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12/29/2022
The Port of Long Beach's channel deepening project received federal authorization under the Water Resources Development Act that Congress passed earlier this month.
The project is one of five navigation projects nationwide that met Army Corps of Engineers criteria for authorization under the new law, POLB officials said in a press release.
The authorization allows the port to proceed with engineering agreements, detailed planning and budgets, bidding and awarding construction contracts and procuring funding, POLB officials said. Construction is expected to start in 2027 and conclude in 2030.
The work calls for deepening the Long Beach approach channel to 80 feet from 76 feet; easing turning bends in the main channel to deepen a wider area to 76 feet; deepening parts of the west basin to 55 feet from 50 feet; constructing an approach channel and turning basin to Pier J South with a 55-foot depth; improving breakwaters at the entrance to Pier J; and depositing dredged material in nearshore sites for reuse or in federally approved ocean disposal sites.
The project will create more room for large tanker ships and container vessels, and ensure heavy-haulers have the clearance required to move through the harbor without unloading onto smaller vessels, POLB officials said. It will also lower fuel consumption, which reduces particulate matter, nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide emissions.
The port is sharing the cost of the $200 million project with the Army Corps of Engineers, which endorsed the project in July following multiyear environmental and cost-benefit studies.
Pacific Harbor Line Inc., a subsidiary of Anacostia Rail Holdings Co., provides freight movement, on-dock switching and dispatching services at the port, and offers connections to BNSF Railway Co. and Union Pacific Railroad.