The California State Transportation Agency officials has announced a $383.35 million grant for the Port of Long Beach to complete a series of construction and clean-air technology projects.
The aims of the projects are to accelerate the transformation to zero-emissions operations.
Nearly $225 million will be spent as part of the state’s Port and Freight Infrastructure Program to fund a variety of zero-emissions cargo-moving equipment and supportive infrastructure projects throughout the Port of Long Beach.
READ: Port of Long Beach, ITS complete $55 million pier upgrade project
The amount is the single largest award the port has ever received to fulfil the 2017 Clean Air Action Plan Update’s zero-emissions targets.
Furthermore, $158.4 million of the state funding will go towards the projected Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, which will move more cargo from trucks to on-dock rail, where containers are transported by trains to and from marine terminals.
The $1.57 billion complex will be developed in stages, with work beginning in 2024 and ending in 2032.
The Port of Long Beach has established a target of zero-emissions terminal operations by 2030 and zero-emissions transportation by 2035 as part of its Clean Air Action Plan, or CAAP.
Officials hailed the grant announcement as a step forward in the effort to continue improving the port’s sustainability – especially when it comes to air quality – and to build rail facilities needed to speed cargo to its destination.
Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero said: “This game-changing grant will make a tremendous difference in our efforts to bring more business and jobs to the harbour, enhance the efficiency of cargo movement and accelerate the Port’s ongoing transformation to zero-emission operations.
“I would like to thank Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state Legislature for having the foresight to invest in California’s seaports and to secure our spot as an economic engine for the state and the nation.”
