California ports get more than $700M in federal grants

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Dive Brief:

The state of California awarded several ports millions of dollars in grants to improve the movements of goods in supply chains, according to multiple port press releases in July.
The Port of Oakland received $119 million, the Port of Long Beach $383 million and the Port of Los Angeles a total of $233 million from the California State Transportation Agency. The agency had set aside $1.2 billion to fund 15 projects that will increase capacity to move goods throughout the state's global trade gateways.
"These investments – unprecedented in scope and scale – will modernize our ports, reduce pollution, eliminate bottlenecks and create a more dynamic distribution network," Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a July statement.

Dive Insight:

Investments to help efficiently move goods throughout California's global trade gateways has been a focus for the state since the pandemic exposed several weak links.

At the time, the state's ports experienced an unprecedented surge in cargo volumes, which exposed equipment constraints, a lack of sufficient space for empty container storage, congestion and ultimately widespread logistics delays.

“After decades of neglect, we are finally making the critical investments needed to modernize our ports – helping us to keep up with demand in a way that is environmentally sustainable and brings our distribution process into the 21st Century,” Newsom said in an initial grant announcement.

Each grant focuses on specific improvements at the individual ports. Here's a closer look at the awarded grants, and the projects they support.

Port of Long Beach

$225M

For a variety of zero-emissions cargo-moving equipment and supportive infrastructure projects across the port.

$158.4M

For the planned Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, which will shift more cargo from trucks to on-dock rail.

Port of Los Angeles

$149.3M

To expand the Maritime Support Facility, which provides chassis and container storage for all 12 container terminals for both San Pedro Bay Ports.

$42M

For a 400-foot pedestrian bridge over freight tracks to create a safe connection between Wilmington, California and the port's waterfront.

$41.79M

For upgrades to State Route 47, which include modifying the intersection of Navy Way and Seaside Avenue to reduce collisions, a new eastbound two-lane road, and more.

Port of Oakland

$40M

To convert diesel-powered cargo handling equipment to zero-emissions equipment.

$28M

To repave berths 32-33 and remove the grade differential between adjacent marine terminals for increased operational flexibility.

$22M

For wharf improvements including electrical infrastructure, mobile shore power outlet systems that reduce emissions, and bollard and fender replacements.

$17M

For arterial roadway improvements to rehabilitate aging infrastructure, sidewalks and roadways and to improve overall safety for vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians.

$12M

To launch the port's Outer Harbor terminal, which provides container capacity relief and electrical utility upgrades, especially for refrigerated exports.