Port of Kalama

AMERICAN CRUISE LINES DOCK NEARS COMPLETION

After years of planning, the Port’s new American Cruise Lines dock is nearing the finish line; the first of three major projects designed to boost tourism and spending in Kalama.

On a frigid morning last December, workers attached a 121-foot section of gangway to what will become the Port’s new American Cruise Lines (ACL) dock; one of three ongoing projects that together will create a new tourism boom in Kalama. When construction wraps later in February, it will mark the end of a near decade-long effort between the Port and ACL to create a dock specifically for their use. Of course, ACL’s unique vessels are no stranger to the Port of Kalama. Popular cruise liners like the Queen of the West are common sites to most locals—and ACL has been parking their vessels at the Port for many years—but having a dedicated dock means their vessels can now stay overnight.

The overnight stay is a key difference between the current ACL passenger experience in Kalama and what will happen when the dock is complete. Vessels now park a half mile down at Ahles Point, with passengers disembarking and boarding buses for tours of Mt. St. Helens and other area attractions while spending little to no time in Kalama.

With regular overnight stays planned, ACL’s vessels will be a much more common site in the central Port area. Each voyage will see hundreds of passengers eager to explore and shop at businesses both at the Port and in downtown Kalama. Even better, ACL’s passengers will bring outside dollars into Kalama without straining the city’s limited parking areas.

“The result of our collaboration with the team at American Cruise Lines promises to bring substantial economic benefit to our community, as well as improve passenger accessibility to Kalama,” said Port Commissioner Troy Stariha.

Anticipating the new boom in tourism, Port Commissioners authorized the construction of two more exciting features. The first of these will be the Mountain Timber Market. Work is slated to begin this summer on the new facility, which will be loaded with vibrant shops and dining options; further cementing Kalama as a ‘must see’ tourist draw in the region.

The third and final project designed to complement the new cruise dock and public market will be the Kalama Crossing. The new ADA-compliant footbridge will replace the existing span over the railroad tracks and include elevators on each side, providing an easier and safer means for people of all ages to cross between the Port and downtown.

When all three projects are complete the resulting economic benefits will ripple through our community by creating jobs, strengthening small businesses and improving the quality of life for our citizens.