Point Roberts is trying to figure out its economic destiny via a study that will take place over the next year.
The Port of Bellingham has received a grant of $72,000 from Washington state and is kicking in $18,000 in local funds to do an economic development study of Point Roberts, Wa.
“This project will create an economic strategy for Point Roberts including infrastructure investment, business development strategies, housing and workforce needs,” said Mike Hogan, public affairs administrator with the Port of Bellingham.
Once complete, the study will be shared with Whatcom County politicians and staff to implement recommendations and seek grant funding.
“The economic development study will provide a good blueprint for future development,” said Hogan.
One of the obstacles to growing the economy is that the area requires the crossing of two international borders to access the U.S. mainland.
As well, Point Roberts has few sites available for commercial activity and needs infrastructure improvements and land-use zoning changes to get property ready to support new businesses, Hogan said.
Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce president Brian Calder said that planning and zoning issues must be considered or they could end up working at cross purposes.
He added, it’s known what doesn’t work, including warehousing, manufacturing or shipping.
Instead, tourism may work, or water-related activities, although zoning regulations would need to be updated, or perhaps a small-scale medical centre serving both Americans and Canadians, he added.
