The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has signed off on the Port of Long Beach Deep Draft Navigation Study, paving the way for projects in the study to potentially be federally funded.
According to the port, the study includes an effort to deepen the port’s Approach Channel from 76 feet to 80 feet, build an approach channel to Pier J South 55 feet deep, carving out parts of the West Basin from 50 feet to 55 feet and conducting structural upgrades to breakwaters at Pier J to allow for depths of 55 feet.
U.S. Rep. Alan Lowenthal, whose district encompasses the port, said he will work with Congress to ensure that the project moves forward without delay.
“This is an absolutely critical project for the port and for our supply chain system,” he said. “The expansion of the navigation channels at the port will allow larger vessels to maneuver safely in the port and berth in areas previously unavailable.”
“More berthing space,” he continued, “means more efficient and quicker loading and unloading of cargo, thus increasing the capacity and efficiency of supply chains overall.”
