As president of Tacoma’s International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 23, Scott Mason delivered a message of prosperity to 150 Tacoma Rotarians, saying there are partnerships and infrastructure in place that could help the port thrive in the near future.
“As bad as the economy got, it would have been worse if not for the diversification at the Port of Tacoma,” said Mason adding that what has helped the port survive this latest recession and those before it is a key partnership. “Alaska saved our butts. We need to always take care of that relationship.”
Moving forward, Mason said the union will be pushing for transportation improvements, including the completion of work on State Route 167. He is especially worried that because of the increased concern of congestion on Interstate 5 near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the 167 project will not be a priority for the state.