The Port of Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners today unanimously approved (5-0) a plan to update two harbor terminals in a massive expansion that the Port says will double the facility’s handling capacity while also cutting dangerous emissions in half. The project will take an estimated ten years to complete. The 50% reduction in emitted pollution is based on the facility once completed and fully-functional.
The Board of Harbor Commissioners heard presentations by Port Executive Director Richard Steinke and Robert Kanter, Ph.D, Managing Director of Environmental Affairs & Planning. Both urged the Board to vote in favor of the expansion. The Board then opened the floor for discussion, which lasted for several hours.
The Board of Harbor Commissioners hears discussion this morning. Photo by Ryan ZumMallen
Speakers in opposition have expressed disappointment that the project’s lengthy Environmental Impact Report was released just ten days ago, which they argue is insufficient time to review the report before discussion and voting. Others, including representatives from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), expressed disappointment that additional environmental improvements were not considered.
But the Port contends that the project will make great environmental strides, from increased use of on-dock rail to use of cleaner burning fuels in vessels and trucks. Many supporters have also urged the Board to approve the project due to potential economic benefits, and worry that rejecting the project will encourage shipping companies to look elsewhere for their business.
The Middle Harbor expansion is a ten-year project that will develop two terminals that the Port says are out of date. The project will create an estimated 14,000 permanent jobs as well as 1,000 temporary jobs for each year of development. Kanter also estimated that Port emmissions will be reduced by 50% while consequently doubling the Port’s cargo handling capacity.
Are you in favor or opposed to the Middle Harbor expansion?
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor