Port seeks $41.7 million for dock and airport upgrades

The Port of Bellingham is moving forward with a $41,700,000 bond plan to fund improvements to its infrastructure. The Port Commission will hold an open public hearing on this matter on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The session will be held in the Shuksan Conference Room, located in Suite 146 at 1801 Roeder Avenue.

The proposed bonds are categorized as exempt facility obligations. These funds will be used to finance or refinance specific Port-owned projects within the district boundaries. The projects include dock and wharf facilities, airport facilities, and qualified surface freight transfer facilities. The hearing is required by Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Residents may provide feedback on the plan in person, in writing, or via email. Written comments submitted before the hearing should be sent to the Port of Bellingham at 1801 Roeder Avenue, Attention: Chief Financial Officer. Email comments can be sent to tamaras@portofbellingham.com. Individuals who wish to speak during the hearing will have the opportunity to do so once the session begins.

Those requiring special accommodations for the hearing must contact Tamara Sobjack by 11:00 a.m., 48 hours before the event. Contact information includes the phone number (360) 676-2500 or the email address tamaras@portofbellingham.com. The notice was published on November 5, 2026.

The Port expects to issue the bonds in one or more series. The maximum amount anticipated for this specific round of funding is $41,700,000. The commission will consider the plan of finance during the scheduled meeting.