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1. Who can I complain to about low flying aircraft or helicopters?

• Citizens can call the Olympia Airport Office at (360) 528-8079 for aircraft operating directly into and out of the Olympia Airport.
• For flights not directly operating at the Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Standard District Office can be contacted at (206) 231-3828.
• For military planes and helicopters, contact the Ft. Lewis noise complaint line at (253) 967-0852 or their Public Affairs office at (253) 967-0146 and (253) 967-0158

2. Why do the military aircraft fly over Olympia at night and why do they fly so low?

Military aircraft have training areas and training routes throughout the region. Often, military flights just seem lower because aircraft are larger and/or louder, and studies have shown that people react more strongly to noise at nighttime. For more information citizens can call:

• For military aircraft activity, contact the Ft. Lewis noise complaint line at (253) 967-0852 or their Public Affairs office at (253) 967-0146 or (253) 967-0158.

3. There seem to be a lot more military helicopter flights in the Olympia area lately. Is there a reason for that?

Yes. Since 2011, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) has seen an increase in the number of helicopters based at the former Ft. Lewis facility by about 25%. The units train both day and night. In addition to training at the regional airports, they train on routes and in areas not associated with a specific airport.

4. Does the Airport have to allow the military helicopter flights at the Olympia Regional Airport?

Yes, the Airport cannot restrict the military from training here. The Port of Olympia is required to operate the Airport in accordance with the deed obligations that accompany the transfer of federal surplus property (the Airport) and the Grant Assurances that accompany the acceptance of federal Airport Improvement Program funds.

Specifically the airport deed requires…."all of the transferred property called the "airport" shall be used for public airport purposes on reasonable terms without unjust discrimination and without grant or exercise of any exclusive right within the meaning of the Civil Aeronautics Act on 1938." This deed obligation is in perpetuity.

The Grant Assurance for Airport Sponsors #22 Economic Nondiscrimination states..."sponsor will make the airport available as an airport for public use on reasonable terms and without unjust discrimination to all types, kinds, and classes of aeronautical activities."

The Grant Assurance for Airport Sponsors #27 Use by Government Aircraft states..."sponsor will make available all of the facilities of the airport and all of those useable for landing and takeoff of aircraft to the United States for use by government aircraft in common with other aircraft at all times."

5. How low can airplanes and helicopters fly?

Federal Aviation Regulations state: Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below an altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface.

Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons, no lower than 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft.

Over uncongested areas, no lower than 500 feet above the surface. Over open water or sparsely populated areas, aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

Helicopters. Helicopters may be operated at less than the minimums listed above if the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface.

6. Do pilots have to file a flight plan with the airport?

No. Aircraft arrive or depart to and from the airport with no prior notice. The airport is open 24 hours daily.

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1. I am a contractor or a vendor. How can I do business with the Port?

Visit our Contracting with the Port page for information on contracting opportunities.

2. What is TWIC and is it required for contractors?

TWIC stands for Transportation Worker Identification Credential.

Effective February 28, 2009, all workers in the Puget Sound area (this includes contractors and consultants) need a TWIC card to gain unescorted access to secure areas of facilities and vessels regulated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA). Further information is included in the bid documents.

More information on the TWIC Program is available at the Transportation Security Administration’s website. The contract documents will state whether a TWIC card is required for that project or not.

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1. Is the Port involved with the general cleanup of Budd Inlet? What role do other entities play?

The Port participates with other governmental organizations on Budd Inlet cleanup and restoration opportunities through the Budd Inlet Restoration Interlocal Agreement. Partners in the agreement are the Port, City of Olympia, LOTT Clean Water Alliance, Washington State University Extension and Thurston County.

2. What has the Port done to prevent damage to its properties from earthquakes?

The Port complies with international and local building codes in both new construction and remodel work. Projects are designed to withstand a major earthquake with little or no damage. This was demonstrated in 2001 with the 6.8 Nisqually earthquake, which resulted in no damage to the Marine Terminal shipping berths and only light damage to the warehouse. This allowed the Port to be fully functional and ready to respond to the emergency as needed. The Cascade Pole sediment containment cells are designed to withstand a 100-200 year earthquake, with the berm along the shoreline designed for a 300-400 year earthquake.

3. What is the Port doing in anticipation of potential sea-level rise?

The Port is meeting all the requirements of the City of Olympia. Specifically, as part of the ongoing Cascade Pole Site cleanup and management, approximately 1,110 feet of shoreline at the northeastern part of the Port Peninsula have either already been, or will be, raised 3-5 feet.

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1. How do I get on your email list?

Sign up or call 360.528.8000.

2. Do you have any job openings?

View our job openings.

3. Why do people have to go through security to reach the Port Administration offices?

The Port administration offices are on the Port's Marine Terminal. All marine facilities are regulated by Homeland Security which requires the security check. Port staff and tenants, as well as the general public, are required to show valid ID when entering the facility.

4. What is a Port?

Port districts are municipal corporations. A Washington law allows citizens to create port districts through a vote of the people. Their primary function is economic development through such things as marine shipping terminals, marinas, docks, airports, railroads and industrial sites.

5. How old is the Port of Olympia?

The port was established in 1922 by the citizens of Thurston county through a vote to create the Port of Olympia.

6. What area does the Port district cover? Is it just the City of Olympia?

The Port of Olympia has the same boundaries as Thurston County and includes all of its cities, towns, and unincorporated areas.

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1. How many jobs does the Port create?

According to the 2009 Economic Impact Study, the income levels generated by the Port and its tenants equate to 3,043 direct jobs, 1,390 induced jobs, and 2,816 indirect jobs. There are a total 7,249 jobs generated by Port activity.

2. How much tax money does the Port collect?

In fiscal year 2010, the Port collected $4.6 million in property taxes. The tax rate was $0.17 per $1,000 of assessed property value, equating to $34 for a $200,000 home. The amount collected by the Port represented 1.48% of the total property taxes collected in Thurston County

3. How does the Port use the taxes it collects?

Primarily to pay off bond debt principle and interest for major capital investments. Any remaining taxes first go towards environmental projects and lastly to non-bonded capital investments.

4. What portion of the Port's operating costs are funded by taxes?

Absolutely no property tax money is used for the Port’s day-to-day operations.

5. Are there any Ports in Washington that do not collect taxes?

One. All other Class A and major ports rely on some form of property taxes. The Port of Olympia collects the fourth lowest amount of the 23 in its category.

6. When is the budget prepared?

Budget preparation begins in August and the Commission adopts the final budget at its second meeting in November.

7. Is the Port operating profitably?

In fiscal year 2010, the Port generated sufficient operating revenue to cover all operating expenses as well as all overhead and still leave more than $900,000 for operating surplus.

8. Why doesn't the private sector operate the Port?

Like ports across the nation, the Port of Olympia takes on environmental cleanup projects such as Cascade Pole, and offers transportation infrastructures for marine, air and rail. These are not highly profitable yet need to be done for public use and public safety, international trade and economic development, and to make land and water usable again. Further, grants for cleanups and transportation infrastructure are available to public entities like ports and cities, but not to private businesses.

9. Will there be a time when the Port no longer needs to collect property taxes?

Potentially, though this is not known. The Port is currently committed to capital bond payments through 2027. Historically, Ports use property taxes as a means of raising large amounts of money to complete major community investment projects. Therefore, commissioners are always looking at the cost/benefit of continued taxing (currently $30 on a $200,000 home) versus community benefit.

10. Do the Port's books comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles?

Yes. Additionally, these governmentally established standards are the basis of annual financial audits conducted by the State Auditor on all Port financial records.

11. What is the Port's economic impact?

According to the 2009 Economic Impact Study, the Port of Olympia activities generated $350.7 million in wages, salaries, and local consumption to the local and regional economy.

12. How many people work for the Port?

44 full-time staff and another 10 who are in positions that are part-time, seasonal or project related.

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1. What jobs are available at the Port of Olympia?

View the job opportunities page. For information on longshore "casual" jobs, please contact the longshore hall at 360.357.5915 or the state's unemployment office.

2. I am a contractor or a vendor. How can I do business with the Port?

Visit our Contracting with the Port page for information on contracting opportunities.

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1. Is there commercial passenger service at Olympia?

No. The most recent passenger service at the Olympia Regional Airport ceased operating in the fall of 2004. Seattle (SEA) and Portland (PDX) are the two closest airports offering commercial passenger service.

2. Can I take a charter flight out of Olympia?

There are currently no charter services based out of the Olympia Regional Airport. 

