Whatcom County Executive Pete Kremen makes decision on Terraquarium 

Whatcom County Executive Pete Kremen on Wednesday, sent a letter to the Port of Bellingham,The Economic Development Investment Board (EDI) , The Mayor of Bellingham and County Council members regarding the proposed Northwest Discovery Project's Terraquarium. In the letter Kremen outlines the administrations opposition to funding six-hundred thousand dollars to study the project in an economic crisis.

February 17, 2009


Dear

I wanted you to know that after carefully reviewing the Port of Bellingham’s application for County financial support of the Northwest Terraquarium preliminary study, I have decided that in light of the serious economic conditions impacting our region, this is not a prudent time to be expending $600,000 in county funds for this project.  In the last several months the economic challenges have become significantly more acute and thus I will not authorize the contract for the study.  

I’m sure you can appreciate how carefully we must assess the outlay of limited county funds and reserve their use for investments that will provide a more tangible and immediate boost to our economy.  In the near term, I am unconvinced that kind of benefit would be realized by the NW Terraquarium study.  Although there may be some long-term potential for this project and its vision, it is noteworthy that the US House of Representatives included a provision in the recently passed $819 billion dollar Economic Stimulus Bill that specifically excluded aquariums from any financial support under that act.
 
Additionally, the Port of Bellingham has indicated to the County that they intend to apply for other port-related infrastructure projects in the near future.  Presently, the EDI grant funds have been overcommitted and will remain so for many more months while sales tax receipts replenish that portion of the fund designated for grant purposes.  I submit to you that the scarce EDI funds available for economic development would be utilized more advantageously as the local match component required for federal economic stimulus funding.

Those who have worked long and hard to promote and realize their vision are to be commended.  I genuinely regret that the time is not more conducive to moving forward.

Sincerely,



Pete Kremen
County Executive

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