The Port of Long Beach will receive a record amount of nearly USD70 million in federal funding allocated by the US Army Corps of Engineers to revitalise critical infrastructure that will promote safe and efficient freight transportation at the nation’s busiest seaport complex.
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The funds drawn from the Harbour Maintenance Tax are collected by the federal government from ports based on the value of imports, some domestic cargo and on cruise passengers. Established by Congress in 1986 to fund dredging projects at US seaports, funds from the Harbour Maintenance Tax were typically collected from but not directed to ports like the Port of Long Beach. The Water Resources Development Act of 2020, however, expanded the use of funds to include in-water maintenance and repair projects, allowing for a more equitable distribution among large and small seaports.
Combined, the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles will receive a record USD148 million as part of the Army Corps of Engineers work plan. At the Port of Long Beach, funding will support projects that include maintenance dredging, replacing the steel bulkhead along the Back Channel, upgrading fenders and bollards, repairing berthing systems, seismic retrofit and repairs for the Pier C wharf, seismic improvement of the Pier F dike and miscellaneous rock dike and wharf repairs throughout the port. About USD500 million in eligible projects are planned during the next decade.
“After years of donor and energy transfer ports being short-changed, I’m pleased to see the Army Corps finally implementing the reforms Congress enacted in 2020 to ensure these ports receive their fair share,” said Sen. Alex Padilla. “When I raised this directly with Assistant Secretary Adam Telle earlier this year, he committed to following the law — and this funding reflects that commitment. These investments will allow the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to move forward on critical infrastructure and maintenance projects, including seismic upgrades, wharf repairs, and other essential improvements that keep our supply chains strong and resilient.”
“Our ports across Southern California are leading economic drivers for our state and country, handling large volumes of imports and exports on the global stage,” said Sen. Adam Schiff. “These critical funds will address long overdue maintenance projects and safety upgrades — ensuring our ports remain the finest global trade hubs in the world.”
“This funding is a real win for the Port of Long Beach and our community,” said Rep. Robert Garcia. “It means crucial upgrades, stronger infrastructure, and a port that stays competitive for the workers and families who depend on it. We fought hard to make sure ports like ours get the investments they deserve, and today that work is paying off.”
“Long Beach has always been a city where global trade and local opportunity go hand in hand, and this investment ensures we can continue to deliver for both,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “These federal dollars will strengthen critical infrastructure at the Port of Long Beach, supporting good-paying jobs, improving safety and resilience along our waterfront, and keeping goods moving efficiently through one of the nation’s most vital gateways. We’re grateful to our federal partners, including Sen. Alex Padilla, Sen. Adam Schiff and Rep. Robert Garcia, for helping secure resources that power our port and uplift our entire community.”
“Trade from the Port of Long Beach touches every corner of the country, generating USD176 billion in income,” said Long Beach Harbour Commission President Frank Colonna. “These projects will help strengthen waterfront structures and improve the navigation of vessels carrying the cargo that supports this economic activity. We are grateful to the Army Corps of Engineers for reinvesting funding in donor ports.”
“The Port of Long Beach is a leading gateway contributing to the US economy, and this funding will help us keep commerce flowing safely and efficiently as we build the Port of the Future and double our cargo throughput to 20 million container units annually by 2050,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “We thank Sen. Alex Padilla, Sen. Adam Schiff, Rep. Robert Garcia, and all of our congressional leaders and federal partners for their reliable partnership in supporting the needs of California’s ports with this record allocation.”
The investment reflects strong partnerships with leaders in Washington including Hacegaba’s recent testimony to the US House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as continued collaboration with the US Army Corps of Engineers through multiple visits to the port.
“The work we do at the Port of Long Beach is connected to millions of jobs around the country,” Hacegaba said. “Our ability to safely accommodate modern vessels and move cargo efficiently depend on well-maintained deep-water channels and in-water infrastructure. We are grateful for the continued federal partnership through WRDA, which enables the US Army Corps of Engineers to plan, authorise and deliver critical projects that keep our waterways ready and support America’s leadership in the global economy.”