Projects, Plans, & Initiatives

Request for Statements of Qualifications

(May 23, 2024) Pursuant to RCW Chapter 39.80, the Port of Skagit invites Statements of Qualifications (RFQ) from firms interested in providing the Port with professional architectural / consultant services at the SWIFT Center, Sedro-Woolley, WA.

Working with Port of Skagit (Port) staff, the consultant or consultant team will be responsible for providing architectural services for the SWIFT Center, former Northern State Hospital site, in Sedro-Woolley. The Port reserves the right to contract with the selected consultant / consultant team for a term of up to five years at the Port’s sole discretion. The Port reserves the right to retain other consultants, including other architects, to provide services at the Port’s sole discretion.

For the full RFQ, please click HERE.

For Addendum #1 to RFQ, please click HERE.

For Addendum #2 to RFQ, please click HERE.

For Addendum #3 to RFQ, please click HERE.

Statements of Qualifications shall be submitted as an electronic PDF, no later than 2 p.m., June 19, 2024. See full RFQ for submittal instructions.

Environmental Remediation

The Port of Skagit takes great pride in our record of stimulating employment and generating commerce in Skagit County while being responsible stewards of the properties we control and manage.

Our work at the SWIFT Center to responsibly clean-up legacy environmental concerns began before we took ownership of the property. Working with consultants to fully understand the scope of work, the areas of concern, and sound clean-up methods to employ were key aspects in the collaborative planning process. Clean-up of the campus continues, under the direction and oversight of the state Department of Ecology, with a number of projects slated for 2021.

Binding Site Plan

A Master Binding Site Plan has been prepared which divides the SWIFT Center into Divisions 1 through 9 for development, Tracts A and B for open space and recreation, and Tract C for private roads and utilities. It is anticipated that each Division will be further subdivided into lots in the future.

Projects Underway

Southern Influence Area Site Improvements-Phase 1

The Port of Skagit has applied to the US Economic Development Administration for a grant to complete design and construction of the Southern Influence Area Site Improvements – Phase I project. The project will construct site improvements including grading, utility and roadway infrastructure that will serve new high tech manufacturing buildings that will be built in the southern portion of the SWIFT Center property.

NWIRC

The NW Innovation Resource Center (NWIRC) is an organization that works with entrepreneurs and inventors in Northwest Washington to identify the strategy, tools, and community resources needed to bring their products and business ideas to life. The Port of Skagit is working with NWIRC on the development of an innovation lab on the SWIFT campus to provide mentorship, work space and opportunities for entrepreneurs and inventors.

Behavioral Health

When the Port of Skagit took ownership of the property in 2018, there were two behavioral health facilities located at the SWIFT Center campus: Telecare, a mental health evaluation & treatment facility and Pioneer Human Services, a substance abuse treatment facility.

The model for delivery of behavioral health services has changed significantly in recent years and there is increased focus on transitioning to 16 bed (Medicaid-eligible), community-based treatment centers that provide a continuum of care in local communities. Since 2015 Skagit County, in collaboration with North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization, Pioneer Human Services, and other regional partners, has led efforts to transition these important behavioral health services from the SWIFT Center campus.

In 2022, Skagit County opened its new Evaluation and Treatment Center in Sedro-Woolley. This 16-bed facility operated by Telecare provides inpatient mental health services to adults experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms, providing 24-hour support, and preparing individuals to return home, or to other community-based programs as appropriate.