Read this letter at the Lynden Tribune Online - Published 5/5/2010

EDITOR, The Lynden Tribune:

I’m happy to read recent articles concerning a change in focus for the Port of Bellingham. While everyone in the county wishes them and the City of Bellingham the best in the waterfront redevelopment project, we also recognize there is much more that needs to be done to fulfill their economic development mandate.

The Bellingham Herald reported that the port commissioners are looking for a new director with a broader vision. The Lynden Tribune, in an editorial, states that the port has duties to fulfill to all of the county and challenges the port to think beyond Bellingham. The Tribune questions if the $80,000 the Port commits to small cities’ economic development projects is truly proportional to the $7,423,203 that will be collected from Whatcom County this year. We second that point and add another compelling argument.

The sources of the port’s tax dollars are:

• Unincorporated County - $3,831,670
• Bellingham - $2,471,779
• Blaine - $279,381
• Everson - $46,942
• Ferndale - $324,321
• Lynden - $395,286
• Nooksack - $23,753
• Sumas - $50,071

Farms make up a significant percentage of the tax revenue from the unincorporated county. The port has struggled to find any funds to support economic development projects on farms. If the small cities have a complaint, ours is resoundingly louder.

Farmers are seeking partnerships for food processing infrastructure upgrades, community energy projects and for an innovative effort to resolve our land and water uncertainties through an integrated natural resources market. We look forward to a port that is fully engaged with the entire county.

Read this letter at the Lynden Tribune Online

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