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Economic Development

WHY COME TO PORT TOWNSEND?

Port Townsend's economic vitality has come full circle and, with the enhanced haulout project undertaken by the Port of Port Townsend, revitalization of the local economy, and the Marine Trades have once again become the focus of major development. The city has also gained an international reputation as a builder of wooden sailing vessels and state-of-the-art motor yachts.

Port Townsend is the largest and only incorporated community in the county. It is the county seat and serves as the major commercial center. Approximately one-third of the county population resides in Port Townsend. The county's largest manufacturing employer, Port Townsend Paper Corporation, is located here. There are three major industrial parks; the Port of Port Townsend's Marine Industrial Park, the private Port Townsend Business Park and Glen Cove Industrial Area.

Doing Business In Jefferson County

Business in Jefferson County is small business. National studies have found that small business has been the engine of economic and job growth in comparison to large corporations. This fact is a major reason behind the robust performance of the local economy over the past decade.

Over 250 businesses have been started in the county each of the last five years in all economic sectors. These new firms join the existing 2,300 businesses in the county. The majority of new starts are service and retail enterprises, mirroring national trends; however, many are manufacturing concerns.

Retail sales have grown by 20% during the last five years, fueled by new construction activity, a growth in local retail enterprises, population growth and tourism. Each year since 1990, over $50 million in new construction has been added to the assessment rolls in Jefferson County. Economic development financing tools such as the local loan programs of the Small Business Administration are available to new and existing businesses in the county through local banks. In addition, several revolving loan pools can be accessed. The Economic Development Council works closely with state and federal agencies to package loans for qualifying businesses.

Jefferson County's location has excellent access to all major transportation systems, allowing easy movement of goods, services and people.

The county is linked to Puget Sound and the Interstate Highway System via U.S. Highways 104 and 101. You can be in downtown Seattle conducting business in 90 minutes with a short ride on the Washington State Ferry. All west coast markets are within a 2 day haul for truckers.

The Washington State Ferry System

Provides scheduled service between Port Townsend and Keystone, Whidbey Island, allowing easy access to Northern Puget Sound and Canada.

Air Travel

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with flights to national and international destinations, is less than a two hour drive from Port Townsend or a 20 minute charter flight from Jefferson County International Airport. Chartered air services and customs checking for international arrivals is available.

Freight

The county is fully served by small package delivery services and major freight lines based in Seattle. The Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, approximately 90 minutes away, can move into national or international shipping channels. In addition, the Puget Sound ports are three days closer to Far East destinations in terms of sailing time compared to those of Southern California.

Public Transit

Jefferson Transit provides regularly scheduled bus service throughout Port Townsend and the county. Links to public transit services in Clallam and Kitsap counties provide the commuter or shopper access to Seattle or Port Angeles. Custom services designed to meet special transportation needs such as Dial-A-Ride and vanpooling are also available.

The Port is located in Jefferson County Washington on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula

Port Facilities Include:

Marinas
Port Townsend Boat Haven
Port Of Port Townsend/Boat Yard/Shipyard
Quilcene Boat Haven
Hudson Point Marina
Jefferson County International Airport
Commercial and industrial building space and real estate
Public access, recreation, open space

Economic Development Marine Trades Port Townsend Ship Yard Port Properties Leasing Contact Airport Development Airport Industrial Park Land For Sale Or Lease Spec Or Build-To-Suit Future Airport Industrial Park Leasing And Sales New Business Recruitment Economic Development Council of Jefferson County Jefferson County Profile City of Port Townsend Financing Options State Of Washington Development Loan Fund - Local Development Assistance Community Economic Revitalization Board Sales Tax Deferral Program Job Training Partnership Manufacturer's Sales Tax Exemption Industrial Development Bonds Links To Local Resources Relocation & Investor's Guide Jefferson County School Districts: Port Townsend School District Chimacum School District Peninsula College Small Business Association - Washington Economic Development Council of Jefferson County Clallam County EDC Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce

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