Oakland, Calif., January 16, 2009 - The Port of Oakland is soliciting bids for a master lease agreement of a portion of the former Oakland Army Base (OAB) now owned by the Port of Oakland and other Port lands and easements. The bid is for the master operation and maintenance, and long-term design, construction and finance of facilities of approximately 168 acres to support and enhance maritime activity. Bid submittals must be received by the Port no later than 4:00 P.M. Pacific Time on February 27, 2009. The proposed Master Lease Agreement would begin on or about January 1, 2010.

According to Port Executive Director Omar Benjamin, “Public Private Partnerships like this reduce investment risk for the public sector, ensure long-term revenues, and provide economic stimulus that benefits the private partner, the Port and the surrounding community both directly and indirectly.” Benjamin added, “We are doing what we believe will help provide economic viability for our Port in the future and will offer an excellent long-term business opportunity for our private sector partner that will be leasing the property. Another advantage of this type of agreement is that it incorporates environmental improvements in our seaport area that will benefit those who work at the Port and our closet neighbors in West Oakland.”

Port Maritime Director James Kwon commented, “A significant component of the long-term business plan will be to redevelop the land to maximize economic use of the area. This would be accomplished by supporting and enhancing maritime activity through cargo/marine terminal throughput, intermodal rail, trade and logistics businesses, and ancillary maritime support facilities.”

This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) involves a Master Lease Agreement with the Port of Oakland for a term of at least 30 years. The “Proposer” or “Team” means an individual business entity, or a consortium of individuals and/or business entities interested in bidding for and leasing the property. The current deadline for submittals is no later than 4:00 P.M. Pacific Time on February 27, 2009 at the Port of Oakland. For more information and RFQ go to “RFQ Oakland Army Base”.

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 third busiest containerport on the U.S. West Coast. Oakland International Airport offers 151 daily nonstop flights to 26 destinations; and the Port’s real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square, as well as 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

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