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1. How secure is the long term parking lot at the Amtrak Station/Cruise Terminal

The long term parking lot is fenced and patrolled whenever the gates are unlocked. The gates are locked at approx. 11 pm each night, and opened at approx. 6 am each morning.

2. Where is the free parking area at the Cruise Terminal?

There are several free options for parking: There is a free 15-minute load and unload zone in front of both the Cruise Terminal and Amtrak station. Two-hour free parking is located adjacent to, and to the left of, the Bellingham Cruise Terminal for customers visiting the local shops, cafe or companies in the Terminal. Customers who have rented the upstairs meeting and event rooms within the Terminal receive free parking for their guests and patrons. This is coordinated through the Meetings and Events Department.

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1. Who should reporters contact for information about the port and its projects?

We welcome media inquiries. Reporters should start by contacting the communications coordinator at (360) 676-2500. We will help arrange your interviews as quickly as possible.

2. How can I get a port commissioner or staff member to speak at my next meeting?

We appreciate bringing port information to community groups, business groups, and classrooms. Please contact our communications coordinator at (360) 676-2500, and she will help you.

3. Can I tour the port's facilities?

The port's facilities belong to the community, and we make every effort to accommodate tour requests for visiting our airport, cruise terminal, marinas, and other properties. Occasionally, we are restricted by federal security regulations. Contact our community relations coordinator at (360) 676-2500, and she will help you.

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1. Does the port provide financing for business projects?

The port has an Industrial Development Corporation that can issue low-interest, tax-exempt bonds for qualifying projects. Industrial Development Bond Application

2. Does the port provide grants to businesses?

No. However, the port can accept grant funding to aid business expansion and attraction and can connect you with business resources, such as tax incentives, workforce training, and business counseling.

3. Are you able to help my company even if I’m not a port tenant?

Yes. The port's economic development program will work with companies interested in locating or expanding anywhere in Whatcom County.

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1. Can I pay my bill online?

You can pay your bill online with a credit or debit card. You can also call our Accounting Department at (360) 676-2500 to pay your bill over the phone.

2. How can I get a business license to do business on port property?

To get a business license, please complete the following application. To complete the process, please submit the application, proof of insurance, and an annual fee to the Finance Department:
1801 Roeder Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98225
Business License Application

3. As a vendor, can I get paid via ACH rather than by check?

Yes. Complete the following form, attach a voided check, and mail both to our accounting office:
1801 Roeder Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98225

We will process the request as soon as we receive it. Be sure to include your email address, so we can notify you when a payment is made. ACH Vendor Form

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1. You don't have any positions currently open. Can I apply anyway?

The port only accepts applications for positions that are currently open.

2. How do I apply for an open position?

Please complete the on-line application to be considered for an open position. The on-line system allows you to upload a resume, cover letter and additional information. If you are unable to complete the on-line application, you may submit your cover letter, resume, and completed application form to:
1801 Roeder Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98225
Fax: (360) 671-6411. 

Port Job Application

3. How do I find out if the port has a position open?

View the following webpage to find information on current job openings. Job Opportunities

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1. Are you hiring right now?

Any available positions within the Maintenance Department are advertised via the Bellingham Herald or Craigslist by our Human Resources Department. Open positions are also listed on the following webpage. Current Job Opportunities

2. Does the Maintenance Department contract out any work?

Work will be contracted out when in the best interest of the port. This work will be posted as a Public Works bid by the contracts administrator on the port website or through the Bellingham Herald. Current Bids / RFPs

3. What parks and community spaces does the port have?

This information is available on the following webpage. Parks, Trails, and Recreation

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1. Can I hold a date tentatively?

Yes. As a courtesy, we will tentatively hold a date for up to two weeks without any payment or paperwork. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, reservations for events through December 2020 may be held in tentative status for a longer period. Please contact us to request an extension. A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the room charge along with the rental application will confirm your reservation.

Rental Application

2. How can I obtain the certificate of liability insurance required for serving alcohol and/or self-catering?

A Certificate of Liability Insurance in the amount of one million dollars naming the Port of Bellingham as an additional insured is required for all events serving alcohol and/or events that choose to self-cater. Some insurance carriers issue a single-day rider on the applicant’s homeowner / rental insurance policy. Another option is to purchase event insurance. Here are just a few sites to choose from: www.directevent.me, www.wedsafe.com, www.theeventhelper.com WedSafe Insurance

3. When is my final payment and paperwork due?

The following items are all due no less than 10 business days prior to your event:
1. Final payment, which includes the refundable damage deposit
2. Day of event form to indicate open & close times
3. Certificate of liability insurance, if serving alcohol or using cater not on "pre-qualified" list

4. Are tables and chairs included in my rental?

Tables and chairs are included with the rental. The furniture in the facilities is for indoor use only. You are more than welcome to rent additional furniture for outdoor use. We do have white folding chairs available for rent at the Squalicum Boathouse.

