up here and you [02:21:33] just see the tremendous amount of work [02:21:36] that's happened, and it's going to be. [02:21:38] It takes multiple generations, I think, [02:21:40] to see through some of these huge [02:21:43] product projects and from where you [02:21:45] started to where it is. I hope you also [02:21:48] take tremendous pride in being [02:21:51] a key player and help. Helping make this [02:21:54] world and our communities better. And [02:21:57] healthier and safer. And our world is [02:22:00] better for you in it. And the next step, [02:22:03] I think you can call it as one that's [02:22:06] for yourself. And so I hope that you'll [02:22:09] find immense gratification in retirement [02:22:11] as you did as a member of the port. And [02:22:14] congratulations. You've graduated to a [02:22:17] new status, but you'll always be one of [02:22:20] ours. Thanks. Do any of my colleagues [02:22:23] have any comments? [02:22:27] Congratulations in getting out before [02:22:29] the East Waterway gets over. [02:22:34] It's a daunting task and, you know, [02:22:37] Superfund is one of those things that [02:22:40] you hope your great grandkids get [02:22:41] involved with, you know. So I really [02:22:43] appreciate your tenacity and hanging in [02:22:45] there with it. It is a lot of planning. [02:22:48] Hopefully we'll get some of that mud out [02:22:50] of here pretty quick. And lower Duwamish Page 54 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:22:53] is happening. I'm really excited by [02:22:55] that. And thank you for all your work to [02:22:57] make that possible. Thanks. [02:23:00] Commissioner Felleman stole the words [02:23:02] right out of my mouth. You're getting [02:23:03] out just in time at the right time, it [02:23:05] seems like. I'm just kidding. No, [02:23:07] really appreciate your, you know, 25 [02:23:10] years of service to the Port of Seattle. [02:23:12] You know, there's a lot of history there [02:23:14] and a lot of knowledge. And so I've [02:23:18] learned being here for the last few [02:23:19] years that not everyone actually leaves [02:23:23] the port. They usually take a break and [02:23:25] come back in some capacities. So we hope [02:23:27] to keep seeing you around. I know [02:23:29] there's a lot of history and knowledge [02:23:31] that you have that we can continue to [02:23:34] leverage as we move forward with some of [02:23:36] these projects. So I certainly hope that [02:23:39] you're open to lending your expertise [02:23:41] and your knowledge to us as we go [02:23:42] forward. But I definitely wish you the [02:23:44] best in retirement, and I look forward [02:23:46] to seeing all the great things you'll do [02:23:48] in your next chapter. Thank. Thank you. [02:23:51] I also echo those same sentiments and [02:23:54] wanted to start off by saying thank you [02:23:56] so much for your service. 25 years is a [02:23:59] long time and that commitment to public [02:24:02] service means a lot. Thank you for what [02:24:05] you've done to protect our waterways and [02:24:08] our environment. That impact will be [02:24:12] lasting not just today, but it will [02:24:15] contribute to future generations to [02:24:17] come. And so I hope that you feel very [02:24:20] proud of that work. And yes, thank you [02:24:22] again for your service. Thanks. And hope [02:24:24] you enjoy your time away from this place [02:24:26] for a little bit. I'll miss aye.. Thank [02:24:30] you so much. Let's give her a round of [02:24:31] applause. [02:24:35] Congratulations. Thank you. Executive [02:24:38] Director Menschwerk. Thank you, [02:24:40] President. So we are going to go to [02:24:44] our last presentation of the day clerk [02:24:45] Harp, please read it into the record. [02:24:47] And note for the record that [02:24:49] Commissioner Cho has exited the meeting [02:24:51] and Executive Director Metruck will [02:24:53] introduce the item. Thank you. This is [02:24:55] Agenda Item 11B, the 2025 Local, [02:24:58] Regional and community engagement policy [02:25:00] priorities briefing. Commissioners, [02:25:03] under your leadership, the board has [02:25:04] ambitious policy and government [02:25:06] government relations goals and [02:25:07] priorities during a time of substantial [02:25:09] change and uncertainty at the federal [02:25:11] level. Our local and regional [02:25:13] partnerships are especially critical for [02:25:15] maintaining momentum on our shared [02:25:17] vision. Today's presentation on our Page 55 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:25:18] draft priorities provides a roadmap for [02:25:21] a successful future. The presenters are [02:25:23] Dave Kaplan, Local government Relations [02:25:26] Manager. Severino Boyu, Regional [02:25:28] government Relations manager, Roxanne [02:25:30] Murphy, Senior Manager, Tribal [02:25:32] Relations, and Nate Kaminos, Director of [02:25:35] Government Relations. So all from [02:25:37] external relations. So I'm going to [02:25:40] begin with you, Dave. [02:25:43] Commissioners, as Executive Metruck [02:25:47] already introduced us, basically, but [02:25:49] just so you know, the approach that we [02:25:51] took this year was to [02:25:55] basically, the memo contains all of the [02:25:58] priorities that you as a commission have [02:26:01] adopted or are looking to adopt. In [02:26:04] terms of the changes that we've made, [02:26:05] the updates that we've made, our [02:26:07] presentation today is really to speak [02:26:09] some of the more highly visible [02:26:11] priorities for the day. Next slide, [02:26:15] please. Unlike our state and federal [02:26:18] legislative efforts, our local [02:26:21] government relations work is about [02:26:23] leveraging the relationships we have [02:26:24] have with local jurisdictions to move [02:26:27] our policy priorities forward and to [02:26:31] identify opportunities to help the local [02:26:33] government's priorities that align with [02:26:36] our own. Move those forward as well [02:26:41] after today's commission meeting, and [02:26:43] we'll continue our work to incorporate [02:26:45] any additional feedback you provide us [02:26:47] and seek adoption at the February 21st [02:26:50] 5th meeting. With that, [02:26:54] kick it over to Sabrina. Right. Hi. [02:26:57] Good afternoon, Commissioners. Sabrina [02:27:00] Bulu, Regional Government Affairs [02:27:01] Manager. For the record, and I want to [02:27:04] say we are so proud to be your local [02:27:05] government relations team. You know me, [02:27:08] I cover Seattle and north King County. [02:27:10] Dave Kaplan covers East King County. [02:27:12] Samantha St. John, who can't be here [02:27:14] today, covers east side King County, [02:27:17] South King County. Sorry. And we have [02:27:22] Roxanne Murphy here with tribal [02:27:24] relations. We've got a really stalwart [02:27:26] team. We do great work. Local politics [02:27:29] is our first line of defense, and we are [02:27:32] on the front lines of delivering the [02:27:34] port's mission to all that we work with [02:27:36] on the local front. So I'll quickly run [02:27:38] through just a couple of key [02:27:40] achievements that we looked at in 2024, [02:27:44] and then I'll move it to the next slide [02:27:45] about what's coming up in 2025. So one [02:27:49] thing I want to know is the Seattle [02:27:50] Transportation Levy. Seattle's voted [02:27:53] Seattle voters approved the 1.55 billion [02:27:57] dollar transportation levy, an eight [02:28:00] year levy to fund transportation Page 56 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:28:02] projects. And you all as a commission [02:28:04] endorsed that levy because of your good [02:28:07] work and the, the, the leadership that [02:28:09] you had led us with. We staffed work [02:28:12] diligently with our key partners like [02:28:15] the SODO BIA and the Seattle Freight [02:28:18] Advisory Board and the Seattle [02:28:19] Metropolitan