We have lived in Whatcom County for more than 40 years. My husband spent his working years in the Bellingham School District and I work at the local Head Start program, witnessing each day the struggles our residents face while trying to provide for their families. We support the Gateway Pacific Terminal because of the opportunities it will bring to our residents who need it most.

Many of our unemployed and underemployed residents have faced great odds trying to rejoin the workforce after the recent economic collapse. We believe that since the coal trains have been traveling through and will continue to travel through our county regardless of whether Gateway is built or not; don't we owe it to our fellow residents to give them a shot at getting back on their feet, rather than just watch as the trains pass with no benefit to our county?

Technology has come a long way since terminals such as Westshore were built. We are confident that Gateway Pacific Terminal will meet the operating standards set to them, and that the health and safety of our community will not be diminished, but rather improved, as struggling residents can again provide for their families.

Judith and Ross Peck

Ferndale