The Port of Long Beach (POLB) has been awarded a US$52.3 million grant from the US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) to help fund the development of the “Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility,” which will enable the seaport to move more cargo by train.
The planned project of the US West Coast port amounts to approximately US$1 billion for the rail capital improvement program, which is projected to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, while containers will be directly transferred to and from marine terminals by train, and no cargo trucks will enter the facility.
Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility construction is estimated to begin in 2023, with the first arrival, departure and storage tracks expected to be completed in 2025. Additional tracks are also estimated to come online in 2030, followed by the project completion in 2032, according to POLB’s statements.
Port of Long Beach executive director, Mario Cordero, expressed his appreciation for the US Department of Transportation’s support. He also noted that the project will help to move cargo more efficiently through the Californian port, “getting needed products and goods to homes and businesses across America faster.”
The agency of the United States Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program is providing the grant, which is specifically designed for capital improvement projects at US seaports, according to a statement.
“Our federal partners have recognised the need to modernise the port and support our push toward 24/7 operations,” said harbour commission president, Steven Neal.
