The Port of Seattle will build a new container terminal and relocate an existing cruise terminal, the Port Commission decided last week.

"Recent and anticipated growth in the Port's container shipping business is driving this project," said Port of Seattle Chief Mic Dinsmore.

Container volumes in Seattle grew by nearly 40 percent from 2003 to 2005, and while volumes were down slightly in 2006, additional growth of approximately 8 percent annually is expected in the coming years.

"Container shipping at the Port of Seattle generates more than 18,000 jobs and over $1 billion in payroll in our region," said Port Commission President John Creighton. "Directing staff to move ahead with the Terminal 30/Terminal 91 project protects those jobs and maintains the Port's competitiveness as a center for global waterborne commerce."

Returning the 32-acre Terminal 30 to use as a container facility will create a 70-acre container handling complex that includes Terminal 25 and Terminal 28 and adds one vessel berth. Terminal 30 is less than two miles from two major railroad yards and Interstates 5 and 90, making it an ideal location for the movement of ocean freight.

The estimated cost of the entire project is $118.3 million.