By Karen Robes Meeks
The Merced County Board of Supervisors has entered into an agreement with the Port of Los Angeles that will pave the way for business development opportunities in the Mid-California International Trade District at Castle Commerce Center and Castle Airport.
“This is an unprecedented opportunity for Merced County,” said Daron McDaniel, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “This is a long-term vision and another step in our continued effort to develop Castle, but if we can make it happen, it has the potential to bring substantial economic activity and jobs to this County.”
The agreement, which will include the creation of a joint business development plan and an effort to conduct exporter outreach in the Central Valley, aims to develop Castle into a manufacturers’ hub and leverage their access to BNSF Railway and proximity to highways and the airport.
“We are honored and excited to enter into this agreement and strengthen our trade connection with Merced County, the Mid-California International Trade District and the greater Central Valley,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “This MOA not only paves the way for collaboration, it will give Central Valley shippers more awareness, support and access to global markets through a broad network of high frequency shipping line services.”
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Los Angeles/Long Beach Ports to Vote on Clean Air Action Plan
By Karen Robes Meeks
Harbor leaders for the nation’s two busiest seaports are expected to vote on Nov. 2 on the 2017 Update of the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan.
The Harbor Commission for the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will meet to consider approval of the update, which is expected to contain several initiatives that will curb emissions from port-related operations, including the implementation of programs that lower ship pollution and low-to-no emission cargo equipment and vehicles.
The joint meeting will take place at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel, 601 S. Palos Verdes St., San Pedro, 90731. The meeting also will be live-streamed at polb.com/webcast and at portoflosangeles.org.
Visit cleanairactionplan.org for more.
Harbor leaders for the nation’s two busiest seaports are expected to vote on Nov. 2 on the 2017 Update of the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan.
The Harbor Commission for the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will meet to consider approval of the update, which is expected to contain several initiatives that will curb emissions from port-related operations, including the implementation of programs that lower ship pollution and low-to-no emission cargo equipment and vehicles.
The joint meeting will take place at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel, 601 S. Palos Verdes St., San Pedro, 90731. The meeting also will be live-streamed at polb.com/webcast and at portoflosangeles.org.
Visit cleanairactionplan.org for more.
Everett Seeks Bids for Phase 2 Development
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Everett will seek bids for the construction of its South Terminal Modernization project, a $36 million second phase development that will strengthen the remaining 560-feet of the 700-foot South Terminal dock structure and upgrade the wharf’s electrical capabilities.
Paired with the double rail siding construction underway, the South Terminal project will enable the port to accommodate future over-dimensional cargo, including aerospace parts for the new 777X coming online in late-2018.
“This is a bold and momentous step toward the goal that the Port Commission set forward nearly two years ago to modernize its Seaport to support the industry shipping trends,” Port of Everett CEO Les Reardanz said. “This is the largest capital project the Port has undertaken since the construction of Mount Baker Terminal in 2005.”
Construction is expected to begin in April 2018 and to be completed by December 2019.
The Port of Everett will seek bids for the construction of its South Terminal Modernization project, a $36 million second phase development that will strengthen the remaining 560-feet of the 700-foot South Terminal dock structure and upgrade the wharf’s electrical capabilities.
Paired with the double rail siding construction underway, the South Terminal project will enable the port to accommodate future over-dimensional cargo, including aerospace parts for the new 777X coming online in late-2018.
“This is a bold and momentous step toward the goal that the Port Commission set forward nearly two years ago to modernize its Seaport to support the industry shipping trends,” Port of Everett CEO Les Reardanz said. “This is the largest capital project the Port has undertaken since the construction of Mount Baker Terminal in 2005.”
Construction is expected to begin in April 2018 and to be completed by December 2019.
Olympia Citizens Sought for Advisory Committee
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Olympia Commission is in search of residents for its Port of Olympia Citizens Advisory Committee. Formed in 1994, the committee of nine to 12 residents will be tasked with addressing assignments that come from the commission, as well as take part in port programs and projects.
Applicants will be interviewed by the port commission president, the executive director and the committee chair, all of whom will recommend appointments to the commission in mid-December.
Candidates will be selected based on their community and economic development activities, their volunteer, board or committee experience, work experience, as well as their experience or knowledge of the port, in addition to their reasons for serving.
Application deadline is Nov. 13.
Visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portofolympia for more.
The Port of Olympia Commission is in search of residents for its Port of Olympia Citizens Advisory Committee. Formed in 1994, the committee of nine to 12 residents will be tasked with addressing assignments that come from the commission, as well as take part in port programs and projects.
Applicants will be interviewed by the port commission president, the executive director and the committee chair, all of whom will recommend appointments to the commission in mid-December.
Candidates will be selected based on their community and economic development activities, their volunteer, board or committee experience, work experience, as well as their experience or knowledge of the port, in addition to their reasons for serving.
Application deadline is Nov. 13.
Visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portofolympia for more.
Friday, October 27, 2017
Boat Still Aground Off Hawaii
By Karen Robes Meeks
U.S Coast Guard responders will re-evaluate plans to remove the grounded 79-foot fishing vessel Pacific Paradise off Waikiki after unsuccessful removal attempts to tow it away from a coral reef Friday.
