The officials of Port and City of Long Beach in the United States praised the approval and signing of the 2023 California state budget, which is expected to bring state funding to the port complex.
In particular, US$110 million will go, through this funding, towards the planned goods movement workforce training campus to improve the safety and efficiency of cargo operations in the port.
The budget also includes US$2.3 billion for freight and supply chain projects, such as replacing older trucks with cleaner models, investments in “green” terminal equipment and “high priority” capital improvements in ports.
“This budget will strengthen our supply chain — but it also represents a huge investment in sustainability, emissions reduction and the health of our communities here in Long Beach,” said Mayor of Long Beach, Robert Garcia.
More specifically, the budget includes:
- US$1.2 billion over two years to support port-specific high-priority projects that increase goods movement capacity on rail and roadways at port terminals, including rail yard expansions, new bridges, and zero-emissions equipment modernization and deployment.
- US$110 million over three years for a goods movement workforce training center in the San Pedro Bay
- US$30 million for operational and process improvements at ports, which includes improving data connectivity and enhancing goods movement
- US$159.7 million for the purchase of zero-emission drayage trucks as well as charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure
“These investments in a vital economic engine will enhance the efficiency and sustainability of cargo movement and help fund important port projects such as the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility and the Supply Chain Information Highway,” commented Port of Long Beach executive director, Mario Cordero.
