It follows, there exist many tax exemption for many reasons that apply to Federal Government, State Government, County Government, City Government, and Public Corporations; all tax exempt because public good gifted back to the people that pay taxes within the State of Washington. See, Tax Exemptions 2000, Public Property, http://dor.wa.gov/Docs/Reports/2000/Tax_Exemptions_2000/proppubl.htm?noframes (last visited Feb 10, 2016).

But now, we have ports and economic development that are tax exempt but with the ability to tax on top of tax exempt; for example:

Industrial Development

The Washington State Legislature has also been generous in granting authority to pursue industrial development – the fastest growing segment among ports. Port districts can construct buildings and structures to accommodate virtually any type of industrial or economic activity. These facilities are generally the sort that the private sector can’t -or won’t – build or improve.

Ports also can develop the infrastructure – water and sewage systems, and roads – necessary to attract job-creating businesses. Once a facility is built, it is often leased to businesses that generate jobs in the community.

Ports also have the authority to create Industrial Development Districts (IDD) and levy a property tax of up to $0.45 per $1,000 of assessed value for up to 6 years. IDDs are a valuable source of funds for economic development within the district, which can include water, light, power and fire protection facilities and services, streets, roads, bridges, highways, waterways, tracks, rail and water transfer and terminal facilities, and other harbor and industrial improvements. Each time industrial development projects are completed at port facilities – diversifying the economies of cities and counties – employment opportunities increase, tax revenues to cities, counties and the state are increased, and communities are made stronger. See, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, http://washingtonports.org/issue-areas/economic-development/ (last visited Feb 10, 2016).

On the other hand, just how is “[D]iversifying the economies of cities and counties—employment opportunities increased, . . . ” measured today to validate this argument?

Therefore, history speaks to the intent of Ports and Industrial Developments results that have created what we view today and done for our Tacoma Community interests. See generally, HistoryLink.org- the Free Online Encyclopedia of Washington State History, http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=9624 (last visited Feb 10, 2016). So, the average person might just ask about the additional “Port of Tacoma: Frederickson Industrial Area”

The Port of Tacoma was one of the first to set up an Industrial Development District after the Legislature authorized them in 1939, designating an IDD on the Commencement Bay tideflats. World War II interrupted tenant recruitment, but by the late 1950s Purex, Concrete Technology, Stauffer Chemical, and Western Boat Building were all operating in the port’s first Industrial District.

Because, if the Frederickson Industrial Area is going to have natural gas (methane) fuel electrical power generator sets operating, but still unanswered it the sweet- or sour-methane feeding into our Tacoma Community; as a result, sour-gas just-might release more airborne chemical hazard inventory into our Tacoma Community environment? Who’s got the environmental impact study on other Tacoma Community natural gas fed industrial facilities—planned or operating or processing—now? See generally, Sour Gas – Health Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide, http://www.watershedsentinel.ca/content/sour-gas-health-effects-hydrogen-sulfide (last visited Feb 9, 2016).

Despite, Tacoma Port now we have the Seattle Port alliance effect also, So just what is the combined Ports effect on Tacoma Taxpayers? I don’t know but somebody should make some public presentations about benefits and cost and observables result the Tacoma Community should benefit from? See generally, PORT OF TACOMA – POT_Resolution_Creating_Seaport_Alliance_PDA_050515.pdf (draft missing the content), https://www.portseattle.org/About/Documents/POT_Resolution_Creating_Seaport_Alliance_PDA_050515.pdf (last visited Feb 10, 2016).

One could say, were just lacking some important Tacoma Community environmental information, but we are also assessed property taxes to pay for these Community Port(s) existence. Does that really make sense to Tacoma Community Citizens (people)?

Nevertheless, “Each year, the Port receives about 1.7 percent of the property taxes that Pierce County homeowners pay. The money helps to pay off general obligation bonds for Port-related projects that benefit the broader public, such as road improvements and environmental projects.” See, Port of Tacoma – City of Fife, Washington, http://cityoffife.org/online-guide/businesses/economic-development/port-of-tacoma (last visited Feb 10, 2016). For me, I have a difficult time recognizing the “Port related projects that benefit the broader public”?

Seems like, Port of Tacoma (Tacoma and Seattle Ports) should become more open with my Tacoma Community informative information—environmental hazards they permit to be introduced then operated with my Tacoma Community; as a result, I am assessed property taxes each year to support what Port is doing to the health, welfare, and environment of my Tacoma Community.

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