The Puyallup Tribe will construct and operate a new maritime terminal on tribal land in Tacoma through a $200 million partnership with the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA). The project will add berth capacity along the East Blair Waterway and mark one of the most significant direct port infrastructure investments by a tribal nation in the United States.
The Puyallup Tribal Terminal will be built on a 22-acre site adjacent to the existing East Blair Terminal 1 (EB1), which is operated by the NWSA. The new facility will include on-dock rail, emissions reduction technologies, and comparable capabilities to EB1, which currently handles roll-on/roll-off and breakbulk cargo. The Tribe will fully fund, own, and maintain the new terminal.
Under the agreement, the Tribe and the NWSA will jointly market the two terminals. The NWSA will continue managing cargo operations at EB1 and provide technical support for the new facility. A revenue-sharing model and workforce training program will support tribal employment in maritime operations.