Chamber to advocate for [02:28:21] nearly double the amount of funding for [02:28:24] the freight specific investment in the [02:28:26] levy. This is unprecedented and huge and [02:28:28] I want technology took a lot of [02:28:30] bandwidth and hard work and so now [02:28:32] there's over $50 million in that pot. [02:28:34] That's never happened before. And we as [02:28:36] staff get to work diligently with the [02:28:38] Seattle Department of Transportation to [02:28:40] make sure those funds are executed in a [02:28:42] way that is efficient and thoughtful and [02:28:45] that works for our transportation [02:28:47] system. Took a ton of effort and we're [02:28:49] grateful for the leadership at Seattle [02:28:51] City Council with council member Saka as [02:28:53] the Chair of transportation and Bob [02:28:55] Kettle that really heard what we had to [02:28:57] say when we lobbied them and understood [02:28:59] it. And so we have eight years of good [02:29:02] work in front of us in partnership with [02:29:03] this the city. And we're, we're excited [02:29:06] to move forward. And I want to thank you [02:29:07] all for formally endorsing that levy. [02:29:12] Next, as we all know, I just want to [02:29:14] take a quick victory lap on the Pier 66 [02:29:16] shore power that was a $44 million [02:29:19] investment in partnership with our, [02:29:21] with the state and federal government [02:29:23] matching funds to connect Short bar from [02:29:25] Terminal 466 to Pier 66 to post [02:29:29] on the map as one of the only ports [02:29:31] globally to have shore pair connectivity [02:29:33] for all of our cruise vessels. At that [02:29:35] ribbon cutting, we had Commissioner [02:29:37] Felleman as our marquee speaker along with [02:29:39] Executive Director Metruck, but also [02:29:41] notably Seattle City Light CEO Don [02:29:44] Lindell and Seattle Deputy Mayor Greg [02:29:46] Wong and Bob Kettle and our key cruise [02:29:49] partners and labor partners because of [02:29:51] this good work, largely led by Director [02:29:53] Stephanie, John Stevens and everyone we [02:29:55] just heard from, Sarah, O.J. and Ryan. [02:29:59] The list goes on. Sandy, we're three [02:30:01] years ahead of our 2030 greenhouse gas [02:30:04] reduction goals and we are a model for [02:30:06] other cities across, across the nation. [02:30:10] And then lastly, just Looking back on [02:30:12] 2024, there were a number of MOUs that [02:30:15] were executed that impact Seattle's [02:30:18] waterfront and that really solidified [02:30:20] the Port of Seattle as having a huge [02:30:22] presence here on the waterfront as we [02:30:23] always have. But I want, I want to [02:30:25] quickly tick through these because it Page 57 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:30:27] was a significant amount of staff time [02:30:29] and it just speaks to the fact that we [02:30:32] are a key partner on revitalizing [02:30:34] Seattle quickly. The Pine Street [02:30:36] Connector mou, that was done in a really [02:30:39] quick manner. And it was us working with [02:30:41] the city of Seattle to develop a [02:30:44] partnership to help the city build the [02:30:48] Overlook Walk and not impede on and [02:30:52] have their construction not impede on [02:30:54] cruise operations. That was really quick [02:30:56] work. The other that you all approved [02:30:59] just a few months ago is the $5 million [02:31:01] investment for the Friends of the [02:31:02] Waterfront MAU and that's for the Port [02:31:05] of Seattle to play a role in activating [02:31:07] the waterfront. And that provides [02:31:09] continuity from here, here at Pier 69, [02:31:12] all along the waterfront down to Coleman [02:31:14] Dock to say that we are all part of the [02:31:16] same waterfront. And when a Seattleite [02:31:18] or a visitor comes to the area, they [02:31:21] know that the Port of Seattle is just at [02:31:22] the top, right by Centennial Park. The [02:31:25] next is that was championed by [02:31:26] Commissioner Felleman is the $5 million [02:31:28] investment in the Seattle Aquarium as [02:31:30] they work to rebuild their [02:31:31] infrastructure. And that's to [02:31:33] incorporate maritime teachings into [02:31:35] their academic programming. And then [02:31:37] lastly, this one hasn't come to fruition [02:31:41] yet, but hopefully very soon is the [02:31:43] Alaskan way Protected Bike Lane mou. [02:31:46] We are so close and I want to give kudos [02:31:49] to my colleague. Jerry Poor has been [02:31:51] leading us through this for years. At [02:31:53] this point, we are just very close. I [02:31:55] know we all see the construction right [02:31:57] in front of our building. And this MOU [02:31:59] is to create a solidified partnership [02:32:02] between us and the city of Seattle. So [02:32:04] when that bike lane is executed, we have [02:32:06] a key partnership to make sure that it's [02:32:08] safe not only for bicyclists, but for [02:32:11] tourists, for cruise goers, visitors, [02:32:14] but also our workers right here at Pier [02:32:16] 69. So that's a quick 2024 review [02:32:20] and then we can head to the next slide [02:32:22] and look at 2025. [02:32:25] Great. You all are very familiar for the [02:32:29] most part with my portfolio. And it's [02:32:31] all industrial lands all the time. And [02:32:35] much of my work is guided by the 2016 [02:32:38] principle that the, the previous [02:32:39] commission codified, which is there, [02:32:43] there is no net, there should be no net [02:32:45] loss of industrial lands for the port [02:32:47] moving forward in perpetuity. So those [02:32:49] are the guiding principles I think about [02:32:51] that drives my work. And so [02:32:55] I know you are all intimately familiar [02:32:57] with some of the. The challenges we have Page 58 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:32:59] ahead. But at present, in the near term, [02:33:02] we are working very hard to defend [02:33:04] against a a new amendment to reopen [02:33:09] the historic 2023 maritime industrial [02:33:12] land Use Policy that was passed by the [02:33:14] city council and signed by the mayor. [02:33:17] There is a proposal to reopen that [02:33:19] policy and and [02:33:23] introduce an amendment to build housing [02:33:26] in the Duwamishmik across the street [02:33:30] from our active working terminal there [02:33:32] at Terminal 46. This is absorbing a lot [02:33:35] of my portfolio and many of you are very [02:33:37] engaged in this. We expect regardless of [02:33:40] the outcome of that legislation to be [02:33:42] passed the first week of March. So that [02:33:44] is a major near term project I'm [02:33:48] working on. But beyond that, as we look [02:33:50] further, the Seattle City Council is [02:33:53] facing the 2025 comprehensive plan that [02:33:57] is set to pass in spring. The Seattle [02:33:59] Comprehensive Plan does not intend to [02:34:02] make any adjustments to the 2023 [02:34:04] Maritime Industrial Land use policy. [02:34:07] The comprehensive plan focuses on all [02:34:10] neighborhoods outside of the industrial [02:34:12] area. However, nothing, just because of [02:34:15] that, nothing precludes amendments by [02:34:17] developers to be introduced to make [02:34:20] adjustments to the mix, especially [02:34:22] Duwamishmic. So this is something that [02:34:25] will be a major piece of my portfolio as [02:34:28] we head into the next few months and we [02:34:30] start to see the comprehensive plan [02:34:32] shape up. And then I'm just going to [02:34:35] quickly touch on the fact that we have [02:34:37] the WSCA development coming up adjacent [02:34:39] to Terminal 46. We are deeply involved [02:34:42] as a key partner there. We're working [02:34:44] closely with the Washington State [02:34:46] Department of Transportation to ensure [02:34:48] whatever future use is occurs. There is [02:34:51] something that's compatible with a [02:34:52] working