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Earlier this week, the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners approved an $828 million fiscal-year 2012 budget for the Port of Long Beach, Calif, up 26 percent compared with the FY2011 budget. The board boosted capital spending because containerized cargo volumes continue to increase at the port and operating revenue is projected to rise about 3 percent in FY2012.

The budget includes “significant investments” for projects designed to expand trade, including $630 million for capital improvement projects, commissioners said in a prepared statement. The board has budgeted $231 million for the middle harbor redevelopment project, $109 million for the Gerald Desmond Bridge replacement project and $59 million for pollution-reducing shore-side electrical power systems for ships.

The budget trims the non-personnel cost of port operations by 7 percent following a 12 percent reduction in FY2011 and 4 percent cut in FY2010.

“We are seeing some signs that the global recession is easing and our revenues are beginning to recover,” said Port Executive Director Richard Steinke. ”We are investing in our future, while living within our means today.”

The port’s budget will be included with the city of Long Beach’s budget when the mayor and city council review the spending plans.