Port of Tacoma approves 2006 budget, expects record container volumes

Port of Tacoma approves 2006 budget, expects record container volumes

Port of Tacoma approves 2006 budget, expects record container volumes

   The Port of Tacoma Commission Thursday approved a port budget with $75 million in operating expense and net income of $18.9 million.

   The budget provides $165 million for the port’s 2006 capital improvement program, with projects focused on marine terminal growth, industrial development and increased rail and road efficiency and capacity. The budget also provides $30 million for environmental quality projects.

   The port projects record cargo growth in 2006, including: 21.8 million short tons, a 2 percent increase; 2.37 million TEUs of containers, a 9 percent increase; 732,000 intermodal lifts, up 8 percent; a 4 percent increase in cars to 158,500 units; and a 7.3 percent decrease in breakbulk, specialty cargo and military shipments.