waterfront. There's also the CEM [02:34:55] property adjacent to Terminal 5 that [02:34:58] we're really hopeful we can utilize for [02:35:00] some kind of electric drage truck fleet. [02:35:03] There's a lot of work to be done. It's a [02:35:05] multi year process but it's something [02:35:06] that's really exciting. And then this is [02:35:10] in no means by order of priority but of [02:35:12] course the teal New Deal championed by [02:35:14] our commission President Hasegawa. This [02:35:16] is the foundational kind of leading [02:35:19] principles as we think about how we [02:35:21] approach industrial lands and how we [02:35:23] really build out our portfolios for the [02:35:26] next few years as we think about how we [02:35:29] bring clean green energy to the future [02:35:31] of Soto. And then lastly of course we're [02:35:35] taught we are closely monitoring the [02:35:37] sound Transmit Transit West Seattle [02:35:39] Ballard Link extension alignment to make Page 59 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:35:42] sure there are no challenging [02:35:43] disruptions to our lines of business. [02:35:46] And then you just heard from our [02:35:47] wonderful Green Corridor crews team. [02:35:50] That was a ton of information I just [02:35:52] sped through but that's what's going on [02:35:54] in Seattle and King County right now. [02:35:59] And now newest member for of our [02:36:01] government relations team, Roxanne. [02:36:04] Welcome Roxanne. aye.Shka. Thank you. [02:36:08] So some highlights from 2024 include the [02:36:11] fact that we now have two memorandums of [02:36:14] agreement with the Suquamish Indian [02:36:16] Tribe and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. [02:36:18] And that's an ongoing gift. We're also [02:36:21] working on expanding economic [02:36:23] development opportunities for the [02:36:25] tribes. It's been an amazing opportunity [02:36:28] for me to help with the fishing season, [02:36:29] as crazy as it is and as much of a [02:36:31] roller coaster as that was. And I look [02:36:33] forward to keep doing that. Also. [02:36:36] We hope soon that we will have Suquamish [02:36:39] contractors apply for some of our [02:36:42] upcoming construction bids. And that's [02:36:44] been an important partnership that we're [02:36:47] working on developing and commission. [02:36:49] I'd really like to thank you for your [02:36:51] support of the proclamations that we've [02:36:53] had regarding tribal relations to honor [02:36:55] the Bolt decision and also Indigenous [02:36:59] Peoples Day. Next slide please. [02:37:03] So for 2025 we'll definitely [02:37:06] continue with workforce development [02:37:08] partnerships with the tribe. And I [02:37:11] cannot wait to help with the long range [02:37:13] waterfront planning and getting tribal [02:37:17] interests met with that. And then also [02:37:20] another highlight is expanding our [02:37:22] tribal youth engagement. And I'd just [02:37:25] like to close by thanking the commission [02:37:27] for supporting tribal relations and [02:37:29] everyone from the Port of Seattle who [02:37:31] supports such haiska. Thank you. [02:37:40] All right, thank you Roxanne and good [02:37:41] afternoon Commissioners and Executive [02:37:43] Director Metruck. My name is Nate Kinos, [02:37:45] the Government Relations Director for [02:37:46] the Port of Seattle and happily filling [02:37:48] in Today for Samantha St. John, our East [02:37:51] King County Community and Government [02:37:53] Relations Manager. Shortly after I came [02:37:55] on board in 2019, the port executive and [02:37:58] Commission leadership invested in the [02:37:59] development of an FTE to primarily work [02:38:02] with Eastside government and community [02:38:04] partners as a countywide special purpose [02:38:06] government. And that summer the city of [02:38:08] Kirkland hosted a remote remote Port [02:38:10] Commission meeting at their city hall as [02:38:12] we help bring our regional partners on [02:38:14] the east side to share the many [02:38:16] contributions the Port makes on the Page 60 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:38:18] connections to the growth and [02:38:19] development of the region. And then Dave [02:38:22] and I actually sat here five years [02:38:25] months later and presented the 2020 [02:38:26] Local Regional Priorities to commission [02:38:28] where Kerry Pravitz was first week with [02:38:31] us in that newly formed role. And over [02:38:33] the past five years with Kerry and [02:38:35] recently with Samantha, we successfully [02:38:38] saturated and informing various and [02:38:41] countless east side partners of all of [02:38:44] what the Port does and its many [02:38:45] services. And we've done this by [02:38:47] elevating our intergovernmental [02:38:48] engagement with the 20 plus cities in [02:38:51] the region as in various businesses, [02:38:52] industry and communities that make up [02:38:54] the fastest growing part of our county [02:38:56] and state. And I'll briefly walk you [02:38:58] through here on these next two slides of [02:39:00] some of the key highlights from the past [02:39:02] year. But as we then turn our attention [02:39:04] and focus for the Art of the possible in [02:39:06] 2025 and beyond. There's a lot of [02:39:08] exciting potential opportunities for us [02:39:10] to do more as we hope to even be more [02:39:13] prominently plant that flag on the east [02:39:15] side. As I say on the first slide here. [02:39:18] A big thanks to Commissioner Felleman for [02:39:20] bearing the nearly 100 degree heat to [02:39:22] deliver remarks at our in Essoqua for a [02:39:24] Port Unplugged event. Last summer a ton [02:39:26] of community community chambers small [02:39:28] business owners came out to Pickering [02:39:31] Barn, including representatives from [02:39:33] every east side city for the second year [02:39:36] in a row, which is a back to back yearly [02:39:37] accomplishment. Building off the 2023 [02:39:40] port unplugged out in Woodville with [02:39:42] Commissioner Cho speaking of plugs, a [02:39:44] bit of a plug to Puget Sound Business [02:39:45] Journal is organizing a brief travel and [02:39:48] tourism program at Maiden Bower center [02:39:50] this Thursday. Arf Grouse and Stephanie [02:39:52] Jones Stebbins are featured Featured [02:39:54] speakers along with our partners in [02:39:55] Alaska Airlines Visit Bellevue. Many [02:39:58] others and Visit Seattle will also be in [02:40:00] panel, but we also have a lot of our [02:40:01] east side industry partners in [02:40:03] attendance. We I recently learned [02:40:05] actually on the Bellevue Downtown [02:40:07] Association Study Tour to New York that [02:40:09] for the first time there are more [02:40:10] tourists who were staying in hotels, [02:40:12] dining at local restaurants and shopping [02:40:14] at local businesses in Bellevue on the [02:40:16] east side more than any other people who [02:40:19] were visiting the region for work and [02:40:20] business. And we're told that they're [02:40:23] noticing that increase due to the growth [02:40:25] and connections from tourism from our [02:40:26] cruise seasons here on the waterfront Page 61 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:40:28] has brought to that region and the work [02:40:30] on ecotourism that Commissioner Felleman [02:40:32] has also helped spearhead for us and [02:40:34] partners around in and around Snoqualmie [02:40:37] Valley. Commissioner Hasegawa, you've [02:40:39] also raised regional transportation as [02:40:40] an area of focus for us on the east [02:40:42] side. And there's a good couple of areas [02:40:44] I've aye. on briefly today. And of course [02:40:45] our regional transportation guru Jerry [02:40:47] Poor is with us here today as well. One [02:40:50] item I'll flag on that is visit [02:40:51] Bellevue's recent launch of the [02:40:54] privately run