“Salvage teams attempted various removal procedures on both on the bow and stern and although the vessel had movement during the process, it remains aground,” said Capt. Michael Long, commander, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu and captain of the port. “Our Coast Guard teams will reassess with all our partners this weekend to prepare future removal plans. We understand the sense of urgency to remove this vessel from the reef and are working diligently to ensure this is done as quickly and as safely as possible.”
No marine mammals have been affected and all fuel tanks have been plugged but about 1,500 gallons of diesel is still on board. A safety zone 500 yards around the vessel is still in effect and the public should steer clear.
Coast Guard and Honolulu Fire Department crews rescued Pacific Paradise’s master and 19 fishermen after it ran aground off Diamond Head near Kaimana Beach, the cause of which is still being investigated.
U.S Coast Guard responders will re-evaluate plans to remove the grounded 79-foot fishing vessel Pacific Paradise off Waikiki after unsuccessful removal attempts to tow it away from a coral reef Friday.
“Salvage teams attempted various removal procedures on both on the bow and stern and although the vessel had movement during the process, it remains aground,” said Capt. Michael Long, commander, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu and captain of the port. “Our Coast Guard teams will reassess with all our partners this weekend to prepare future removal plans. We understand the sense of urgency to remove this vessel from the reef and are working diligently to ensure this is done as quickly and as safely as possible.”
No marine mammals have been affected and all fuel tanks have been plugged but about 1,500 gallons of diesel is still on board. A safety zone 500 yards around the vessel is still in effect and the public should steer clear.
Coast Guard and Honolulu Fire Department crews rescued Pacific Paradise’s master and 19 fishermen after it ran aground off Diamond Head near Kaimana Beach, the cause of which is still being investigated.
Long Beach Explores More Asian Business
By Karen Robes Meeks
Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia and Harbor Commission President Lou Anne Bynum recently returned from a trip to South Korea and Japan to develop business opportunities for the Port of Long Beach.
Port Executive Director Mario Cordero and Chief Commercial Officer Noel Hacegaba accompanied Garcia and Bynum on the trip, which included stops in Seoul, Tokyo and Yokkaichi, one of Long Beach’s sister cities.
“With the recent changes in the shipping industry, this is a crucial time to meet face-to-face with our customers to expand business opportunities for the Port of Long Beach,” said Garcia. “These relationships are key to generating even more economic development in Long Beach.”
“Our business development outreach is one of the main reasons that the port is known for its customer service,” Bynum said. “Our customers deeply value these meetings. It’s important for us to reaffirm our commitment to being adaptable, nimble and responsive to industry concerns.”
Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia and Harbor Commission President Lou Anne Bynum recently returned from a trip to South Korea and Japan to develop business opportunities for the Port of Long Beach.
Port Executive Director Mario Cordero and Chief Commercial Officer Noel Hacegaba accompanied Garcia and Bynum on the trip, which included stops in Seoul, Tokyo and Yokkaichi, one of Long Beach’s sister cities.
“With the recent changes in the shipping industry, this is a crucial time to meet face-to-face with our customers to expand business opportunities for the Port of Long Beach,” said Garcia. “These relationships are key to generating even more economic development in Long Beach.”
“Our business development outreach is one of the main reasons that the port is known for its customer service,” Bynum said. “Our customers deeply value these meetings. It’s important for us to reaffirm our commitment to being adaptable, nimble and responsive to industry concerns.”
Port of Everett Mixed Use
By Karen Robes Meeks
Everett officials earlier this month broke ground on a project that will reconnect the Grand Avenue bluff to Puget Sound with a pedestrian footbridge.
Set for completion in late 2018, the $15 million bridge project stemmed from the replacement of utility pipes that carried drainage and storm water, also allowing for a car-free path to the waterfront, according to the Port of Everett.
The bridge will enhance the port’s new mixed development on the waterfront, expected to be completed by summer 2019, which will feature a hotel, splash pad, and retail.
“The Port of Everett is in the midst of waterfront redevelopment creating a neighborhood down there, which is a mixed-use development of residential housing, restaurants, public access, spaces and so forth,” said Les Reardanz, executive director for the Port of Everett. “So the opportunity to have connectivity between the bluff and down to the waterfront will be great and enhance that neighborhood.”
Everett officials earlier this month broke ground on a project that will reconnect the Grand Avenue bluff to Puget Sound with a pedestrian footbridge.
Set for completion in late 2018, the $15 million bridge project stemmed from the replacement of utility pipes that carried drainage and storm water, also allowing for a car-free path to the waterfront, according to the Port of Everett.
The bridge will enhance the port’s new mixed development on the waterfront, expected to be completed by summer 2019, which will feature a hotel, splash pad, and retail.
“The Port of Everett is in the midst of waterfront redevelopment creating a neighborhood down there, which is a mixed-use development of residential housing, restaurants, public access, spaces and so forth,” said Les Reardanz, executive director for the Port of Everett. “So the opportunity to have connectivity between the bluff and down to the waterfront will be great and enhance that neighborhood.”
