Ports can build and operate airports, marine terminals, marinas, railroads, and industrial parks. In addition, ports can lease public property for commercial activities, create public amenities to provide recreational opportunities, and stimulate tourism.
Ports are also involved in substantial environmental restoration projects, cleaning up polluted properties from the industries of generations past.
Washington State laws pertaining to the establishment, authority, and governance of ports are located in
Title 53 of the Revised Code of Washington.
Port of Olympia
Port of Olympia was formed in 1922. The Port is funded by revenues from its business operations, grants, bonds and a property tax levy collected from throughout all of Thurston County.
The Port can use tax revenues to invest in infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and stormwater treatment facilities to attract industry and business opportunities, both locally and abroad, to create jobs, and to generate revenue for the region.