shuttle service between [02:40:55] downtown Bellevue hotels to the airport [02:40:58] and back just a couple months ago, [02:41:01] recognizing that's been a key area of [02:41:02] interest to the Commission and some of [02:41:04] our east side partners over a number of [02:41:06] years. Last year as well, the Corps [02:41:09] supported two federal raise grants for [02:41:11] King County and Woodinville on the East [02:41:13] Trail and they got both of them. King [02:41:15] county was awarded $25 million and [02:41:17] Woodinville $5 million on the former 42 [02:41:20] mile BNSF rail corridor as I referenced [02:41:23] at July 2019 remote commission meeting [02:41:26] in Kirkland City Hall Commissioners [02:41:28] Calkins, Felleman, Executive Director [02:41:30] Metruck and others took part in a tour [02:41:32] with the City of the the Cross Kirkland [02:41:34] Corridors development at the time. But [02:41:36] did you know that the Port purchased the [02:41:39] rail corridor from BNSF and sold off [02:41:41] segments to King County and individual [02:41:43] cities, but that the Port absorbed more [02:41:45] than $22 million as part of that larger [02:41:48] transaction? To make the purchase [02:41:50] possible for our public partners to [02:41:52] infuse economic development and active [02:41:54] transportation opportunities for the [02:41:56] residents, workforce and commuters [02:41:58] throughout the 42 mile trail beyond the [02:42:01] Crosswick and Corridor, what King County [02:42:05] Parks, the cities of Redmond, Renton, [02:42:07] Bellevue and the future development [02:42:08] Woodendale will be able to do is [02:42:10] transformational. Additionally, PSC has [02:42:13] been able to build out their electrical [02:42:14] grid for the Future with their 10 year [02:42:16] energized east side project and Sound [02:42:18] Transit's Line 2 station connections [02:42:20] that opened last year now connect to [02:42:22] various parts of that trail. Both of [02:42:24] that are expected easements, not to [02:42:26] mention the arts, music and cultural [02:42:27] opportunities have since launched as a [02:42:30] trail directly connected next to parks. [02:42:31] Businesses small and large like Google's [02:42:33] Kirkland campus and what we saw in 2019 [02:42:36] and the BIPOC artists who've been able [02:42:38] to leave their mark on organized [02:42:39] performances commissioned murals all Page 62 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:42:41] along that corridor. All in large part [02:42:44] of the significant investment the Port [02:42:46] made by playing an integral role in [02:42:48] facilitating the purchase and sale of [02:42:50] the corridor 15 years ago. We will [02:42:52] continue to tout the Port's [02:42:54] contributions as we document, [02:42:55] acknowledge and recognize the pivotal [02:42:58] role we played historically, but as [02:43:00] several developmental projects continue [02:43:01] to be underway throughout the backbone [02:43:03] of the east side. Also as we envision [02:43:06] that SEA to SEA trail, the work of the [02:43:09] East Trail and Renton 2 will also [02:43:11] connect to the Lake Desante Trail and [02:43:12] open the possibility of connecting the [02:43:14] future segment of that trail to SEA in [02:43:16] the coming years and thus fully [02:43:18] connecting our airport and seaports to [02:43:20] the east side. The last bullet point [02:43:22] here. Here is something we work on [02:43:24] jointly with the nwsa, but the continued [02:43:26] work on ensuring freight mobility [02:43:28] remains a top mind as the Valley [02:43:30] continues to grow in population and [02:43:32] future transportation infrastructure is [02:43:34] considered and planned as our [02:43:36] surrounding communities near the I90 [02:43:38] corridor. The pressures of new [02:43:39] development King County Council Member [02:43:41] Perry has been a big steward in bringing [02:43:43] all the key public and private partners [02:43:44] together for those planning purposes for [02:43:47] the last few years and we regularly had [02:43:49] a seat on the table for that next slide. [02:43:52] Commissioner Wichtro was here earlier [02:43:54] and that was due to the served for us on [02:43:55] the Bellevue Chamber and we've also had [02:43:57] staff representation on Bellevue's [02:43:59] Policy Council. We actually be [02:44:01] presenting the Policy Council tomorrow [02:44:03] on all the great work that we're doing [02:44:04] at SEA. We've also worked with [02:44:07] Leadership Organized Eastside and other [02:44:08] organizations on their annual class [02:44:10] project relating to the work at the [02:44:12] airport as well, building off an airport [02:44:15] tour that we were able to host for them [02:44:16] this past fall. Commissioner Calkins [02:44:18] spoke last week about growing [02:44:20] opportunities with four year [02:44:21] universities, and while we already do [02:44:23] quite a bit with two year community and [02:44:25] technical colleges and four universities [02:44:27] through our various departments, there [02:44:28] certainly are opportunities to [02:44:30] strengthen these further on the east [02:44:32] side. A few years ago UW partnered with [02:44:34] Bellevue College on expanding their [02:44:36] curriculum and programs and we've [02:44:37] recently heard from them that there's an [02:44:39] interest to partner and grow more [02:44:40] together together as well. Commissioner Page 63 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:44:42] Muhammad when we met with the Mayor and [02:44:43] City Council at the City of Woodinville [02:44:45] last summer, in addition to the work the [02:44:47] city is doing on the East Trail, City [02:44:48] leadership were intrigued by our [02:44:50] Maritime Innovation center and expressed [02:44:52] interest in working with us to [02:44:53] potentially launch an incubator on the [02:44:56] east side too. What would that look like [02:44:58] exactly? To help complement the existing [02:45:00] prospective industry growth anticipated [02:45:02] for the region that could perhaps be in [02:45:04] conjunction with our work with UW [02:45:06] Collins. Lastly, in closing, there's a [02:45:09] lot that I can continue on about that's [02:45:10] going on in the east side. All exciting [02:45:12] opportunities for us to do more, and I [02:45:14] feel we're well positioned and well [02:45:16] resourced with staff talent to further [02:45:18] explore as we think about the evolution [02:45:20] of our growing presence and what the 2.0 [02:45:23] version of that will look like. With [02:45:25] that, I will now hand it back to Dave to [02:45:27] sneak speak on our work on the South [02:45:28] King County. Dave In [02:45:33] South King County we were successful in [02:45:35] advancing a number of items on behalf of [02:45:37] the Port, but we only have time to speak [02:45:38] to a few of them today. [02:45:42] Needless to say, the first of those with [02:45:44] the release of the FAA Sustain Airport [02:45:47] Master Plans Draft NEPA Environmental [02:45:50] Assessment, we are able to finally [02:45:52] provide an opportunity, a comprehensive [02:45:56] opportunity for the public and local [02:45:58] jurisdictions to engage engage on the [02:46:00] Master plan as we committed to we [02:46:02] provided a 30 day advance notice prior [02:46:04] to release of the NEPA document and [02:46:06] beginning of the public comment period, [02:46:09] held four community informational [02:46:11] events, provided City Council briefings [02:46:14] support an extension of public comment [02:46:16] beyond the 30 days set under the NEPA [02:46:17] rules and provided presentations about [02:46:20] the Highline Forum and its start and [02:46:22] with specific outreach to various [02:46:25] communities in South King County. [02:46:27] Regarding North SEATAC park, we advanced [02:46:30] our discussions with the City of Sea-Tac [02:46:32] through the JAC as we worked toward [02:46:35] permanent protection of the park. The [02:46:38] successful effort on the Port's Federal [02:46:39] Government relations team to secure [02:46:41] provision in the FAA reauthorization [02:46:43] bill early last year has helped provide [02:46:46] flexibility in moving the issue forward [02:46:49] in support of our Economic Development [02:46:51] Department. The the Des Moines Creek [02:46:52] Business park west project in Des Moines [02:46:54] should begin construction sometime this [02:46:55] year and this is the last undeveloped [02:46:58] buyout property the Port owns in the Page 64 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:47:00] City of Des Moines. In Burien, [02:47:04] we've been working with the city on [02:47:05] redevelopment of the Northeast [02:47:07] redevelopment area near A1 property. [02:47:09] That's the last of three properties in [02:47:13] the Northwest Northeast Redevelopment [02:47:15] Area which could accommodate Port [02:47:18] facilities and a possible City [02:47:20] maintenance facilities facility. This is [02:47:22] the last undeveloped buyout property [02:47:23] that the Port owns in Burien. Next slide [02:47:27] please for [02:47:32] SAMP in 2025, we'll be continuing our [02:47:34] equitable community engagement when [02:47:36] gearing up for the draft CEPA [02:47:38] Environmental Impact Statement released [02:47:41] sometime this year. Having completed the [02:47:44] improvements at T117, the next project, [02:47:46] Port Wetland Mitigation Bank Project, [02:47:49] is anticipated to be on our property in [02:47:51] Auburn and will help facilitate the [02:47:54] local engagement as part of that [02:47:56] process. Consistent with the specific [02:47:59] timeline and items to be accomplished in [02:48:01] Commission Order 2024-12, we'll continue [02:48:04] to advance discussions with the City of [02:48:06] SEATAC regarding North SEATAC park and [02:48:09] working toward permanent protection of [02:48:11] the Park. And just as a reminder, [02:48:15] the information to be collected relative [02:48:18] to submitting a letter to the [02:48:21] FAA regarding the lack of [02:48:25] needing it for aeronautical purposes is [02:48:28] by the end of the first quarter of this [02:48:29] year. Options for the Commission to [02:48:33] consider to be provided to you by the [02:48:35] end of the second quarter of this year [02:48:37] with a recommendation from the Executive [02:48:40] Director to the Commission and a [02:48:42] decision to be made by the end of the [02:48:43] third quarter this year. We'll continue [02:48:46] to identify potential partnerships with [02:48:48] local jurisdictions support their non [02:48:50] motorized active transportation projects [02:48:53] providing for complete safe routes to [02:48:55] connect to SEA Airport. We began that [02:48:57] conversation last year with the City of [02:48:59] SEATAC as an example, we will advocate [02:49:03] and explore opportunities for [02:49:05] partnership to expand options for [02:49:06] childcare services for workers at SEA as [02:49:10] discussed at the Highline Forum this [02:49:12] year. It was a topic that the members [02:49:14] had selected that they wanted to hear [02:49:15] about and we discussed. Both SEA-Tac and [02:49:18] Burien are using grant funding [02:49:22] to help grow the number of child care [02:49:24] providers in their respective [02:49:26] jurisdictions, which may provide some [02:49:28] opportunities for us relative to the [02:49:30] order that you passed today and [02:49:35] completion of the market study that [02:49:40] will support any next steps that Burien, Page 65 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:49:42] SEATAC or Tukwila pursue regarding [02:49:45] development of a South King County [02:49:46] International Public Market. [02:49:49] Last night, the Burien City Council [02:49:51] authorized the city manager and [02:49:55] city staff to apply for a federal grant [02:49:59] for infrastructure to cover Fifth Avenue [02:50:03] south between 152nd and 151st [02:50:07] for potential outside location. Covered [02:50:10] outside location for an international [02:50:12] market that happened just last [02:50:15] night. A number of organizations [02:50:19] in other jurisdictions, such as Renton [02:50:21] and Federal Way, are also looking to [02:50:23] develop public markets. [02:50:26] Last slide, please. I know that [02:50:30] was a lot to consume from all of us, [02:50:33] all in one sitting. And obviously you've [02:50:35] had the memo. We've had an opportunity [02:50:37] to sit down with each of you during the [02:50:39] course of the last several months, last [02:50:41] several weeks. So if you were open to [02:50:44] any comments, suggestions, or answer [02:50:48] any questions you might have. [02:50:51] Really? That's it? Okay, [02:50:55] Commissioner Mohamed? [02:50:57] Sure. No comments. I want to just thank [02:51:00] you all for your hard work that you put [02:51:03] in the memos that you provide, and just [02:51:06] your ability to cover the entire region [02:51:09] and to do that in a way that is engaging [02:51:12] and thoughtful. And I always love when [02:51:16] I am able to accompany you guys or [02:51:19] provide a presentation somewhere, [02:51:20] whether it's on the east side, Snow [02:51:22] Valley, South King County, wherever it [02:51:24] may be. I can tell how deep the [02:51:28] relationships you guys have with those [02:51:30] individual stakeholders are. And it [02:51:33] serves the port well. It allows us to be [02:51:36] able to advance our economic development [02:51:39] priorities. And. And Nate, I heard that [02:51:42] we can take some credit for the tourism [02:51:46] boom in Bellevue. So kudos to all of us [02:51:49] on that, maybe. [02:51:52] And Dave Kaplan, I really appreciate the [02:51:55] work that you do in South King County. [02:51:58] Engaging with our airport communities [02:52:00] just does a collective, incredible, [02:52:03] important work. The work with the tribal [02:52:05] communities, it means a lot. [02:52:08] And we can also already see the return [02:52:11] on investments, us being able to engage [02:52:13] those particular communities and [02:52:16] advancing our workforce development [02:52:18] goals. And so just lots of thank yous. [02:52:21] Thank you. Thanks, Commissioner Felleman. [02:52:27] I think that general point about when we [02:52:29] go into a meeting and all of a sudden [02:52:32] it's like, port's a known quantity and [02:52:35] it's a well known. It's known well as a [02:52:37] quantity. It really is that entree that [02:52:40] we're not breaking ice. And that's Page 66 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:52:43] greatly appreciated. It's certainly on [02:52:45] all fronts. I think that's really a [02:52:47] fantastic thing with regards to the east [02:52:50] side rail though the corridor. [02:52:53] And that was John Creighton's baby. And [02:52:56] he really initiated that leadership on [02:52:58] that. And. And I remember when we took [02:53:01] the walk, it was clear to [02:53:04] me that there was no sign that this had [02:53:06] anything to do with the port. There was [02:53:08] no signage whatsoever. And we talked [02:53:11] about that and there was going to be [02:53:12] some little like interpretive facility [02:53:14] built. And I said like where's the port [02:53:17] plaque here? And I didn't realize that [02:53:19] we, we went into this like for 20 [02:53:22] million bucks. Yeah, right. And so and [02:53:25] the fact is we don't have a lot of [02:53:28] demonstrative examples of investments in [02:53:31] the east side. And this is a massive [02:53:33] one. And the, and the cities have done a [02:53:36] fantastic job of as you pointed out, [02:53:39] cultivating this, this non motorized [02:53:43] corridor to, to the benefit of some [02:53:46] really large