Soundings (1/10/12)

Posted by G. Stowe Talbot 
 
 

Flag Salute & Invocation by Sue Sharpe

Visiting Rotarians: Kevin Wood (Chiiliwack) Dean Fulton (South Sound), Ray George (WC North), John Stewart, Fred Sexton (Big Club).

Guests: None

Announcements:

Rotary Board Meeting this Thursday 7:30am at Talbot offices (all are welcome).

Fireside this Thursday! 

Nonimations for serving on the board soon.  If you are interested in serving next Rotary year, please let Anna know! 

Thursday Feb 9th is our next fellowship basketball night at WWU, with pre-game food and beverages! 

We are getting ready to start the first Bellingham / Whatcom County Rotaract Club (for ages 18-35 or so).  Tresha and Anna are working on this project.


 

Bucks in the Bay

  • Bill Gorman's wife is starting an anti-fireworks campaign;
  • Mike Hammes recently befriended a local homeless guy trying to make ends meet (living in Bham but attending high school in Ferndale), NWYS is now helping him with housing and providing him support;
  • Ken Oplinger now heavily into Blaine politics!
  • Barry Kramer looking to find a job in Bellingham for his daughter - she has good business and marketing skills;
  • Stew Ellison $ for foundation, pitching Alzheimer's Association upcoming fundraiser dinner Friday January 10th, $30/person;
  • Jim Johnson went to Hawaii on cruise ship, happy new year wishes to all;

Sergeant at Arms by Jane Carten

Trivia re. quotes from Ghandi and Donald Trump, fines for attendance, Christine, Mike Hammes, Bill Boyd, etc.

Program

Ken Oplinger introduced Craig Cole, who came (on very short notice!) to talk about the proposed bulk shipping terminal at Cherry Point.  He is representing the developers of the project, SSA Marine, a Bellingham origin company formerly called Bellingham Stevedoring Company.

Craig said this proposed shipping terminal would be a very big economic driver for the community.  Cherry point has always been designated spot for heavy industry and in particular water-dependant uses.  SSA Marine, still owned by several Bellingham families.  They are known throughout the world as great terminal operators. The Cherry Point terminal would help connect American products with Asian markets, where there is currently a dearth of adequate bulk export facilities.  Deep-draft ships can be accommodated without dredging.  

This would be a huge, privately financed transportation infrastructure project:  

  • $500-$700 million, two-year construction;
  • 3500 to 4000 direct and indirect jobs, many $90,000+ / year jobs too;
  • Direct and indirect payroll $141 - 174 million / year;
  • $8 to $11 million / year in local and state taxes.

Site plan cutting edge technology and very sustainable.  Covered and enclosed conveyor systems.  Very little interference to marine environment.

Train traffic:  The terminal can unload a of 4-5 trains per day, so 8-10 round trips through Bellingham. Is that an acceptable trade-off for the community?

Respectfully submitted,

Stowe