Maritime|253 Skills Center at Port of Tacoma on Track for Fall 2026 Opening — A Model for Workforce Development

May 7, 2026

Tacoma Public Schools and the Port of Tacoma have teamed up to build Maritime|253, a groundbreaking $62.8 million, 35,768-square-foot maritime skills center located within the Port of Tacoma on a 21.1-acre waterfront site along the Thea Foss Waterway — and on schedule for a fall 2026 opening. The facility, delivered using the Progressive Design-Build method, will offer hands-on career-driven training to prepare students for real-world maritime industry careers — addressing the region’s growing need for skilled maritime workers as the Port of Tacoma continues to expand its operations. Sitework underway includes grading, installation of site electrical and lighting, installation of vaults for water and telecom, and fine grading and formwork for walkways and curbs, with no anticipated schedule delays, cost overruns, or claims at this time. For Puget Sound contractors, the project is a compelling example of how public-private partnerships are delivering both infrastructure and workforce solutions simultaneously. Washington State Department of Transportation Washington State Department of Transportation

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