businesses. And it's [02:53:50] a great amenity for the community. And I [02:53:52] just think that it was a leadership of [02:53:56] the commission that initiated that and [02:54:00] the folks on the east side shouldn't [02:54:02] forget it. Absolutely. Full disclosure, [02:54:05] I'm on the East Row Partners board [02:54:07] action chair of the East Row Partners [02:54:09] for the next two years. You know, when I [02:54:11] was at Puget Sound Energy, also full [02:54:14] disclosure, I was on the regional [02:54:15] advisory council and support staff and I [02:54:17] remember working with Mayor Marchione or [02:54:20] Redmond at the time and we toured New [02:54:22] York City with the Seattle Chamber. [02:54:23] We're like, wow, looking at the high [02:54:24] line. What an incredible. Why is Toyota [02:54:27] a corporate sponsor? What's the nexus [02:54:29] for corporate partners Together now we [02:54:31] have T Mobile, we have Amazon, we have [02:54:33] rei. I mean all these other Google. I [02:54:36] mean all these investments that are made [02:54:37] in like wow, how do we get here? But [02:54:38] we're still in its infancy. And when we [02:54:40] did walk that across Corcoran corridor [02:54:42] in 2019, I remember that conversation. [02:54:44] And we worked with the city about how [02:54:46] are we transforming businesses who were [02:54:48] having their backs towards the trail to [02:54:49] now face the trail as an entity, as a [02:54:52] draw for a lot of the folks. And how do [02:54:54] we go beyond just Google campuses to [02:54:56] restaurants, retail and whatnot. And so [02:54:59] we are working at least on the east [02:55:00] rural partner side due to my [02:55:01] infiltration of the organization on [02:55:03] documenting the history. We work [02:55:05] actually with Dan Thomas and the team [02:55:06] too to really get the finite numbers to Page 67 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:55:08] clear what's there on each of the public [02:55:10] pages, but also start working on signage [02:55:12] and helping better tell that story. The [02:55:14] various channels about all of these [02:55:16] things are possible. Christy True came [02:55:18] up to me at every groundbreaking like [02:55:20] this wouldn't have been possible without [02:55:21] the port. But we got to do a better part [02:55:23] of telling that story given the history [02:55:25] and the folks that were still here. [02:55:28] Excellent. Thank you. And do we have a [02:55:31] commission for the Ilang forum this [02:55:33] year? Has somebody stuck up? We're [02:55:36] figuring that out. Okay. Then I had of [02:55:40] all those south end entities. That's a [02:55:42] Real COD with place to be. [02:55:45] I just said I paid my news. All right, [02:55:48] thank you. Okay, so my question [02:55:52] is, when did that BNSF purchase take [02:55:55] place? I'll look at Pete Ramos too. And [02:55:58] Jerry. Poor Pete was with the King [02:56:00] county at the time. But Jerry, you [02:56:01] helped us. It was a while ago. Yeah, [02:56:02] 2009, 2010. That's really interesting [02:56:05] lore. Thank you for bringing back that [02:56:08] institutional memory. You know, that's. [02:56:10] It's all in the context of something [02:56:12] bigger. So thinking about the work that [02:56:15] you all do in your respective regions, [02:56:18] there's like a, an immediate core of [02:56:21] influence, but it's all regional [02:56:23] connected. Dave, I think about the work [02:56:26] that you're working on, how there is a [02:56:29] growing geographic interest in that. [02:56:33] And we've talked about doing listening [02:56:35] sessions. You've done listening sessions [02:56:37] in the airport adjacent cities. [02:56:40] How is the team thinking about doing [02:56:42] that on flight path communities and [02:56:44] Federal Way and Beacon Hill? [02:56:50] This work is going to get bigger as the [02:56:54] process unfolds. [02:56:57] That's an excellent question. [02:57:01] There's obviously development of what [02:57:05] the next round of engagement is going to [02:57:07] look like relative to the CEPA [02:57:11] Environmental Impact Statement when it [02:57:12] comes out toward the end of the year. [02:57:15] And we have existing [02:57:19] roundtable now with South Seattle [02:57:23] and Beacon Hill community. And there's [02:57:26] obviously opportunities to be able to [02:57:27] present to them and to get glean input [02:57:33] when we get to the formal process that [02:57:35] we're legally obligated to do. Relative [02:57:37] to the solicitation of comments. [02:57:41] I know there's been other discussions [02:57:43] relative to Vashon island and others. [02:57:46] The port did reach out. In fact, I think [02:57:49] we presented there in 2023, [02:57:52] tried to bring the FAA along with us. [02:57:55] They tend to be a little reticent to do [02:57:57] that. But what that did result in, the Page 68 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [02:57:59] FAA wound up holding an online town hall [02:58:02] to talk about aviation related issues [02:58:05] and overflights that they would not have [02:58:07] done, I don't think, if we hadn't [02:58:10] encouraged them to start beginning to [02:58:13] engage with the communities more [02:58:15] directly. Also, I think the FAA [02:58:17] reauthorization bill, some of the [02:58:18] provisions in there, put more of an [02:58:20] emphasis on the FAA connecting more [02:58:24] directly and not necessarily entirely [02:58:27] through roundtables to be able to engage [02:58:30] with people who have interest or [02:58:32] concerns regarding aviation issues. And [02:58:35] then Sabrina, I think the same thing [02:58:38] applies for the industrial lands [02:58:40] conversation. It's with the Seattle core [02:58:42] epicenter, but with really expansive [02:58:45] regional implications. [02:58:48] And my question is for, I think for the [02:58:51] whole team. Right, because understanding [02:58:54] that all of these issues require public [02:58:57] education, they require coalition [02:59:00] building, oftentimes it requires having [02:59:04] physical presence and not just in the [02:59:06] different areas of King County, which is [02:59:08] expansive, but also in Olympia during [02:59:12] during session. What resources do you [02:59:15] foresee yourself needing in order to [02:59:18] carry the pieces of work that you're [02:59:20] respectively leading as it grows into [02:59:23] its next phase? That's a great question. [02:59:26] It's something we continue to think [02:59:28] about. We, I mean primarily [02:59:31] in front of us we're thinking about how [02:59:32] do we expand this messaging in our [02:59:35] conversation with PSRC and the [02:59:38] great Greater Seattle partners in [02:59:40] Seattle Metropolitan Chamber. But beyond [02:59:42] that, how do we think outside of the [02:59:44] region? I don't know if I directly have [02:59:46] an answer on what we need, but as [02:59:50] we especially with the teal New Deal [02:59:53] work and the symposium we're looking at, [02:59:55] maybe there could be some kind of entree [02:59:57] and how we take the findings from that [02:59:59] and present it to our friends in Olympia [03:00:01] or something along that line of [03:00:04] thinking. I'm not really sure, but I'm [03:00:06] think it's think about it. I'd like to [03:00:09] invite Nate and I also want to hear from [03:00:10] Roxanne in your respective roles. [03:00:13] Go ahead, Nate. Yeah, just to add on to [03:00:16] that, you know, I think one of the key [03:00:17] roles at least my experience here before [03:00:19] I came to the port is that we're an [03:00:21] incredible convener. Right. Even at, [03:00:23] you know, the work that we're doing also [03:00:25] especially with your leadership, [03:00:26] Commissioner Hasegawa, in regards to the [03:00:28] development of the South Seattle [03:00:29] Roundtable for folks who don't