100 years ago,  Seattle and US Army Corps of Engineers joined forces to create a Commercial Navigation Route to Develop Seattle.

Today, the Locks contribute over $1.2 Billion/yr. to the Seattle economy and are the Nation's busiest with over 40,000 vessels/yr.

Boats 'lock thru'  24 hours/day, except during maintenance.

In addition, significant salmon runs pass through the Locks and Fish Ladder that can exceed 150,000 adult salmon per year.

The primary mission of the Locks is still commercial navigation and...
Federal funding is based on Value of commercial cargo,
which is a very small percentage of actual needs.

The Locks, Fish Ladder, Gardens and Administration Building (See Map) are Seattle Icons and a top tourist site with over 1.3 million visitors/yr.

Check Out Social Media below for additional information

and also the history blog Friends of the Ballard Locks

   However, Visitor educational facilities require local support and is being provided by the non-profits
Corps of Engineers Foundation and Discover Your Northwest.
...See What is Needed and How You Help. 

As a result of underfunding, the Aging Locks are in serious need of operational repairs and upgrades.  Commercial navigation funding comes from Congress and this is being addressed.  

The Problem - No fees can be charged for commercial ships, private boats or visitors.  Even daily scheduled tours and summer concerts are free.