3. There seem to be a lot more military helicopter flights in the Olympia area lately. Is there a reason for that?

Yes. Since 2011, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) has seen an increase in the number of helicopters based at the former Ft. Lewis facility by about 25%. The units train both day and night. In addition to training at the regional airports, they train on routes and in areas not associated with a specific airport.

4. Who can I complain to about low flying aircraft or helicopters?

• Citizens can call the Olympia Airport Office at (360) 528-8079 for aircraft operating directly into and out of the Olympia Airport.
• For flights not directly operating at the Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Standard District Office in Des Moines, WA can be contacted at (206) 231-3828.
• For military aircraft including helicopters, contact the Joint Base Lewis McChord noise complaint line at (253) 967-0852 or the Public Affairs office at (253) 967-0146 and (253) 967-0158.

5. Is the Port of Olympia doing anything to bring air service back to Olympia?

In 2011, the Port hired Mead & Hunt, an airline service consultant, to evaluate industry trends and do a market analysis of the likelihood of regaining air service at the Olympia Regional Airport. Their research indicated current industry trends make it unlikely for Olympia to obtain new service. Airline operating costs are higher in small markets and airlines are reducing short haul flying and airline capacity (available seats). Consequently, the Port is not actively recruiting passenger service at the Airport. The Port is vigilant for changes in market conditions that might present opportunities in the future.

6. What can the average citizen do to bring air service back to Olympia?

Citizens can provide airlines with feedback through the usual customer service methods airlines have in place for their customers.

7. Why are there no charter companies at the Olympia Airport?

Similar to the airline industry, charter companies are market and profit margin driven. When a charter company identifies a market, that demand will drive the decision to expand to Olympia.

8. Are scenic flights available at the Olympia Airport?

Scenic flights are available within 25 miles of the Olympia Regional Airport. Currently Glacier Aviation is authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct scenic flights.

9. Can large passenger or cargo aircraft operate at the Olympia Regional Airport?

No, the airport runways, taxiways and parking areas are not designed for large passenger or cargo aircraft. In some cases, exceptions can be made for a one-time operation for a special circumstance such as an aircraft engineering modification.

10. Will the main runway at the Olympia Airport be extended?

There are no plans to extend the runway. Should air traffic forecasts change in the future, the runway needs will be reevaluated.

11. How low can airplanes and helicopters fly?

Federal Aviation Regulations state: Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below an altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface.

Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons, no lower than 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft.

Over uncongested areas, no lower than 500 feet above the surface. Over open water or sparsely populated areas, aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

Helicopters. Helicopters may be operated at less than the minimums listed above if the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface.

12. Do pilots have to file a flight plan with the airport?

No. Aircraft arrive or depart to and from the airport with no prior notice. The airport is open 24 hours daily.

13. Why do the military aircraft fly over Olympia at night and why do they fly so low?

Military aircraft have training areas and training routes throughout the region. Often, military flights just seem lower because aircraft are larger and/or louder, and studies have shown that people react more strongly to noise at nighttime. For more information citizens can call:

• Joint Base Lewis McChord noise complaint line at (253) 967-0852 or the Public Affairs Office at (253) 967-0146 and (253) 967-0158.

14. Does the Airport have to allow the military helicopter flights at the Olympia Regional Airport?

Yes, the Airport cannot restrict the military from training here. The Port of Olympia is required to operate the Airport in accordance with the deed obligations that accompany the transfer of federal surplus property (the Airport) and the Grant Assurances that accompany the acceptance of federal Airport Improvement Program funds.

Specifically the airport deed requires…."all of the transferred property called the "airport" shall be used for public airport purposes on reasonable terms without unjust discrimination and without grant or exercise of any exclusive right within the meaning of the Civil Aeronautics Act on 1938." This deed obligation is in perpetuity.

The Grant Assurance for Airport Sponsors #22 Economic Nondiscrimination states..."sponsor will make the airport available as an airport for public use on reasonable terms and without unjust discrimination to all types, kinds, and classes of aeronautical activities."

The Grant Assurance for Airport Sponsors #27 Use by Government Aircraft states..."sponsor will make available all of the facilities of the airport and all of those useable for landing and takeoff of aircraft to the United States for use by government aircraft in common with other aircraft at all times."

