Last week, leaders from the USACE San Francisco District and Port of Oakland signed a milestone design agreement paving the way for construction of the Oakland Harbor Turning Basins Widening Project.
The $642 million project will widen both the inner and outer harbor turning basins at the Oakland Seaport to better allow ships to turn around. Vessels routinely calling Oakland today are larger and longer and have transit restrictions resulting in inefficiencies, which can lead to delays and negative economic impacts.
According to USACE, the improvements will allow the world’s largest and most environmentally advanced vessels to maneuver through the port’s waterways safely and efficiently for generations to come.
“Oakland Harbor is a critical node in our nation’s supply chain,” said Maj. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, USACE Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations. “Today, we take the next step in ensuring it remains a powerhouse of American commerce for decades to come.”
The mid-morning ceremony took place aboard the historic USS Potomac, berthed at Oakland’s Jack London Square, and included a waterside tour of port facilities. Joining the ceremony to provide their remarks were Rep. Lateefah Simon, California’s 12th District, City of Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and City of Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft.