3:15pm | The Port of Long Beach will spend about $20 million to upgrade its water system over the next 5 to 10 years, to upgrade pipelines, fire hydrants, meters and valves and more. The Board of Harbor Commissioners unanimously approved the plan during their meeting on Monday, after a presentation from Port Director of Program Management Douglas Sereno.
The move is preemptive to allow the Long Beach Water Department to take over the water system in the future, because the LBWD will not agree to take over the system in its current state, officials said. The case was made that the LBWD must take over maintenance of the water system because Port staff is not staffed nor certified to provide the services needed.
“The Water Department doesn’t want to take over an entity that is in need of repair,” said Port of Long Beach executive director Richard Steinke.
Commissioners approved the plan after being assured that no jobs would be lost. Officials estimate that the move will reduce and possibly avoid future costs if the system is not upgraded.
The vote passed 3-0, with Commissioners Walter and Wise traveling on “trade missions for the Port,” according to Commissioner Sramek.
Commissioners also voted to join the ports of Los Angeles and Oakland in supporting the Maritime Workforce Development Act, which will authorize $110 million over five years to create two programs designed to encourage study at maritime institutions. Commissioner Cordero called it “a rather benign bill” and said he couldn’t see why anyone wouldn’t support it. The bill was introduced by Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-Maryland) and Port officials said California Senator Barbara Boxer may soon author a similar bill.
In other Port news, the City Council tonight will hear a debt restructuring plan that could save the City millions, although amounts are not yet clear. Stay tuned to lbpost.com for updates from the Council meeting tonight.
Lastly, the Port will host a community forum with the topic of security on Wednesday night at 6:30pm, at the El Dorado Community Center at 2800 Studebaker Road. The forum is part of the “Let’s Talk Port” series that invites public opinion into Port matters. Officials will discuss security strategies and may have technological equipment on hand for the public to see.