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Last week, the Port of Seattle Commission approved a 25-year plan designed to help create 100,000 new jobs in the region, spur economic growth and reduce the port's environmental footprint.

The "Century Agenda" program sets four strategies for the port to pursue with its business partners and stakeholders, and four regional initiatives that identify near-term opportunities for regional coalitions.

The program "builds on the 100-plus year role the port has played in creating economic growth for the Puget Sound region and the state of Washington," said Port of Seattle Commissioner John Creighton in a prepared statement.

Among the strategies and objectives, the Century Agenda calls for:
• positioning the Puget Sound region as a premier international logistics hub, in part by increasing annual container volume to more than 3.5 million units and tripling the value of outbound cargo to more than $50 billion;
• ensuring Seattle operates the greenest and most energy efficient port in North America by implementing a multi-faceted approach to reduce energy use, air pollutants, carbon emissions and storm water runoff, such as by cutting air pollutants and carbon emissions from all port operations by 50 percent from 2005 levels;
• strengthening access to global markets and supply chains for Pacific Northwest businesses;
• establishing an educational consortium to serve the maritime industry's needs for workforce development, applied research and business growth; and
• fostering a coordinated effort between Puget Sound ports to support Washington state's efforts to establish a healthier region.