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| Tay Yoshitani |
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As always, the first quarter of the New Year will bring both challenges and opportunities to the Port of Oakland, to our community, and to our region. Security, in both our Aviation and Maritime operations, will continue to receive our full attention as we implement further enhancements to ensure that both people and cargo will move quickly and safely through our facilities. Although the security enhancements implemented at Oakland International Airport may be the most obvious to the general public, our Maritime operations are also being reviewed and upgraded to ensure that we address potential threats.
Did you know that Oakland is now the fastest growing airport in the United States? We are building right now to meet that challenge. In addition to the dramatic improvements already evident at Oakland International Airport such as the security enhancements, along the Hegenberger Corridor and 98th Avenue, Galbraith Golf Course, and the Airport Roadway, the selection this Spring of the “Prime Builder” for the Airport Development Plan (ADP) will initiate long-range improvements in access that will enable us to enhance Oakland International Airport's established reputation as a convenient and customer friendly airport. We have made tremendous strides in incorporating sustainable practices into the ADP, and our Board of Port Commissioners and professional staff are justifiably proud of these accomplishments.
The labor disruption of our Maritime operations is now behind us, and both the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) are to be congratulated for their diligent and productive efforts to resolve these negotiations. Even the short-term stoppage along the West Coast last year had some positive benefits, such as clearly demonstrating the importance of world trade to the United States and our trading partners, and the necessity to invest in the infrastructure that helps keep cargo flowing and the world economy strong.
Lastly, I want to mention the upcoming “WalkAmerica” benefiting the March of Dimes. As the Oakland Chairman, I would like to encourage everyone, both inside and outside of the Port to participate in this worthy program. We’ll have more information available for you soon, but mark your calendars for Saturday April 26, 2003 at Lake Merritt to get a little exercise and to help your community.
