Today the Port of Long Beach will host a public hearing regarding the proposed $750 million, ten-year Middle Harbor Project that is said will bring thousands of jobs, more efficient operations and cleaner air to Long Beach. The public is invited to attend at Silverado Park, 1545 W. 31st Street at 6:30pm.
It is the second of two public hearings, the first of which was held last week and detailed for us by Nancy Pfeffer here.
The plan calls to update older facilities at the port in order to keep up with increasing future demand, while also improving the flow of traffic in and out of the harbor to reduce truck pollution. The draft environmental impact report/environmental impact statement (EIR/EIS) Port claims that air pollution will be reduced by 50% from current levels.
“As proposed in this detailed draft environmental report, the Middle Harbor project would create the most environmentally responsible shipping terminal anywhere in the world,” said a release from Port Executive Director Richard D. Steinke. “It fulfills our responsibilities to the environment, economy and community, as it would provide many thousands of new jobs in Southern California while reducing air pollution.”
Critics of the plan question the probability of cutting pollution in half while simultaneously doubling production. Greener operations and alternative fuels are mentioned in the report, which also predicts that the number of trucks making trips to and from the harbor will double by 2025 due to the project.
“Question for ‘our’ Port Commissioners, why do these remedial efforts and environmental improvement always seemed to be linked to capacity expansion?” asked a commenter on Pfeffer’s article.
“Should the Port be held responsible for cleaning things before expanding? It seems to me that port commissioners have a responsibility, not to growth, but to the families in our City of Long Beach to focus your efforts on the quality of health for its citizens. This is the stated priority of our elected City Council and Mayor Foster.”
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor