Friday, December 29, 2017

Port of Oakland Air Quality Plan

By Karen Robes Meeks

Next fall, the Port of Oakland is expected to have an updated Maritime Air Quality Improvement Plan in place.

The current document, which expires in 2020, has shaped the port’s environmental policy since 2009. The new version is expected to address two key objectives – expanding the port’s efforts to lower diesel particulate matter emissions; and developing a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the port, the plan could include using emerging technology to further curb emissions such as zero-and-near zero-emissions cargo handling equipment.

“Over nearly a decade, we’ve made significant progress in curbing emissions, improving air quality and protecting the community’s health,” said Richard Sinkoff, the port’s Director of Environmental Programs and Planning. “But we can’t stop now – we’ve got to have a new plan in place well before the old one expires.”

New Port of LA Stakeholder Website

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Los Angeles recently launched a new website aimed at bond investors and other stakeholders who support port projects.

The new “corporate-style investor platform,” portoflabonds.org, features more than 2,000 pages of information behind the port’s ‘AA/Aa2/AA’ rating, according to the port.

“This new tool is designed to make it easier for those interested in Port of Los Angeles bond opportunities to quickly access information about our nation’s busiest container port,” said Marla Bleavins, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of the Port of Los Angeles. “This site consolidates investment opportunities, financial data, and other resources needed to make informed decisions.”

Boston-based BondLink is powering the site, which is free and open to the public.

“We’re very proud to work with the Port of Los Angeles to increase its disclosure and transparency to the bond market,” said BondLink CEO and co-founder Colin MacNaught. “Disclosure and efficiency attracts investors, particularly individual investors in the Los Angeles region who may want to invest locally.”

Port of Olympia Park Proposal

By Karen Robes Meeks

The public is invited to weigh in on a proposal to rename the Port of Olympia's East Bay Trail and NorthPoint Park after the late Billy Frank Jr.

The 1.2-mile trail stretches from Olympia/Marine Drive to KGY Radio station and ends at the park, which overlooks two canoe landings. The groundbreaking is scheduled to take place in March.

A pair of public open houses are set to take place at 6 p.m. on January 4 at the Olympia Community Center and on January 9 at the Lacey Conference Center. The public comment period will close on January 12.

People can leave comments about the name or the project by visiting wa-portofolympia.civicplus.com/forms.aspx?FID=110.

For more information about the proposal, go to wa-portofolympia.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/3018.

New Property for Port of Seattle

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Seattle Commission has recently agreed to purchase Salmon Bay Marina for more than $15.6 million.

The five acres property, located on the Ship Canal next to the port’s Fishermen’s Terminal facility, includes five docks supporting 166 slips measuring 6,547 lineal feet of moorage.

“The purchase of Salmon Bay Marina is a step toward fulfilling our Century Agenda goal to double the number of jobs in our region associated with fishing and maritime and is financially smart for the Port,” said Commission President Tom Albro. “It also protects urban industrial and maritime land, which is also environmentally wise.”

Salmon Bay Marina was developed by the Draper family, who bought the property in 1945.

“We applaud the Port of Seattle for purchasing and preserving this unique freshwater recreational boat facility,” said Peter Schrappen, Director of Government Affairs for the Northwest Marine Trade Association. “These assets are rare, and help maintain maritime and family-wage jobs.”