know is a [03:00:31] way that we stepped up to make time, Page 69 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [03:00:33] talent, resources to engage and bring [03:00:36] all of our multi government partners, [03:00:38] from local to inter to federal together [03:00:42] in a room and have a convening forum to [03:00:44] be able to engage with residents, [03:00:46] community leaders all throughout the [03:00:47] South Seattle region about things that [03:00:49] are going on without the airport [03:00:51] maritime side, all of our operations, [03:00:53] but we don't do everything. There's also [03:00:55] many other various organizations and [03:00:57] government partners who have [03:00:58] jurisdiction and oversight over their [03:01:00] projects of interest too that might [03:01:01] overlap or connect it. And so us playing [03:01:04] a connected role in that when we're [03:01:05] talking about engagement beyond about [03:01:07] what we're here doing on our local level [03:01:09] as it also applies to back to D.C. and [03:01:11] Olympia even, you know, I'm saying all [03:01:14] these things that we're even just doing [03:01:15] this week tomorrow is our start Olympia [03:01:18] Lobby day where we're working and [03:01:20] bringing our other partners with Varnier [03:01:21] Airport cities to go down to Olympia to [03:01:24] talk about our joint legislative agenda [03:01:26] in the same way that we were successful [03:01:28] in going out a year and a half ago to [03:01:30] D.C. with our D.C. start fly in and [03:01:32] where we're able to get four of our [03:01:34] seven collective asks enacted in the FAA [03:01:37] reauthorization bill, including the [03:01:39] North SEA Tech Park. So there's many [03:01:41] ways in which we are continuing to step [03:01:43] up to bring our partners together, both [03:01:45] in Olympia, in D.C. and here at home. [03:01:48] But I'll let Roxanne speak more about [03:01:49] the tribal relations resources question. [03:01:51] Thank you. Coming up, Roxanne, in your [03:01:54] work with the tribes, especially [03:01:55] understanding that we've got the MOUs [03:01:56] underway, what resources do you need as [03:01:59] this moves into the next phase? Well, [03:02:03] just to say it most simply ongoing [03:02:05] support from our whole organization, [03:02:08] from the top of the leadership all the [03:02:10] way down to the staff level really is of [03:02:13] great assistance. I think we're at a [03:02:16] point in time where generally speaking, [03:02:19] the tribes are really happy with the [03:02:20] Port of Seattle. I keep on hearing [03:02:23] elders and tribal leaders say that they [03:02:26] appreciate this work that we're going to [03:02:28] continue to do. And I think the next [03:02:30] phase is going to get to some potential [03:02:33] like policy changes, things that we [03:02:35] could do where I could get commission [03:02:37] support because maybe we can get some [03:02:40] laws changed so we can get [03:02:42] apprenticeships and tribal partnerships [03:02:47] to increase their rate of [03:02:48] apprenticeships in priority for tribal [03:02:51] preference. That's one example. But we Page 70 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [03:02:53] always want to keep looking for [03:02:55] opportunities for ways that [03:02:56] commissioners can be involved in the [03:02:58] work with tribal relations, showing your [03:03:01] values, but then also the partnerships [03:03:03] and the eagerness of the tribes. So I'll [03:03:06] be continuing to think about these [03:03:08] things as we go forward, especially as [03:03:10] we're going to be actively working to [03:03:13] develop work plans that we will bring [03:03:15] back for you all to take a look at, [03:03:18] especially for the committee of the [03:03:20] commission that works on tribal [03:03:22] relations. So I can answer any other [03:03:25] questions, if you have any. Thank you. [03:03:27] That's it. Did you have something? The [03:03:29] only other thing I was going to add is [03:03:31] that one of the great things that Nate [03:03:33] has brought as our government relations [03:03:35] director has been the [03:03:39] cross pollination between what each of [03:03:41] us do in terms of our sharing, our [03:03:43] sharing information about the things [03:03:45] that we're involved in. We're all kind [03:03:48] of early warning systems in terms of [03:03:50] picking up on opportunities or things [03:03:52] that may be coming our direction, where [03:03:54] to be able to make connections, to be [03:03:56] able to help bring resources, you know, [03:03:58] at a focal point when we were when or [03:04:00] where we need it from existing [03:04:02] resources. I'll give more thought about [03:04:05] any other resources that we might need. [03:04:08] But. And which is a great question that [03:04:09] you posed and I wouldn't hazard a [03:04:13] definitive answer right now. But the [03:04:16] fact that we communicate so well and we [03:04:19] partner so well among whether it's [03:04:21] state, federal, local, international, [03:04:25] tribal. Well, I just want to commend our [03:04:28] external relations team broadly. You [03:04:30] guys are doing a phenomenal job and it [03:04:32] is hard work and it's meaningful work [03:04:35] because it's in the process. I think [03:04:37] we're. You really strike gold. So thank [03:04:40] you for your hard work. And Commissioner [03:04:43] Felleman has additional comments. [03:04:47] So despite our good work, we are getting [03:04:51] correspondence from constituents [03:04:53] regarding concerns that the SAMP is an [03:04:56] EA and not an eis, amongst other things. [03:05:01] And we have this confusing thing about [03:05:05] the state, the SEPA process, that is an [03:05:08] eis. I had wished early [03:05:11] on that it was a combined effort. And [03:05:14] I'm not asking for a legal decision. [03:05:16] Don't get too nervous here. But I [03:05:21] guess the food for thought, I mean, [03:05:25] knowing that an EIS is coming [03:05:29] down the road while we're getting these [03:05:31] comments on the EA in terms of [03:05:34] communicating with the public, how these [03:05:36] things are sequentially jiving Page 71 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [03:05:40] and where these opportunities for public [03:05:43] comment are going to be, it's, it's [03:05:45] confusing for the normal person, the [03:05:47] fact that some of what they're asking [03:05:50] for may be coming up subsequently. You [03:05:53] don't have to answer the solution here, [03:05:55] but I think it's incumbent on us to be [03:05:58] able to communicate with the public how [03:06:01] these things are related or not. But we [03:06:04] have our environmental expert director [03:06:07] to help me with this perhaps. Well, [03:06:10] which is why you'll note that I said [03:06:11] it's the FAA's NEPA environmental [03:06:14] assessment and they'll make whatever [03:06:16] determination they make relative whether [03:06:18] or not an environmental impact statement [03:06:20] is required in the. [03:06:23] Yeah, I would just add Sandy Kilroy, [03:06:25] the senior Director, Environment and [03:06:27] Sustainability. So I hear your question [03:06:29] and earlier Commissioner Hasegawa's [03:06:32] interest in a very thorough [03:06:35] public outreach process for the sepa. [03:06:38] And I would just reiterate that once [03:06:42] the FAA has finished their comment [03:06:45] review and response to comment, they [03:06:47] will release their decision with the [03:06:50] response to comments that would address, [03:06:53] of course, all the comments received. [03:06:55] And then we will then move into that [03:06:58] SEPA process and we will be fully [03:07:03] communicating as best we can through a [03:07:07] robust and holistic engagement process [03:07:10] what the SEPA is, how NEPA and SIPA [03:07:13] relate and how we'll