Coast Guard begins work on ‘polar security’ base, eyes 54 acres of Seattle waterfront – KING5.com

Report on U.S. Coast Guard Infrastructure Development in Seattle and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Project Overview: Modernizing Critical Maritime Infrastructure (SDG 9)

The United States Coast Guard has initiated a significant infrastructure modernization project at its Seattle base. A contract has been awarded for the comprehensive overhaul of Pier 36. This development is essential for homeporting three new Polar Security Cutters (PSCs), a technologically advanced class of heavy icebreakers.

• Objective: To upgrade existing facilities to support the operational requirements of next-generation vessels.
• Key Activities: The project includes dredging the basin at Pier 36 to accommodate the deeper draft of the new cutters and constructing two upgraded berths.
• Contribution to SDG 9: This work represents a critical investment in resilient and sustainable infrastructure, enhancing the nation’s industrial and operational capacity for maritime activities.

Strategic Drivers: Addressing Global and National Challenges

Climate Action and Arctic Security (SDG 13 & SDG 16)

The impetus for this modernization is directly linked to evolving global conditions, particularly in the polar regions. The project supports key international and national goals related to climate and security.

• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Senior defense officials identify climate change as a primary factor forcing a strategic reassessment of Arctic security. The new icebreakers are a direct response to the increased accessibility and activity in the region resulting from changing environmental conditions.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): The project strengthens a key national institution responsible for maritime security. The enhancement of the icebreaker fleet is designed to establish U.S. maritime presence, advance national security interests, and ensure stability in the high latitudes, responding to increased activity by other nations. A historic investment of $4.3 billion has been allocated to continue the construction of the PSC fleet.

Economic and Community Development (SDG 8 & SDG 11)

Alongside the Pier 36 overhaul, the Coast Guard is planning a long-term expansion of its Elliott Bay campus, which has significant implications for local economic activity and urban land use.

• Proposed Expansion: The preferred option involves the potential acquisition of up to 54 acres of Port of Seattle land, primarily at Terminal 46. A final decision on the design is anticipated by April 2026.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The proposed acquisition presents a conflict with local economic objectives. The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSPA) has previously rejected the proposal, emphasizing its intent to utilize Terminal 46 for cargo activities that generate regional economic benefits and support the maritime workforce.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The project highlights the challenge of balancing national security infrastructure with sustainable urban development. The final environmental impact statement is evaluating multiple alternatives, including a no-action scenario, to ensure responsible land use planning within the city of Seattle.

Environmental Stewardship and Partnerships (SDG 14 & SDG 17)

The project incorporates environmental management and necessitates complex inter-agency collaboration to achieve its objectives sustainably.

1. SDG 14 (Life Below Water): The project directly impacts the marine environment. The dredging at Pier 36 and potential future construction require careful management to protect marine ecosystems in Elliott Bay. Concurrently, nearby Terminal 25 is undergoing an EPA-supervised cleanup, contributing to the restoration of the marine habitat.
2. SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The success of the broader expansion plan hinges on effective partnerships between federal and local institutions. The ongoing dialogue between the U.S. Coast Guard and the Port of Seattle/NWSPA exemplifies the complex negotiations required to align national security goals with local economic and community interests. The NWSPA has stated it will assist the Coast Guard in developing a plan that accommodates an expanded presence while maintaining or increasing capacity for cargo operations.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article discusses issues related to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily focusing on infrastructure development, economic activities, environmental considerations, and national security. The following SDGs are addressed:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article mentions the port’s role in generating economic benefits and supporting a maritime workforce.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The core of the article is about major infrastructure upgrades, including overhauling a pier, dredging, and expanding a base to support new ships.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – The need for these upgrades is explicitly linked to climate change, which is altering the security landscape of the Arctic.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water – The project involves dredging and an EPA-supervised cleanup, which directly impact marine and coastal ecosystems.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The initiative is framed as a measure to enhance national security, strengthen the Coast Guard (a public institution), and maintain maritime dominance.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure. The article details the overhaul of Pier 36 and the potential expansion of the Seattle base to “support three new polar security cutters.” This work, including constructing “two upgraded berths,” is a direct effort to develop resilient maritime infrastructure to support national security and operations.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation. The Northwest Seaport Alliance’s objective to use terminals for “cargo activities to generate economic benefits for the region and its maritime workforce” aligns with this target. The mention of a “workforce-training facility” at Terminal 46 also supports the development of a skilled workforce.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards. A Pentagon official is quoted saying that “climate change… are forcing the department to rethink how to keep the Arctic secure.” The investment in heavy icebreakers and the supporting infrastructure is a direct response to build resilience and adapt to the new strategic realities in the Arctic caused by climate change.
4. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems. The article notes that the project includes “dredging the basin at Pier 36” and is subject to a “final environmental impact statement.” Furthermore, it mentions that Terminal 25 is “undergoing an EPA-supervised cleanup,” which is a direct action to restore a marine area.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.a: Strengthen relevant national institutions… to build capacity. The entire project is an effort to strengthen the U.S. Coast Guard. The article highlights a “$4.3 billion” investment to “continue construction of the PSC fleet” as a “historic investment in the Coast Guard’s polar icebreaking fleet” to “advance national security interests.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions or implies several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can measure progress:

1. For SDG Target 9.1 (Resilient Infrastructure):
   • Indicator: Total investment in infrastructure. The article mentions a “$4.3 billion” investment for the polar icebreaking fleet.
   • Indicator: Number of infrastructure units upgraded or built. The project includes “two upgraded berths” and the acquisition of “27 to 54 acres” for campus expansion.
2. For SDG Target 8.2 (Economic Productivity):
   • Indicator: Continued use of port terminals for cargo activities. The Northwest Seaport Alliance’s resolution states its intent to “continue to use terminals 30 and 46 for cargo activities.”
   • Indicator: Investment in workforce development. The article mentions plans for a “workforce-training facility” at Terminal 46.
3. For SDG Target 13.1 (Climate Resilience):
   • Indicator: Number of assets for climate adaptation. The article specifies the acquisition of “three new polar security cutters” designed for Arctic operations, a region heavily affected by climate change.
4. For SDG Target 14.2 (Marine Ecosystems):
   • Indicator: Implementation of environmental management plans. The project is subject to a “final environmental impact statement.”
   • Indicator: Area of ecosystem under restoration. The article explicitly states that Terminal 25 is “undergoing an EPA-supervised cleanup.”
5. For SDG Target 16.a (Strong Institutions):
   • Indicator: Financial resources allocated to public security institutions. The article cites the “$4.3 billion” provided by the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” for the Coast Guard’s fleet.
   • Indicator: Number of new assets for the institution. The “three new PSCs” (Polar Security Cutters) represent a tangible increase in the Coast Guard’s capacity.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: king5.com