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Center for Urban Waters Construction Project
Background
The Center for Urban Waters was constructed to house the
City's Environmental Services analytical laboratories and Science and Engineering Division. These units outgrew their former facilities and were working in temporary trailers. The new facility provides for work efficiencies and improved communication among staff members.
The University of Washington Tacoma is leasing space for environmental research conducted by the Port of Tacoma Chair and research staff. Dr. Joel Baker, who was selected as the first Port of Tacoma Chair, is the scientific adviser for the Urban Waters environmental research center. The initial research interests of the center are:
- Ballast water and invasive species
- Urban water runoff and marine biotechnology
- Aquaculture
Information on the development of the Urban Waters environmental research center and the creation of the Port of Tacoma chair is available on the Urban Waters Board's fact sheet .
The Puget Sound Partnership, a state agency established in 2007 to lead efforts to protect and restore Puget Sound, will have an office at the Center for Urban Waters. According to the Governor's October 4, 2007, news release: "Locating Puget Sound Partnership facilities alongside local, academic and private Puget Sound restoration efforts will encourage collaboration and lead to intellectual and technological marine research developments."