In 1911, the Washington State Legislature authorized the formation of ports as municipal corporations of the state, classified as special purpose districts with taxing authority. In 1922, Thurston County residents formed the port district by a countywide public vote. The original intent was to protect and enhance the community’s vital waterborne trade by establishing public management of maritime facilities – wharfs, warehouses and rail.

Today, the Port operates four independent enterprises: Swantown Marina & Boatworks, the Marine Terminal, the Olympia Regional Airport and a Real Estate division. The Port is governed by three commissioners who are responsible for establishing policies and overseeing operations. Although each commissioner represents a district within Thurston County, they are elected by a countywide vote for a four-year term.

Swantown Marina & Boatworks: Located on East Bay, Swantown Marina & Boatworks provides community waterfront access and quality recreational marine facilities. The Marina features more than 700 permanent moorage slips, guest moorage, and a public launch ramp. The Boatworks is a full-service boat¬yard, equipped with a 77-ton Travelift to haul boats in and out of the water. It is home to businesses and vendors who provide boat repair and marine-related services. Swantown also manages the guest moorage facilities at Port Plaza and NorthPoint on the West Bay of Budd Inlet.

Marine Terminal: A working waterfront and commercial hub for more than 85 years, the Port’s 60-acre Marine Terminal consists of three deepwater berths, a U.S. Customs bonded warehouse and a complete cargo yard. Specializing in handling unique cargoes, such as forest products, wind energy, heavy equipment and military, the Terminal provides a direct link to the global marketplace.

Olympia Regional Airport: Located in Tumwater, the Airport serves Thurston County by providing aviation access to the South Sound and the state capital. With two runways, hangars, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) control tower and convenient terminal building, it is home to a variety of users, including the Washington State Patrol, the Olympic Flight Museum, aircraft repair and maintenance businesses, flight schools and private pilots. The Port holds over 30 property leases for aviation-related businesses.

Real Estate: The Real Estate division manages the leasing and development of about 1,411 acres of commercial and industrial property. Port assets include the Market District, East Bay, NorthPoint, Marine Terminal, Swantown Marina & Boatworks and other properties in downtown Olympia, as well as NewMarket Industrial Campus and Airport properties in Tumwater. Port-wide, approximately 485 acres are under contract to private businesses or developers. To attract right-sized business development for our community, the Port develops “platforms” that provide necessary infrastructure, such as streets, utilities and other improvements. Currently, the Real Estate program includes management of 65 leases in Tumwater and 26 leases in Olympia. The Port currently has approximately 926 acres available for lease.