After putting off a vote earlier this month in order to
study the overall project, Long Beach’s port commission has passed a budget for
the $1.2 billion Middle Harbor terminal renovation.
The approval came on a 4-0 vote during the commission’s Jan.
22 business meeting, with commissioner Rich Dines absent.
It was back during the board’s Jan. 7 meeting that the
members agreed to place the vote on hold pending further review of the project
by commissioners, stakeholders and the public. A workshop was conducted during
the Jan. 22 business meeting, prior to the approval vote.
The Middle Harbor redevelopment plan consists of the combining
of two aging shipping terminals, Pier E and Pier F, into one modern terminal
for the purpose of improving cargo movement efficiency and reducing
environmental hazards. The project upgrades wharves, water access and storage
areas, and adds a greatly expanded on-dock rail yard.
Despite the lack of final budget approval until this week,
work on the nine-year project began in the spring of 2011.
The project, which is expected to be complete by 2019, already
has a tenant lined up. On April 3, 2012, Orient Overseas Container Line signed
a 40-year, $4.6 billion lease with the port to operate the 300-acre terminal
along with its subsidiary, Long Beach Container Terminal. LBCT has occupied
Pier F since 1986.
