Sponsoring the event was the Commencement Bay Cleanup Action Committee, an organization made up of representatives from local businesses, the City, the Port, and citizen groups.

"The cleanup of Commencement Bay under Superfund is one of the biggest issues facing the Port and the community," said Smith. "I want to make sure that cleanup and restoration take place as quickly and thoroughly as possible."

Among issues discussed at the forum were disposal of contaminated sediment, redevelopment and restoration of the waterways and federal participation in the cleanup. Attending the meeting were representatives from each of the waterways, the City of Tacoma, the Port of Tacoma, federal, state and local agencies, community organizations and staff representatives for Congressman Norm Dicks and Senators Patty Murray and Slade Gorton.

"I was extremely pleased to see such broad participation in the forum. Clearly, there is a great deal of interest in moving the process toward resolution," Smith said. "The Port of Tacoma is one of the premier ports in the West Coast, and restoring Commencement Bay will not only encourage economic development, but create important habitat for wildlife and help establish recreational areas for the citizens of Pierce County to enjoy."