California has announced an investment of more than $1.5bn which would enhance the operations of several ports in the US state.<\/p>\n
Around $1.2bn will fund 15 projects creating an estimated 20,000 jobs and increasing the capacity to move goods throughout the state\u2019s global trade gateways while lessening environmental impacts on neighbouring communities.<\/p>\n
Projects receiving funding will help boost capacity to move goods through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach \u2013 the busiest ports in the Western Hemisphere \u2013 as well as enhance all major trade centres throughout the state \u2013 from San Diego to the Central Valley to the Bay Area.<\/p>\n
The remaining $350m, administered by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), was also awarded to 13 projects that eliminate street-level rail crossings, reduce emissions, and keep goods and people moving.<\/p>\n
The funding \u2013 particularly the investments in zero-emission projects, which account for nearly 40% of the Port and Freight Infrastructure Program awards \u2013 builds on a partnership between the governments of California and Japan announced this March<\/a><\/span> to collaborate on strategies to cut planet-warming pollution at seaports and establish green shipping corridors as part of the state\u2019s broader strategy to aggressively combat and adapt to climate change.<\/p>\n These awards are part of California Governor Gavin Newsom\u2019s executive order for longer-term budget proposals that support port operations and goods movement.<\/p>\n \u201cNo other state has a supply chain as critical to the national and global economy as California. These investments \u2013 unprecedented in scope and scale \u2013 will modernize our ports, reduce pollution, eliminate bottlenecks and create a more dynamic distribution network,\u201d said Governor Newsom.<\/p>\n \u201cThis game-changing grant will make a tremendous difference in our efforts to bring more business and jobs to the harbour, enhance the efficiency of cargo movement and accelerate the Port of Long Beach\u2019s ongoing transformation to zero-emission operations,\u201d added Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero.<\/p>\n \u201cThis investment in critical Port of Los Angeles projects, along with supporting regional projects, will accelerate our efforts to boost competitiveness, create jobs, and enhance decarbonization efforts,\u201d concluded Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka.<\/p>\n