The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will receive US$8 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to make navigational efficiency improvements to the Port of Long Beach (POLB).
Particularly, the investment is anticipated to allow visiting ships to transit the harbour faster, reduce transportation costs and cut pollution.
"The federal bipartisan infrastructure bill President Biden signed last month is having a direct impact in Long Beach," said the mayor of Long Beach Robert Garcia, who added, "With US$8 million in direct funding to the port, we continue our partnership with the federal government to address supply chain challenges."
The executive director of the Port of Long Beach, Mario Cordero stated that as POLB is the second-busiest port of the United States, improving the ability of ships to navigate channels here will have economic benefits for the entire country.
The investments will also have big benefits to the port’s operations, reduce emissions and move goods faster to businesses across America, according to Long Beach Harbor Commission President, Steven Neal.
Among other features, the recommended plan includes deepening the Approach Channel from 23.1 metres to 24.4 metres, constructing an approach channel to Pier J South to a depth of 16.7 metres, as well as deepening portions of the West Basin from 15.2 metres to 16.7 metres and performing structural improvements to breakwaters at Pier J to allow for depths of 16.7 metres.
"This supplemental funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will assist the Port by keeping our federal waterways safe and navigable, and promoting economic stability for the region and our country," said Col. Julie Balten, commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District.
City and port officials thanked Democratic senators, Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla, along with Rep. Alan Lowenthal and Grace Napolitano, for their support in securing the funds, which were awarded this week and will help initiate and complete the preconstruction, engineering and design phase.
