The Port of Oakland plans to continue investing in programs that support sustainable growth, Executive Director Danny Wan said in his annual State of the Port address on Feb. 2.
Wan said this year’s theme is to “invest in and plan for a future that is not what used to be, but one that improves upon the past.” That includes offering punctual, transparent and uncongested cargo drop-offs while providing more entertainment and other options at the waterfront and enhancing shoreline parks access.
“We must do all of the above by bringing into reality green energy technology and dig deep into our creativity to realize a port that is respectful of the environmental and urban community ecosystem that we do business in,” he remarked.
The port has said that it will see significantly more maritime business and is exploring a long-term land-use plan to meet future cargo demand.
To fund that growth, Oakland is looking at various potential sources, such as $280 million in state funding for traffic and rail safety and road upgrades. Those would take place along the Embarcadero, Jack London and Howard Terminal corridor. More than $5 million from the federal Port Infrastructure Development Program could fund boosts to electrical infrastructure and renewable power. Oakland also could benefit from the state’s $2.3 billion commitment for addressing supply-chain congestion and investing in electric vehicles and other projects.
“All of these funds are essential for our seaport infrastructure and airport improvement projects over the next five to 10 years, and we expect there will be more,” Wan said.