Port of Oakland reaches milestone for proposed Turning Basins Widening Project

Oakland, Calif. – October 3, 2023: The proposed Oakland Harbor Turning Basins Widening Navigation Project has reached another important milestone with the release of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR).

The Port of Oakland will host three public meetings during the 45-day public review and comment period to collect feedback from the community.

The proposed project includes widening both turning basins to accommodate vessels up to 1,310 feet in length. The benefits of widening the turning basins include:

• Safer navigation for large vessels already calling Oakland;
• Improved waterways resulting in more efficient goods movement;
• Reduced delays and vessel wait times;
• Improved flexibility for vessels to connect to shore power; and
• Reduced total vessel emissions.

“This is another important step along our path to improving the Oakland Seaport,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes. “Investing in the Port’s turning basins is essential for ensuring a cleaner future and moving goods through the Port safely and efficiently.

We look forward to receiving the community’s additional feedback on the Draft EIR.” The Port has been taking in community input on the proposed project since 2020.

Public meetings are scheduled to be held on October 25, November 6, and November 7. The purpose of the meetings is to share information on the proposed project and receive comments on the Draft EIR.

Interested parties have until 5:00 p.m. on November 17 to submit comments on the Draft EIR.

To view the Draft EIR, submit comments, participate in the public meetings, or just learn more about the Port’s proposed project, please visit: www.portofoakland.com/turningbasins.

When the Final EIR is complete, the Port’s Board of Commissioners will consider the EIR and determine if it was prepared in compliance with CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act).

About the Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits and environmental innovation, as the Port decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports 98,345 jobs in the region and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees Oakland International Airport, the Oakland Seaport and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square, and a publicly owned utility. The Port of Oakland is Everyone’s Port! Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook and Twitter, or with the Port on LinkedIn, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.

Media Contacts

Robert Bernardo
Port of Oakland
Communications Director
(510) 627-1401
[email protected]

Marilyn Sandifur
Port of Oakland
Media/PR Manager
(510) 627-1193
[email protected]

David DeWitt
Port of Oakland
Media/PR Specialist
(510) 627-1169
[email protected]

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