The Port of Anacortes and Port of Skagit have begun work on drafting an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) that would drive regional commercial and industrial economic development across Skagit County, building on a decades-long history of collaboration.

On Thursday, March 26, the two ports held a joint commission meeting, bringing together the Port of Anacortes’ five commissioners and the Port of Skagit’s three commissioners. Together, they heard a presentation on each port’s respective strengths and challenges, emerging opportunities, and the 2024–2029 Skagit County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS is a county-wide plan that includes a section focused on the ports’ roles in supporting its implementation.

The CEDS identifies the Port of Skagit’s key roles as growing industries—including advanced manufacturing, maritime manufacturing, and value added agriculture—and fostering an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The Port of Anacortes, on the other hand, is targeted with promoting bulk cargo trade through its deep water port, supporting aviation and aerospace sectors, advancing decarbonization and clean technology strategies, and for its strong role in tourism and quality of life in Skagit County.

A Complementary Partnership

The two port districts were established nearly forty years apart, each with a distinct mandate. As Port of Skagit Commission President Melanie Mankamyer explained: “the Port of Anacortes was formed to utilize their deep-water access and working waterfront, and the Port of Skagit was formed to build a manufacturing base for a more diversified economy in the county. Formalizing our Ports’ partnership through an interlocal agreement is a logical and effective action to further align our efforts, capitalize on our respective strengths and resources, and pursue new opportunities together that will support our thriving and diverse industries.”

That complementary structure is central to the vision behind the potential ILA. Port of Anacortes Commission President Kathy Pittis described the opportunity as creating “a stronger, more connected framework that links our deep-water terminal capabilities with valuable upland development opportunities.” This positions both ports to attract new investment and support long-term job creation across the region.

Through an ILA, the ports see opportunities to:

  • Develop a unified approach to the CEDS and implementation within the Port-led strategies.
  • Explore the creation of a Port Economic Development Committee/Council to monitor progress toward shared strategies.
  • Support coordinated economic development efforts with shared FTE or contractors.
  • Strengthen industrial and large commercial focused tenant recruitment through aligned planning and outreach.
  • Utilize port assets and infrastructure more effectively.

Building on Years of Collaboration

The potential ILA, made possible by Revised Code of Washington 39.34, would build on a long-time collaboration with deep roots. The two ports established joint ownership of Skagit Regional Airport in 1964, and Port of Skagit purchased the airport in 1975. In 2008, the ports entered into a formal ILA, committing to work cooperatively and proactively on services, resources, and issues of mutual concern. Though that agreement expired in 2018, the spirit of collaboration it embodies has continued.

The ILA would pick up that thread with renewed focus. “I think a strong and consistent partnership between Port of Skagit and Port of Anacortes would deliver additional energy towards economic growth and job creation, which is truly the core mission of Ports,” said Port of Anacortes Executive Director John Dumas. “We are eager to get underway and engage our complementary strengths to create regional economic benefits for Skagit County.”

A Shared Regional Vision

The agreement would be designed to complement the work already being done by regional economic development organizations like the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC). By formalizing their partnership, the ports would signal a commitment to coordinated, strategic investment in Skagit County’s economic future.

Port of Skagit Executive Director Sara Young emphasized the value of that coordination: “Each of our ports brings talented, dedicated staff and strong elected leadership to the table. By formalizing this partnership and investing in a shared regional vision, we are demonstrating a thoughtful and efficient use of public resources that will deliver lasting economic benefits to Skagit County.”

Together, the two ports are positioning Skagit County to compete for new investment, support existing industries, and create durable economic opportunity as a collaborative regional force.