Marine cargo operations at the ports of Seattle and Tacoma,generated close to US$4.3 billion in economic activity over a calendar year, according to a study released by the two ports.
The ports also supported more than 48,000 jobs in 2013
The study, carried-out by Martin Associates, a Pennsylvania-based firm that has conducted economic studies for ports throughout the US.
The study also showed that marine cargo activity produced more than US$378 million in local and state taxes to support education, police, fire services and road improvements.
Clare Petrich, president of the Tacoma Port Commission, said: “This clearly is a thriving, important industry in our state, and we need to continue investing and adapting to changing global trade to meet market demand.
“We continue to explore with our fellow commissioners from the Port of Seattle ways that we can work more closely together to maintain these critical jobs and grow cargo volumes through the Puget Sound region.”
