Joint powers authority to review proposed ICTF expansion near L.A.-area ports

The Intermodal Container Transfer Facility Joint Powers Authority's (JPA) governing board will meet Sept. 15 to discuss the preparation and future release of an environmental impact report for the modernization and expansion of an intermodal container transfer facility (ICTF) near Southern California's two major ports.

Operated by Union Pacific Railroad, the ICTF handles the flow of intermodal traffic through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The 148-acre facility is located about five miles north of the ports at the northern terminus of State Highway 103.

UP has proposed a modernization and expansion project that would more than double the ICTF's annual throughput capacity from 725,000 to 1.5 million containers. The proposed project would incorporate a number of environmental improvements, including electric overhead cranes, cleaner-operating yard tractors and ultra-low-emission locomotives.

A public entity created in 1983 to oversee the ICTF's development and operation, the JPA has released a notice of preparation/initial study that describes the project and potential environmental impacts. Any impacts will be fully analyzed and addressed in a draft environmental impact report that's currently under way, JPA officials said in a meeting announcement.