be moving forward. [03:07:14] So I think you'll see, at least, [03:07:18] if not more public engagement with the [03:07:21] SEPA process that you saw with the nepa, [03:07:24] and we'll continue to keep commissioners [03:07:27] in the loop on that. So SEPA won't start [03:07:29] until the NEPA is done. The schedule at [03:07:33] the moment is to complete NEPA [03:07:37] and then start sepa. The schedule right [03:07:40] now is for that to occur. You know, [03:07:45] NEPA Q2, Q3, draft SEPA, [03:07:48] Q3, Q4. Of course, [03:07:52] as with other conversations today, [03:07:55] what's happening at the federal level [03:07:58] may impact that. And we're watching and [03:08:01] looking for any changes and we'll let [03:08:03] you know. Okay, thank you. And I'd also [03:08:05] like to make a request that for the [03:08:07] extent that we've been conveners and [03:08:09] demonstrated ourselves to do that [03:08:11] successfully, that we renew that effort [03:08:14] in 2025 at Bashon Island. [03:08:18] I've heard from our counterpart in [03:08:21] council Member Mosquera at the King [03:08:24] County Council that she'd like for us to [03:08:26] be able to go back and do primarily a [03:08:28] listening session and maybe sort of like [03:08:30] a 101 on SAM, similar to what we were [03:08:32] doing in South Korea County. So just Page 72 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [03:08:34] want to formalize that request. Thank [03:08:37] you all. Any further comments, [03:08:39] questions? Thank you for the [03:08:40] presentation, you all. Thank you [03:08:43] everybody. That actually brings us to [03:08:44] the end of our agenda. Does anybody [03:08:48] have any closing comments or referrals [03:08:51] to committee? [03:08:55] Yes, Commissioner Felleman. [03:09:00] So I mean, I heard a lot from staff that [03:09:02] they want to, you know, there's nothing [03:09:04] the feds can do that's going to change [03:09:06] our affirmation for support of OEDIs. [03:09:08] So like, if anybody's concerned about [03:09:10] that, let's just put that to bed. I [03:09:12] think you what you see here in this [03:09:14] commission is stronger than it's ever [03:09:16] been before. And so rest assured, we're [03:09:19] not caving. Right? So let's just get [03:09:21] that one out of the way. However, I've [03:09:23] been wondering why on earth was Seattle [03:09:26] or Bainbridge island the first place for [03:09:29] Japanese Americans to be deported, [03:09:33] so to speak. And to me, that's one of [03:09:35] the questions. I was wondering is it [03:09:37] because we were some backwater place [03:09:39] where the media may not have caught [03:09:41] attention to it, or was it this racial [03:09:44] tension like Portland used to be a Nazi [03:09:47] headquarters? Why is it? Why here? [03:09:51] Stay tuned for the next episode of to [03:09:55] me that's disturbing to me that it would [03:09:58] begin here and I'm just wondering [03:10:00] whether there has been any and we have a [03:10:02] national monument now in Bridge Island. [03:10:04] Right. And I will also add that because [03:10:08] of the Trump administration and their [03:10:10] challenge of DEI that they put a freeze [03:10:12] on all their DEI related websites that [03:10:15] posted challenge to their priorities. [03:10:18] And including among them was that [03:10:20] Bainbridge island national site website. [03:10:23] It has since been re engaged. [03:10:26] But to your point, [03:10:28] Densho, who helped read that into the [03:10:31] record. They are an archive, and they [03:10:33] have worked deliberately to be able to [03:10:35] understand how and why that happens. [03:10:37] But I think part of the point of the Day [03:10:39] of Remembrance is understanding that [03:10:41] it's all intentional. It's not on [03:10:44] accident. And so I am going to look into [03:10:47] that, and I will come back with an [03:10:48] answer for that at our next meeting, [03:10:49] because that's a really good question. [03:10:52] Absolutely. And Commissioner Mohamed, [03:10:54] do you have any closing comments? [03:10:57] Sure. I just also want to respond very [03:11:01] quickly to our Port of Seattle employee [03:11:05] resource groups. We heard you loud and [03:11:07] clear today. I said during the [03:11:10] state of the port that here at the Port [03:11:13] of Seattle, we are built on our Page 73 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [03:11:15] diversity, diversity of industry, [03:11:17] workforce, and thought. And we will [03:11:20] continue to build on that to thank [03:11:24] those who do the important work here at [03:11:26] the Port of Seattle and continue to [03:11:29] defend them. And we will stand for our [03:11:33] values and continue to do that, [03:11:34] regardless of what administration may be [03:11:37] in office. And I also want to take this [03:11:40] opportunity to thank our firefighters, [03:11:42] the first responders, those who keep our [03:11:45] facilities, workers and travelers safe [03:11:48] at the Port of Seattle. Again, I want to [03:11:50] thank all of our staff that presented [03:11:52] here today, the staff that keep our [03:11:55] operations running, and our business [03:11:58] partners. Our port stands strong, [03:12:01] and our commission will continue [03:12:05] defending the values that make us who we [03:12:08] are here at the Port of Seattle. And [03:12:11] like I've said before, diversity is not [03:12:13] a weakness. It is an advantage for us. [03:12:16] It is the foundation of innovation, [03:12:18] resilience, and global leadership. And [03:12:22] yeah. And here at the Port of Seattle, [03:12:23] we are not here to rewrite history. We [03:12:25] are here, here to honor it. And it is [03:12:27] Black History Month. And so, to [03:12:30] everybody who is celebrating, I hope you [03:12:32] enjoy black history and that you reflect [03:12:34] on our history. And Black history is US [03:12:38] History as well. And so with that, I [03:12:41] just again, want to thank everyone who [03:12:43] makes this port work. Thank you. And I [03:12:45] just wanted to add that I've been [03:12:48] invited to attend a listening session [03:12:51] with our Latino Employee Resource Group. [03:12:53] And that for any of the ergs that are [03:12:55] organizing those sort of either physical [03:12:57] or virtual spaces for us to be able to [03:13:00] be there as commissioners, as you find [03:13:01] it valuable and meaningful to you, [03:13:03] please do reach out to the commission [03:13:05] office and let us know. And we heard you [03:13:07] loud and clear in public comment. For [03:13:09] that which we're talking about [03:13:10] internally, about steps that we can take [03:13:12] to meaningfully protect and uplift our [03:13:14] communities, we do consider you as [03:13:18] thought partners in. In that. And I'm [03:13:20] particularly grateful to you for writing [03:13:23] in ahead of this meeting, asking us to [03:13:25] reaffirm our dedication to DEI programs, [03:13:29] our office and our policies, they stand [03:13:31] firm. I stand in solidarity with my [03:13:34] colleagues and all of you at the port in [03:13:38] commitment to that. And I'm particularly [03:13:41] proud of the proclamation that we passed [03:13:43] today that did reaffirm those [03:13:45] commitments formally as well. Executive [03:13:48] Director Metruck, do you have any closing [03:13:50] remarks for us today? No, I don't, [03:13:52] Madam President. Thank you very much. Page 74 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Transcript of Regular Meeting on Feb 11, 2025 12:00pm Port of Seattle. [03:13:54] And with that, folks, the time is 3:24, [03:13:56] and we are adjourned. END OF TRANSCRIPT Page 75 of 75 This transcript is not an official record. It was generated using speech-to-text technology and may contain inaccuracies or misspellings. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)