The state of California has allocated $94 million in Transportation Department grants to bolster infrastructure at six California ports.
The investment focuses on electrification, emissions reduction, and port congestion.
Approximately 40 per cent of all US imports and 30 per cent of all US exports travel through California ports.
The grants will go toward critical repairs, container facilities, freight rail connections and electric port equipment to modernise California ports and make them more sustainable.
“California’s ports are critical for US trade and our economy, but facilities are in need of modernisation to reduce air pollution and relieve congestion,” Senator Dianne Feinstein said.
“These grants will also help speed the transition to a clean energy economy by expanding electrification projects.”
READ: $3 million to the Port of LA Gateway Project for congestion-busting tech
“I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because it represents a historic investment in the engines of our economy – including ports,” Senator Alex Padilla added.
“Today’s funding will help our ports with critical modernisation projects, including transitioning equipment to lower emission models. Upgrading our ports will keep our supply chain moving, improve worker safety and make surrounding communities healthier.”
The following grants were announced:
- Port of Oakland: $36.6 million
The grant will fund construction of a 25-acre off-dock container support facility, various port infrastructure upgrades and battery storage and charging stations.
- Port of Long Beach: $30.1 million
The grant will help replace diesel tractors with electric ones, construct electric equipment charging infrastructure and install of equipment to streamline cargo-handling operations.
- Port of Stockton: $9.6 million
The grant will help replace or upgrade nearly 13,400 feet of rail in the port.
- Port of San Francisco: $9.6 million
The grant will improve the port’s infrastructure to be more environmentally friendly.
- Crescent City Harbor District: $7.4 million
The grant will fund the construction of a new seawall as well as bolstering infrastructure to support the seafood industry.
- City of Eureka: $650,000
The grant will help replace nearly 40 failing or missing fender pilings on a quay used by commercial fishermen in Humboldt Bay.
Just recently, the state of California announced it is launching a $1.2 billion programme for port and freight infrastructure projects.
On 12 October, the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) issued final guidelines and a call for projects to build a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient goods movement system.
