Port of Olympia Blog
September marks Emergency Preparedness Month and considering recent local, regional, and global disasters, many of us are asking how resilient our community truly is when faced with significant emergencies. This month provides an opportunity to reflect on the crucial role the Port of Olympia plays—not just as an economic driver, but as a vital support system during emergencies.
While the Port is widely recognized for its diverse operations—an international shipping terminal, marina, airport, and real estate portfolio—its contributions extend far beyond economics. The Port is also a critical partner in safeguarding our community when it matters most.
Preparing for the Unexpected
Wildfires in Washington State are becoming more frequent, larger, and more destructive with each passing year. Indicators suggest this upward trend in wildfire frequency, size, season length, and overall risk is likely to continue. For Thurston County, that means wildfire preparedness is no longer optional—it is essential.
The Port of Olympia plays a key role in regional response efforts. The Olympia Regional Airport is a valuable asset for aerial firefighting operations, serving as a base for helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, as well as a hub for moving personnel, equipment, and supplies quickly into areas threatened by fire. Its location and capacity make it a critical part of the infrastructure that supports wildfire detection, response, and recovery. The Port’s facilities also help strengthen supply chain resilience and ensure the community can respond rapidly when emergencies arise.
While wildfires represent a growing and immediate threat, the region must also prepare for the possibility of a major earthquake. The Cascadia Subduction Zone—capable of producing seismic events measuring 7.0 to over 9.0—could sever traditional transportation routes by collapsing bridges, damaging roads, and isolating communities. In that scenario, the Port of Olympia’s maritime and aerial access becomes even more critical, providing alternative routes for the movement of goods, emergency supplies, and recovery resources.
Together, these dual threats—wildfires and earthquakes—underscore the importance of resilient infrastructure and proactive planning. The Port of Olympia is committed to supporting Thurston County’s readiness for both the emergencies we see growing each year and the catastrophic events we hope never occur. By working closely with local and regional agencies, the Port is positioned to provide immediate support when it is most needed.
A Proven Track Record
Since the events of September 11, 2001, U.S. ports—including Olympia—have expanded their roles to emphasize emergency management and community service. With support from Homeland Security grants, the Port has invested in critical infrastructure and equipment designed for crisis response.
A few key examples:
- Large scale generators at the marine terminal can be rapidly deployed to provide electricity during emergency recovery, and the terminal warehouse can serve as a community hub for light, heat, shelter and food distribution.
- In 2022, the Port participated in Cascadia Rising, a major drill testing regional readiness for seismic events.
- In August 2025, the Olympia Regional Airport played a pivotal role in wildfire response for residents near the City of Rainier, serving as a hub for staging resources and coordinating critical support.
Beyond disaster response, Port facilities serve as training grounds for local fire departments, dive teams, and law enforcement agencies. These partnerships provide first responders with hands-on opportunities to strengthen skills in areas such as search and rescue, oil spill management, and crowd control.
A Strategic Backup for National Defense
The Port of Olympia serves as a secondary port for Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), with Tacoma as the primary hub. During national emergencies, the Port can play an essential role in moving equipment and supplies to protect our region and nation.
Local Air and Sea Assets, Community Protection
Olympia Regional Airport continues to serve as the command center for emergency and disaster response, hosting Airlift NW, the Department of Natural Resources’ wildfire response helicopters, and the Washington State Patrol—ensuring aviation resources are immediately accessible during emergencies. As critical public infrastructure vital to our regional emergency response portfolio, the airport’s operations are sustained partly through subleasing private hangars, ensuring readiness for any crisis. Marine Terminal: A hub for multi-agency training, including search and rescue, dive operations, crowd control, and K-9 exercises by local and state agencies. The terminal’s deep-water berths and expansive laydown areas also make it a critical asset for staging emergency equipment, moving heavy or oversized relief supplies, and supporting military and disaster response operations. Its proximity to major highways and rail connections further strengthens its role as a regional logistics center during emergencies. In addition, the terminal plays an important role in climate resilience planning, serving as a potential staging ground for responses to flooding, severe weather events that may impact coastal communities. The Port also participates in large-scale preparedness drills like Cascadia Rising, testing the Pacific Northwest’s ability to respond to a major seismic event.
Ready to Respond—Every Day
Preparedness isn’t just for worst-case scenarios. On a daily basis, the Port supports various emergency response efforts: Swantown Marina and Boatworks is home to the Harbor Patrol and the Port’s Emergency Response Vessel, which provide rapid maritime support in coordination with the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. Their capabilities range from offshore firefighting to oil spill response and containment. Over the past year, they have also assisted with derelict and sunken vessel operations in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources, as well as tows, fire rescues, and other critical on-water emergencies. The Harbor Patrol—comprised of 27 trained volunteers—plays an essential role in keeping local waters safe and supporting regional emergency preparedness. Partnering for Community Safety Emergency readiness at the Port of Olympia isn’t a solo effort. We actively collaborate with agencies like: • U.S. Coast Guard • Thurston County Emergency Management • Washington State Emergency Management Division • City of Olympia Police Department • Local fire & police departments • Intercity Transit • Washington State Patrol • Washington State Department of Natural Resources These collaborations make Thurston County stronger and more resilient.
A Responsible Investment in Resilience
What makes these efforts even more significant is how they are funded. The Port of Olympia receives just 1.4% of Thurston County’s total property tax revenue. Which equates to 1.4 cents out of every dollar, or on average about $65.00 per household annually—less than what is allocated to the local Timberland Regional Library. Importantly, none of these funds support business operations. Instead, property tax revenue is directed exclusively toward environmental cleanup projects and debt service on bonds used for capital improvements. This modest distribution is a small insurance price for the community, ensuring we have emergency preparedness resources at our fingertips. In return, the Port maintains the infrastructure, equipment, and partnerships that can make the difference between delay and decisive action in a crisis.
Looking Ahead
The Port’s efforts in emergency preparedness demonstrate the immense value delivered to Thurston County through a small share of property tax revenue. This funding ensures our community has access to resources and infrastructure that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Next time you see a vessel entering Budd Inlet or an aircraft taking off from Olympia Regional Airport, remember: these are more than signs of commerce and economic development—they are assurances that, in times of crisis, the Port of Olympia stands ready to keep our community connected, protected, and resilient.
Explore
