The MoI includes “a preferential use and operating agreement” with SSA Marine for use of a 366 m berth and about 20 acres of backup land area; a land exchange with the Tribe to improve the overall layout of the footprint of the future Tribe/SSA Marine terminal; and co-operation on the widening of the Blair Waterway at the planned terminal site. Herman Dillon, chairman of the Puyallup Tribal Council, said: “By working together with the Port and SSA Marine, we are able to bring new developments and job opportunities to Pierce County and the Puget Sound region.”
The MoI provides the foundation for a comprehensive agreement between the parties, scheduled to be finalised by the end of March 2008 and presented to the parties for review and consideration for approval in April 2008.