EVERETT — The state Department of Ecology has approved a city-sponsored amendment to Everett’s shoreline master plan, marking the first step toward construction of the proposed Boeing pier.
The pier, which would serve the Boeing Co.’s Everett airplane assembly plant, is a critical selling point in the state’s bid to win assembly of Boeing’s new 7E7 aircraft here.
The proposed 500-foot pier also would benefit Boeing’s existing aircraft assembly operations by allowing barges to more easily unload oversized aircraft components and transport them by rail to the assembly plant.
Port of Everett officials could not begin the project, however, until the City Council authorized changes to the city’s shoreline master plan, which spells out the allowable recreational, commercial and environmental uses of the city’s shoreline areas.
In July, the City Council unanimously approved a shoreline amendment that allows a "transportation facility of statewide significance" to be constructed adjacent to Edgewater Beach near the Mukilteo tank farm.
The city’s amendment was forwarded to the Ecology Department. Under state law, final approval of any changes to shoreline plans must be approved by the department.
Before the state agency gave its approval, construction of a transportation facility was not a permitted use at the pier’s proposed location, said Kate Reardon, a city spokeswoman.
"Now it is a permitted use," she said.
Boeing spokeswoman Debbie Heathers said Wednesday the company was pleased that the Ecology Department approved the change in Everett’s shoreline plan.
John Mohr, Port of Everett director, called the Ecology Department endorsement "a positive first step."
"It’s one of the boxes we need to check along the way," Mohr said. "The state and the city and the port have all worked very closely together to get the approval."
City planning director Paul Roberts said state approval "means they concur with the steps we’ve taken."
The City Council will finalize changes to the shoreline amendment in November, Roberts said.
The port’s next step, Mohr said, is to file an application for the environmental review permits.
Reporter Janice Podsada: 425-339-3029 or podsada@heraldnet.com.
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