The project consists of installing reefers on racks with power infrastructure for approximately 198 refrigerated containers and rebuilding the terminal transfer zone

The Department of Transportation Maritime Administration awarded The Northwest Seaport Alliance $19.961 million on January 8, 2026, under the Port Infrastructure Development Program (CFDA 20.823) to install reefer plugs, racks, and power infrastructure for approximately 198 refrigerated containers and rebuild the terminal transfer zone at Pierce County Terminal in Tacoma, Washington.

Component 1 expands reefer capacity by installing 16 structural racks with approximately 198 new reefer plugs in Section 22, raising total terminal reefer plug capacity to approximately 852. The installation includes two transformers, two switchgear cabinets, two power factor correction units, and associated electrical and civil infrastructure. New racks incorporate stairs, eliminating the need for mobile ladders.

Component 2 involves full-depth pavement rehabilitation of approximately 90,000 square feet in the transfer zone, along with stormwater treatment improvements. Work includes installation of stormwater treatment facilities, below-grade conveyance piping with catch basins, and final pavement striping and lane markings to treat surface water runoff from both the replaced pavement and stormwater treatment basin.

Performance measures track cargo volume as outlined in the grant agreement. Work is scheduled for completion by October 31, 2027. The award is on a reimbursable basis.

Activities to be performed component 1 reefer expansion install reefer plugs reefer racks and power infrastructure to accommodate approximately 198 additional refrigerated containers at the terminal increasing the total number of reefer plug INS at the terminal to approximately 852. The new reefer racks will include stairs replacing the need for use of mobile ladders. This component includes the installation of electrical and civil infrastructure to include two transformers two switchgear cabinets two power factor correction and 16 structural reefer racks to accommodate approximately 198 new reefer plugs. Approximately 198 new reefers with racks will be placed in section 22 at pierce county terminal PCT. Component 2 transfer zone rebuild full depth rehabilitation of the pavement section at the PCT transfer zone an area that measures approximately two acres in size 90000 square feet and stormwater treatment improvements. This includes installing stormwater treatment facilities to treat surface water runoff from the replaced pavement in the transfer zone as well as runoff from pavement within the stormwater treatment basin. To provide the required level of treatment and to properly convey the surface runoff to the treatment system new stormwater conveyance piping will be required. The conveyance piping will be installed below grade with stormwater catch basins connecting segments of piping to the treatment system. Following installation of the full depth pavement sections stormwater conveyance system and treatment system pavement striping lane lines and transfer zone stall lines will be applied to the finished surface of the pavement. Deliverables expected outcomes performance measures as outlined in the grant agreement page 12 schedule g. Measure cargo volume. Category and description economic competitiveness and opportunity total cargo volume and volume of refrigerated freight in TEU. Measurement frequency quarterly. Measure operating and maintenance costs. Category and description state of good repair reduction of maintenance costs and operational downtime after transfer zone repaving. Measurement frequency quarterly. Intended beneficiary the northwest seaport alliance. Subrecipient activities none.