The Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland and Stockton seaports in early July announced that they each had received state grants to fund several infrastructure projects that they say would improve the supply chain.
Of the $1.5 billion in grants announced by California Transportation (Caltrans) Secretary Toks Omishakin, the Port of Los Angeles is receiving $233 million. The allocation funds the POLA’s Maritime Support Facility Improvement and Expansion Project, the Rail Mainline/Wilmington Community & Waterfront Pedestrian Grade Separation Bridge and improvements to the State Route 47/Seaside Avenue and Navy Way Interchange.
“This nearly quarter-billion-dollar investment in critical Port of Los Angeles projects—along with an additional $191 million in supporting regional projects —will accelerate our efforts to boost competitiveness, create jobs and enhance decarbonization efforts,” POLA Executive Director Gene Seroka said July 6.
The Port of Long Beach has received a $383.35 million grant for its projects, including about $225 million to pay for zero-emissions cargo-moving equipment and the infrastructure projects to support it. The remaining $158.4 million is for the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, set to begin in 2024 and be finished by 2032.
The Port of Oakland netted $119 million in grants for projects to modernize its marine terminal. They include starting the port’s Outer Harbor Terminal green redevelopment, shifting cargo-handling equipment that relies on diesel to zero emissions, upgrading wharfs and repaving Berths 32-33.
Funds would also pay for upgrading arterial roadways, such as improvements to the Adeline Street Corridor and the Third Street Truck Corridor.
“Ninety-nine percent of containerized goods in Northern California flow through the Port of Oakland, and with these much-needed infrastructure updates we can continue to improve the flow of goods through our seaport,” Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes said.
The Port of Stockton secured $45.9 million for its Rail Infrastructure Improvements for Sustainable Exports Project. The port will replace the San Joaquin River rail bridge, expand a long-lead track to two tracks and secure a zero-emissions electric railcar mover, officials said.
The awards are a direct result of an executive order by Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom issued in October 2021 calling on state agencies to develop longer term budget proposals that support port operations and goods movement, building off the successful short-term actions by the state to address supply chain congestion.
“These investments—unprecedented in scope and scale—will modernize our ports, reduce pollution, eliminate bottlenecks and create a more dynamic distribution network,” Newsome said in a statement announcing the grants.
A full list of the port and freight infrastructure projects can be seen at https://tinyurl.com/3yd4e9he.