Archives



Freight News, Sea


‘Unprecedented’ LA port spending plan includes new Training Campus

[ July 4, 2022   //   ]

The California state budget signed by Governor Gavin Newsom includes an “unprecedented” $2.3 billion for port infrastructure improvements and upgrades, says the Port of Los Angeles.

It includes $110 million for creation of a new Goods Movement Training Campus at the San Pedro Bay port complex.

The regions two major maritime gateways, the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach will work together to create the Campus, which will focus on worker skill development, upskilling and reskilling to address the rapidly changing needs of the logistics industry. It will also serve as an industry resource for training workers on emerging green and zero-emission technologies.

“We commend Governor Newsom and the state legislature for their foresight and leadership in making this much-needed commitment to create a more resilient California freight system,” said Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka. “Continual investment in port infrastructure, sustainable technologies and jobs creation is essential to maintaining our competitiveness, now and in the future.

“Workforce development is an equally critical component of the goods movement sector,” he added. “We are thrilled to have the Governor’s support of our initiative to create the nation’s first training campus to benefit our industry. The Port of Los Angeles plans to donate land and invest millions of dollars of our own capital in this facility.”

“The unprecedented supply chain challenges of the past two years have underscored the need to invest in new technology and training at our ports to keep goods moving reliably, efficiently, and safely,” added Jim McKenna, President and chief executive of the Pacific Maritime Association. “The first-of-its-kind facility included in the budget signed by Governor Newsom will give ILWU members (longshoremen) the hands-on training they need to keep pace with evolving technologies and be fully prepared for the longshore jobs of the future.”

Port of Long Beach executive director, Mario Cordero, added: “We thank the governor and state Legislature for their foresight and responsiveness in including supply chain needs in the budget. 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.”
The Governor’s $2.3 billion plan also includes $1.2 billion for port-related projects that increase goods movement capacity on rail and roadways, including railyard expansions, new bridges and zero-emission modernisation projects.

There will also be $760 million for zero-emission equipment and vehicles.

Under the California Containerized Ports Interoperability Grant Program, there will be a $30 million fund for operational and process improvements at ports. Grants will focus on enhancing goods movement, reducing congestion, improving data interconnectivity between ports, and creating opportunities to increase cargo volumes by promoting and building supply chain efficiencies.

Some $40 million will also go to enhance California’s capacity to issue commercial driver’s licenses to increase the number of truck drivers to serve the San Pedro Bay port complex.

Tags: