Contact: Carolyn Casey
Port of Bellingham
(360) 676-2500 or
Marlin Gimbel
Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute
(360) 748-8632 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2007
Pacific Cataract And Laser Institute Signs Port Lease
New Facility to be Built Near Airport
[Bellingham, Wash.] The Port of Bellingham Board of Commissioners approved a land lease agreement today with Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute for 1.9 acres near the Bellingham International Airport.
Pacific Cataract and Laser Surgery Institute plans to build a 7,500 square foot facility, which will be located on Mitchell Way. The company will build an eye surgery center, designed to provide a low-stress, comfortable, homelike atmosphere. The land lease extends over a 25-year period with two 15-year renewal periods.
“We are pleased to have Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute coming to Bellingham,” said Commission President Scott Walker. “Their expanded medical capabilities will benefit people throughout our region and will further strengthen the growing medical services sector of our local economy.”
Pacific Cataract and Laser Surgery Institute plans to begin the construction work as soon as building permits can be obtained. Their goal is to open the facility within 8 months of beginning construction. About 12 employees will work from the Bellingham location.
“Over the years we have treated many referred patients from this community,” said Marlin Gimbel, the Institute’s director of professional relations. “Our new facility will save the long drive to Seattle and make our surgical care much more convenient.”
Founded in 1985, in Chehalis, Washington, the company operates 13 surgery centers throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. Patients are referred to its surgery centers by family eye doctors throughout the Pacific Northwest. The Institute provides high caliber medical eye care with special expertise in cataract surgery and laser vision correction.
The Port of Bellingham operates Whatcom County’s major transportation terminals including the Bellingham Airport, Fairhaven Transportation Station and the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. The Port also serves about 2,000 moorage customers in its Blaine and Squalicum Harbors.
In addition, about 300 businesses operate on Port properties. The Port of Bellingham is a countywide independent special purpose government.
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