Oakland, Calif. – June 18, 2009 - The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners authorized Port staff to apply for $70.4 million in airport Passenger Facility Charges (PFC funding) for an elevated Automatic People Mover Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) extension that will connect the Oakland Airport/Coliseum BART Station to Oakland International Airport (OAK). The Port of Oakland owns and operates OAK.

“After 30 years of discussion and study, we are pleased to see this project finally moving forward,” said Victor Uno, President of the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners. “We look forward to BART incorporating the goals of our Maritime Aviation Project Labor Agreement as they develop their plans for building this transportation link between BART and Oakland International that will ultimately add convenience for our passengers,” Uno added.

According to the American Public Transportation Association’s job creation formula, the project should create and/or support up to 13,000 jobs for the region. The initial funding to pay for the rail connection will come from sources including: $70.4 million in local airport user fees known as Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs); and up to $150 million in federal transportation grants (BART’s board voted to proceed with applying for those grants in May 2009). The PFC program allows the collection of up to $4.50 for every enplaned passenger at commercial airports controlled by public agencies. Airports use these funds to support Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved projects.

The total cost of the light rail project is estimated at $522 million. The target operation date is 2013. The light rail extension will replace the AirBART shuttle bus service which now runs between BART and OAK.

About the Port of Oakland 
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport and 20 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the fifth busiest containerport in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport offers 150 daily nonstop flights to 34 destinations; and the Port’s real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square and hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation areas. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. Please visit: www.portofoakland.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Port of Oakland
Marilyn Sandifur, Port Spokesperson
Media & Public Relations Department
(510) 627-1193
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