The House of Representatives approved a bill today by a vote of 96-2 that would allow the ports of Seattle and Tacoma to create a collaborative partnership for certain maritime operations.

“Our state laws governing ports were written over a century ago when competition was largely between Washington’s port districts,” said the bill’s prime sponsor, Rep. Judy Clibborn (D-Mercer Island). “Times have changed dramatically since then. This bill will allow our ports to better compete in a 21st Century global economy.”

“Washington is heavily dependent on trade and our ports play a key role in our economy,” said Rep. Gael Tarleton (D-Ballard). “Nearly a half million jobs are supported by cargo moving through Washington’s two largest ports. Marine cargo operations in Seattle and Tacoma generate over $4 billion in economic activity. Passage of this bill greatly increases Washington’s competitiveness.”

Under current law, the port districts are constrained from sharing sensitive financial data. This law was first written in 1911 to ensure fair business practices at a time when ports mainly competed with other ports in neighboring counties.

Throughout the 20th century, import/export competition expanded to all parts of the globe. The 1911 regulations are impeding Washington’s ports from competing on a global scale.

HB 1170 will allow Washington’s ports to operate more efficiently and effectively by allowing them to collaborate on certain aspects of port operations without merging. Proponents believe the bill will help Washington ports better compete against expanding trade markets in Canada, California, and through the Panama Canal. It will also help local taxpayers by allowing strategic coordination of investments in critical infrastructure and up-to-date facilities, avoiding duplication.

“We thank Rep. Judy Clibborn’s sponsorship of this bill, with assistance from Rep. Gael Tarleton and bipartisan support,” said Don Johnson, president of the Port of Tacoma commission. “The ability to form a port development authority will provide the ports of Seattle and Tacoma one more tool in the kit as we work to form a Seaport Alliance.”

“By unifying our marine cargo activities, the Seattle and Tacoma gateway will become an even stronger force to create middle-class jobs and economic opportunities around our state. The House action is a big step toward this goal, and we appreciate the hard work and support for this legislation,“ said Courtney Gregoire, co-president of the Port of Seattle commission.

“We appreciate the leadership of Reps. Clibborn and Tarleton in helping our gateway—the third largest in North America—better position to compete globally for more trade and growth for Washington state,” said Stephanie Bowman, co-president of the Port of Seattle Commission.

Each port would continue to maintain their current governance structures.