Officials announced recently that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is receiving $8 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding help to make navigational efficiency improvements to Port of Long Beach.
Last October, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed a Chief’s Report showing deepening and widening channels in the harbor would lead to air pollution reductions, improved vessel navigation and national economic benefits of almost $21 million each year.
The port said that transforming the waterways that will allow visiting ships to transit the harbour faster, reduce transportation costs and cut pollution.
Among other features, the recommended plan includes deepening the Approach Channel from 76 feet (23.1 metres) to 80 feet (24.3 metres), constructing an approach channel to Pier J South to a depth of 55 feet (16.7 metres), deepening portions of the West Basin from 50 feet (15.2 metres) to 55 feet and performing structural improvements to breakwaters at Pier J to allow for depths of 55 feet.
The funds awarded this week will help initiate and complete the preconstruction, engineering and design phase.
Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero commented: “Long Beach is home to the second-busiest container port in the nation.
“Improving the ability of ships to navigate channels here will have economic benefits for the entire country. Locally, creating navigational efficiencies will move ships through the harbour faster, reducing air pollution.
“There will be a good return for this investment, and we thank our federal partners for this allocation to assist with our comprehensive harbour-deepening program.”
Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal added: “The Port of Long Beach is the gateway to the trans-Pacific route, the nation’s most important trade corridor.
“Investments made here have big benefits to the port’s operations, reduce emissions for our communities, and move goods faster to businesses across America. We are grateful for the support.”
