Maritime Economic Development: Kalama, Tampa
Port of Kalama makes way for commercial development with approval of Business Park Master Plan
The City of Kalama Planning Commission has approved the Port of Kalama’s master plan to develop 70 acres of port property to make way for the proposed Spencer Creek Business Park. The city and port together earned the 2014 Governor’s Smart Communities Award for their collaboration on planning the multi-use business property which is expected to boost the region’s available commercial property, economy and job opportunities while strengthening the city’s revenue base.
The Spencer Creek Business Park will encompass about 70 acres (3 million square feet). The port sees the mix of light industrial, office, commercial and retail uses is a boon for a region lacking in developable land. The proposed site may include: office/flex, light industrial, commercial/retail, hotel, convenience store, and/or dining uses.
View an aerial video of Spencer Creek Business Park.
The port and the city together crafted a new city code to enable the flexible, multipurpose development. They will now collaborate on the permitting processes for developing site infrastructure. An economic evaluation is pending to develop the facility with the ultimate objective of creating to create jobs and local revenue in an environmentally responsible fashion.
"This annexation offers terrific benefits to the city and our residents as it expands Kalama’s tax base. We can expect a substantial economic impact and additional funds for important city projects going forward," said Kalama Mayor Pete Poulsen. "This partnership between the city and the port is an excellent example of what can be accomplished with a shared common vision for the future of this fine community."
The port envisions a 20-year build-out that started with the creation of a regional recreational draw, Haydu Park. New business activity will significantly increase employment opportunities and add millions of dollars to local tax revenue rolls."
"The development of this business center—and expansion of neighboring recreational facilities at Haydu Park—support our strategy for economic growth in the Cowlitz region and position Kalama as a relocation destination for diverse industries," said Port Commission President Randy Sweet.
Tampa Bay: International Ship Repair Acquires Giant Drydock
International Ship Repair & Marine Services, Inc. (ISR) located at the head of Ybor Channel in Port Tampa Bay, recently acquired another floating drydock.
ISR Drydock No. 10 transited under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge shortly after sunrise on Tuesday, 17 November. .
The combined drydock (No.’s 9 & 10) will be 843 feet long, with 125 feet of clearance between the wing walls. Equipped with two 40-ton cranes, each standing over 150 feet tall, it will be capable of lifting "Panamax" size vessels, for a full range of maintenance and repair services at International Ship Repair.
The drydock, which was transported to Tampa by a tug-towed submersible heavy lift barge, cleared the Sunshine Skyway Bridge by just 5 feet.
This acquisition is expected to facilitate business expansion, more than doubling International Ship Repair’s present workforce of some 200 employees. Subcontractors and suppliers that support the shipyard on Tampa’s "Working Waterfront" will also see a comparable increase in business and employment opportunities.
ISR Drydock No. 10 shortly after transiting under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Photo/ISR