The Foss Waterway Seaport, and its project partner, the Foss Waterway Development Authority, announced yesterday they have raised over $1 million in gifts and grants since the mid-September kick-off of the Seaport’s $12 million, two-year capital campaign.
The funds help keep the organizations’ overhaul of the historic 107-year-old Balfour Building and the development of new public moorage on the Foss on schedule.

The Balfour Dock building, which is the Seaport’s home, is presently undergoing the first phase of renovation — replacement of a dilapidated failing wharf with approximately 400 feet of new wharf and esplanade that will be available for public use later this spring.

Completion of the total project is anticipated in 2011. The project will feature a renovated 45,000 square foot historic building, 1200 linear feet of transient moorage facilities and adjacent public open space for extensive outdoor programming and activities.

Fund-raising highlights since September include:

• $80,000 from The Boeing Company;
• $250,000 in a matching gift from the Confidence Foundation;
• $300,000 from private donors;
• $470,000 from the state Recreation and Conservation Office (through the City of Tacoma);
• $10,000 from Pierce County.

Since 2005, the Seaport and the FWDA have raised more than $11.5 million toward the project. The current capital campaign seeks to raise an additional $12 million for a project whose estimated cost is nearly $24 million.

The Seaport also announced that it will adopt the Class A Coast Guard vessel CGC Eagle for next summer’s Tacoma Tall Ships 2008 festival. Adoption of the 295-foot Eagle, was funded by contributions by the Seaport board.