The Cape Intrepid at the Port of Olympia before departing with military vehicles.
Photo credit: Tony Overman file photo, The Olympian

Editor’s note: This is important to Yelm and Rainier area property owners, as taxpayers to the Port of Olympia.

– “Olympia port commissioners: JBLM is a potential shipper”
* Joint Base Lewis-McChord is among the shippers talking to the port
* Residents ask port to be transparent about the possibility
* Port will discuss military shipments, take comment again Aug. 8

“‘The Port of Olympia has been in conversation with several potential shippers in an effort to increase marine cargo coming through the port,’ Commissioner Joe Downing said at the port’s regular meeting. ‘One potential shipper is Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The port cannot legally deny some cargo while accepting others.'”

Residents voiced opposition to military shipments. One said military shipments cause hostility. Another resident was fearful such shipments would lead to more of the violent protests against military shipments that occurred in 2007.

Terry Zander, a Vietnam veteran and 35-year Olympia resident, said he is not opposed to military shipments but would like transparency from Port of Olympia commissioners

The Port of Olympia will hold another commission meeting Aug. 8 to further discuss military shipments and hear more concerns from the public, Downing said,” quoting By Ben Muir, The Olympian.
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