5. When/how will I receive my damage deposit refund?

Damage deposits are refunded 10-14 business days after an event. If you paid using a credit card, your damage deposit will go back on that card. If you have paid by check, your refund will deposited right into the specified bank account.

6. What are the requirements for serving alcohol?

If you plan to serve alcohol, you will need to obtain a Certificate of Liability Insurance policy in the amount of one million dollars naming the Port as additional insured. Some insurance carriers issue a single one-day rider on the applicant's homeowner/rental insurance policy. Another option is to purchase event insurance online. Here are a few sites to choose from: www.wedsafe.com, www.theeventhelper.com, www.directevent.me

7. What are the requirements for serving food?

If you choose to have your event catered by someone on our “pre-qualified” list, you are not required to get additional liability insurance; all of the listed caterers have their insurance policy on file with the Port. Simply indicate the caterer you have chosen on your rental application or phone us and we will enter it on your records.

If you choose to self-cater, or opt to use the services of a caterer that is not on the Port of Bellingham’s Pre-qualified Caterer’s list, you need to obtain a Certificate of Liability Insurance policy in the amount of one million dollars naming the Port of Bellingham as an additional insured. Some insurance carriers issue a single-day rider on the applicant’s homeowner/rental insurance policy. Another option is to purchase event insurance through www.wedsafe.com.

8. What items/decorations are allowed and not allowed in Port facilities?

The Port does not allow the following items:
-Helium balloons
-Open flame devices, fog/bubble/foam machines, or other smoke emitting materials
-Glitter, confetti, birdseed, rice and real flower petals
(Real flower petals may be used for table decorations)
-Tacks, nails, staples or tape is not to be used on walls or other surfaces that may cause damage

The following items are allowed:
-Floating candles, or candles in glass containers
-Unity candles if they are extinguished at the conclusion of the ceremony
-Bubbles (no bubble machines)
-Non-helium balloons
-Floral arrangements/centerpieces

9. Is there a sound system available for use?

Both the Bellingham Cruise Terminal and the Squalicum Boathouse have a sound system available for use. The sound system includes a five-disk CD player, corded and cordless mic (depending on which facility), and an Ipod connection cord. Our sound system is not intended to replace a DJ. We suggest hiring a band or DJ if your event requires more than background music.

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1. Do we need a new marina?

Yes. The port operates two marinas, which are essentially full and have a waiting list of more than 170 boats. More than 70 percent of the port’s moorage customers are from Whatcom County, and it is projected the port will need an additional 683 slips by the year 2015 to meet the growing demand for boat space.

2. Did the port look at using the wastewater treatment lagoon for anything else?

Yes. The port looked at many ways to reuse the lagoon, including as a park, for commercial use, as a stormwater treatment facility, and for aquaculture.

3. Why build a new marina that only benefits 350-450 boat owners?

Bellingham is a boating community with over 90 businesses countywide supporting the maritime industry and providing valuable local jobs. Building a new marina will help revitalize the waterfront and serve as an economic driver for the redevelopment of New Whatcom.

Extensive public parks and trails are planned around the outside of the marina, which will provide the community with over a mile of new waterfront access. Additionally, building a marina will create nearly 28 acres of new marine habitats for endangered salmon and other wildlife.

4. Did the port look at other places on the waterfront to build a new marina?

Yes. In 2004, the port looked at six locations in Bellingham Bay for building a new marina - from Fairhaven to Little Squalicum. The port evaluated construction costs, how many boats each site could hold, habitat and environmental impacts, the ease of access from land, the ability to obtain the required permits, and many other factors.

The lagoon is the best location for a new marina for just about every reason. Perhaps the best reason is that the breakwater is already built so important salmon habitats will not be damaged by building a new breakwater. Restoring the lagoon to a functioning part of Bellingham Bay will actually create over 28 acres of new salmon habitats!

5. Has a decision been made to build the new marina?

Yes. After a series of public meetings in 2004, the Port Commission passed a resolution to condemn the lagoon for use as a marina.

6. Will fees increase for moorage customers at the port's existing marinas to pay for the new marina?

There will be an increase in moorage rates for the port’s boating customers; however, our rates are projected to remain below the statewide average.

7. I have a boat and need moorage. Can I get on the waiting list for the new downtown marina?

There will not be a waiting list for the new downtown marina until about a year before it opens. However, there is a wait list available for the port's current marinas for all slip sizes. A $50 non-refundable wait list application is required. Wait times vary. Applications and moorage information are available at the Squalicum Harbor office, which can be contacted at (360) 676-2542.

8. When will the marina be built?

The marina is estimated to be completed within the next 10 years.

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1. Is the port still offering the memorial bench program?

No. Due to no availability, this program has been closed since 2004.

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1. How are Port commissioners chosen?

