Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy issued the following statement regarding the news about three shipping companies selecting the Port of Tacoma as their port-of-call:

“The Port of Tacoma plays a major role in our regional economy, and the decision by a consortium of three shipping lines will provide quality, family-wage jobs for local residents. This goes beyond the direct benefit to those who work along the waterfront because those people live, play and shop in our community. This is a benefit to all.

“Pierce County is blessed to have a strong port, a growing military base, a thriving aerospace industry and two major medical systems among its key employers. Local and regional partners are committed to making the Puget Sound area an attractive place to do business.”