15. What types of aircraft typically use the Olympia Regional Airport?

See photos of the types of aircraft that typically use the Airport, and types of commercial service aircraft capable of using the Airport.  Aircraft Photos

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1. What real estate does the Port own on behalf of Thurston County citizens to encourage economic development?

The Port has property in three main areas.  The Airport properties, including New Market Industrial Campus and Cleanwater Center, is located in Tumwater.  The Commerce Business Center, a three-building campus, is located in Lacey.  The Port Peninsula is located in downtown Olympia and includes the Market, East Bay and NorthPoint districts. 

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1. How can I get a quote to use your Port to ship or receive cargo?

Please call 360.528.8033 or visit the rates and services requests page.

2. What security restrictions / regulations do I need to be aware of before I visit the Port?

All visitors must present a valid, government issued identification in order to visit the Port offices. For more detail on security regulations and TWIC requirements, please view the security page.

3. What jobs are available at the Port of Olympia?

View the job opportunities page. For information on longshore "casual" jobs, please contact the longshore hall at 360.357.5915 or the state's unemployment office.

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1. What are the Boatworks hours of operations?

We are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

2. What is the largest boat that can be hauled out at Boatworks?

The travel lift has a rated capacity of 77 tons, which will accommodate most boats up to 70 feet. Maximum boat width is 21 feet.

3. Is there long term storage at your facility?

We provide Long Term Winter Storage from October 1 through March 1. Ask for details in the Boatworks office or look under our Long Term Storage link. All other storage is at our daily lay-time rates. Long Term Storage

4. Can I work on my own boat?

Absolutely, we are a do it yourself yard, but we also have available full service, onsite marine service providers and concessionaires to assist you with any of your repair or maintenance needs. To find information regarding service providers check out our link under Service Providers. Service Providers

5. How far in advanced do I schedule a haul out at Swantown Boatworks?

This varies based on the season and weather. From the months of May through September, if the weather is nice, plan on scheduling about 1-2 weeks in advance. During the winter plan on scheduling 1-2 days in advance and even the same day on slow weeks.

6. Are there restrictions on the kind of work I can do in the boatyard?

Yes, we have strict Best Management Practices in place to ensure we meet the environmental standards designated by the Washington Department of Ecology. The Best Management Practices are listed in detail on our Best Management Practices link. Best Management Practices

7. Is there a wash down and treatment facility at Swantown?

The Boatworks has a state of the art wash down and water treatment facilities where we pressure wash all of the boats that require a wash. We pride ourselves in professional power washing from the gunnels to the keel, if you have special needs with your wash just let us know and we will do our best to accommodate.

8. Is there a covered area to work on my boat?

Our onsite service provider Pettit Marine has an indoor shop. If you are interested in space to work on your boat, contact Pettit Marine; detailed information can be found on our Service Provider link. Service Providers

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1. Will the project be financially viable?

Yes. The financial evaluations conducted by staff indicate that the project results will exceed the Port’s financial goals. Using the fuel volumes from the Washington State University Market Study, the Port Finance Director estimates an internal rate of return exceeding 6% in each of the three volume sales scenarios (Low, Most Likely, High). At a 6% rate of return, the project will pay for itself and will qualify for bank financing if necessary.

2. Will the facility compete with private fuel dock operators?

Yes. The WSU Market Study indicates that existing Thurston County area fuel docks may lose a significant volume of fuel sales if the Port constructs a new fuel facility at Swantown Marina. The close proximity of Swantown Marina to the Olympia area marinas and available water depth are factors that will divert fuel sales. However, it is important to note that current sales at the existing facilities presumably include increased sales resulting from the loss of the two downtown Olympia fuel facilities. The Port cannot estimate whether or not the loss of market share anticipated at the existing fuel docks is greater or less than the gain in market share these facilities likely realized from the earlier closure of competing facilities.

3. Will the facility be environmentally safe?

Yes. As the newest marine fueling facility in Thurston County and the Puget Sound region, the Port’s facility must be constructed to current petroleum, safety, and environmental compliance standards.

4. Will the facility be accepted by the community?

The results of the Market Study are consistent with earlier public comment, confirming that the vast majority of Olympia area boaters support the Port developing a fuel dock at Swantown Marina. Anecdotally, Port staff has received comments that regional and visiting boaters at boat shows, boating events and at Swantown routinely express support for the Port constructing a fuel dock in downtown Olympia.