The 3 Port Commissioners are non-partisan, elected officials. They each represent one of three districts in Whatcom County. Commissioners serve four-year terms. District Map (Whatcom County Website)

2. What districts do the current Port commissioners represent?

• Michael Shepard - District One
• Ken Bell - District Two
• Bobby Briscoe- District Three

Map of Port Districts

3. How can I contact the Port commissioners?

The Port Commission welcomes your comments and questions. Every commission meeting begins with public comment. Call the main port office at (360) 676-2500 or You may reach: Bobby Briscoe (360) 296-4483 bobbyb@portofbellingham.com Michael Shepard (360) 303-9314 michaels@portofbellingham.com Ken Bell (360) 739-1002 kenb@portofbellingham.com

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1. How long can I stay on the visitor dock?

The visitor dock is available for moorage for up to three days. The harbor office may have loan-a-slips or subleases available for longer periods of time.

2. Does the harbor allow boats to overhang the slip?

Although vessels may be allowed to overhang the slip in certain areas of the harbor, we do not permit vessels to hang over the dock or stick out into the waterways in most areas for safety reasons.

3. Can I live on my boat?

The harbors have an approved capacity for the number of allowed live-aboards. Please contact the harbor office at (360) 676-2542 for more information.

4. Is my pet welcome at the harbor?

Pets are welcome at the harbor. They must be on a leash and under their owner's control. All pet waste must be picked up immediately and disposed of in a sanitary manner. For your convenience, pet waste bags are located on the docks and walking paths.

5. Does the harbor have dock carts?

Dock carts are provided for harbor customers. Please return the dock cart to the top of the ramp as soon as possible. We ask that boaters clean up spills or messes left in the cart so it's ready for the next customer.

6. How many days notice is required to cancel moorage?

The Port of Bellingham requires 30 days written notice of your intent to cancel moorage. The Port of Bellingham will continue to bill moorage for 30 days after we receive written notice.

7. How do I change slips?

The harbors' maintain a berth change request (BCR) list to help current customers move from one slip to another slip or to a larger or smaller slip. To get on the BCR, visit the harbor office and fill out a BCR form. All slip change requests are processed by request date.

8. Can I store my dinghy on the dinghy rack?

Dinghy racks are available on a first come, first serve basis to current moorage customers. All dinghies must have identification attached to them. To make the best use of rack space, dinghy size is limited to 2 bars. Some dinghy racks at Squalicum Harbor can be reserved for a monthly fee of $10. Check in at the Squalicum Harbor Office for more details. Canoes and kayaks are not permitted; please store these on your boat or at home. The storage of derelict or abandoned dinghies is not permitted.

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1. What is an RFP?

A solicitation for developers interested in being: the master developer for the initial 10.8-acre site adjacent to Downtown Bellingham, the developer in undertaking the adaptive reuse of the Granary Building, or a project specific developer for a project within the 10.8-acre site.

2. Why is an RFP being offered now?

The Port and City agree that attracting a developer or developers at this stage is important because we want to get their input before the final plans are adopted. Complicated infill and brownfield projects like this are most successful when developers are part of the team to ensure a final plan works well for the new development.

3. What is the status of the Granary Building?

The Request for Proposals includes an offering for redevelopment of this building. The Port would consider proposals that meet the Waterfront District goals for this area and that would be financially viable without a Port subsidy. The Granary Building could proceed independently of the development of Parcels 1 and 2, however it must have a timeline for development that precedes the master development because it is the entry to the Waterfront District.

4. How will the Port choose a developer?

The Port will have a selection committee that will include a representative from the City, the County, Western Washington University, Port project staff and our development consultant. This committee will evaluate the RFP responses to determine: the capacity and ability of the developer, the development concept and the proposed transaction itself. Then the committee will make a recommendation to the Port Commission. Ultimately, the Commission will be charged with approving the selection and all transactions.
The goals for the type of development concept are:
• Encompasses most or all of the Initial Development Opportunity;
• Defines phasing plan for investment and project build-out, including criterion and/or factors that will be used to activate each phase
.• Strives to achieve a high level of sustainability, not only for individual buildings, but on a Waterfront District-wide level;
• Strives for enduring and high-quality job creation;
• Seeks to hide parking by minimizing surface parking and employing approaches to place it in structures, below grade, or wrapping/tucking it with pedestrian friendly uses; and
• Demonstrates pedestrian orientation and provides and enhances coordination and connectivity both among individual uses in the Waterfront District and between the Waterfront District, Old Town, Downtown, and other surrounding areas.

5. Will local developers get special consideration?

All proposals will be equally treated. This is a legal requirement and it also makes the best sense for this project. We are seeking the best developments and developers for this site and welcome all developers who have an interest in our community and in this project.

6. How quickly will a developer be selected?

The Port will receive proposals in mid-July and anticipates the evaluation and review of these proposals will take several months. When those interviews and additional research and evaluation is completed, Port staff will bring a recommendation to the Port Commission to select preferred developer or developers. After that an exclusive negotiations period would begin and would take about four or five months to complete.