Posted by David McFadden on Jan 30, 2019
Steve Metruck, our featured speaker at this week’s luncheon, has a big job.  As the Port of Seattle’s Executive Director, Steve leads a far-flung operation that stretches from Shilshole Bay Marina in Ballard to SeaTac International Airport in South King County.
 
Metruck is finishing his first year at the Port.  He spent 34 years in the Coast Guard prior to becoming the Port’s top executive.  Steve retired as a Rear Admiral and along the way served a stint as the Coast Guard’s Chief Financial Officer.  Earlier in his career, Steve was in command of Northwest operations.  Metruck fell in love with Seattle and is excited to be back.
 
By managing the region’s airport and maritime gateways, the Port is a major driver of international trade, travel, and investment.  They are an engine for economic development:
  • SeaTac airport and Port maritime terminals support $70+ billion in economic activity,
  • 216,270 jobs (direct and indirect) tie to Port operations, and   
  • Port operations generate and support $9.6 billion in personal income.

On the maritime side, the Port just announced its plans to invest over $300 million in waterfront revitalization projects.  At the top of the list is redeveloping Terminal 5 near West Seattle so it can handle larger ships.  Shipping companies are investing in larger vessels and if Ports are not ready for them they will not get the business.  Redeveloping Terminal 5 and advancing a larger partnership with the Port of Tacoma called the Northwest Seaport Alliance are critical towards maintaining our maritime logistics industry in the Northwest.  With competition coming from Canada and the Panama Canal, the stakes are higher than ever before. 
 
Metruck also highlighted that the Port is building new facilities for maritime manufacturers in the Interbay area.  The Port supports a lion’s share of the Alaskan fishing fleet so it’s important to provide space for key suppliers in and around Ballard.  The fishing boats are getting bigger too so the Port is also redeveloping its dock at Terminal 90 to provide additional moorage. 
 
At the airport, the Port is building facilities that respond to the region’s growth and economic renaissance.  SeaTac’s passenger count has grown 40+ percent over the last five years and our airport is now the 9th busiest airport in the nation.  The Port is investing over $2 billion to modernize facilities and meet increased demand.  Their plans include building a new international arrivals facility and expanding the North Satellite gateway.  Metruck also mentioned the Port is modernizing the spaghetti-like baggage system underneath the airport.
 
The Port has just started an airport master planning process to address growth expected between now and 2027.  Metruck explained that the Port is working concurrently with the Puget Sound Regional Council and other partners to address longer-term aviation needs within Washington State.
 
Port of Seattle investments will shape the region for generations to come.  Metruck indicated the Port spends 50 percent of its budget on capital projects and plans to invest $3 billion over the next five years.  As the Port moves forward, Steve highlighted that sustainability, equity, and financial responsibility will be overarching priorities.  Metruck concluded by saying the Port of Seattle is our Port.  As a government agency, the Port belongs to all of us.  Please stay connected with the Port, make sure you know what they are doing, and weigh in on their key projects and initiatives as they move forward. 
 
Howard Crabtree and Burr Stewart led the club through Sing, Sing a Song by the Carpenters to begin the meeting.  Nick Anderson read a thoughtful poem for our inspirational moment. VP of Programs Rob LoBosco led attendees in a business networking-focused table talk, highlighting the professional benefits of Rotary membership.
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