The Port of Oakland released a notice of preparation to begin an environmental review for a potential project to widen its federal turning basins.
The Port and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) San Francisco District are in a partnership to study the potential project to widen Oakland’s federal turning basins. The Port expects to complete a draft Environmental Impact Report for public review in early 2023.
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The basins were originally designed for ships that are shorter than the biggest, longest containerships currently moving goods in the transpacific trade lanes. Today, these large vessels have transit restrictions at Oakland, which lead to some delays. The goal of the study is to determine if widening the basins is feasible and would support greater efficiency for big ships maneuvering at Oakland.
If the feasibility study deems expansion of the Inner Harbor turning basin necessary, the Port, with or without a future Howard Terminal ballpark project, has both the ability and authority to expand into Howard Terminal to ensure maritime operational efficiencies
said Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes.
USACE, as the federal lead agency for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), released a draft Feasibility Study/Environmental Assessment (EA) document on December 17, 2021.
The Feasibility Study/EA is on a parallel, but separate, track to the CEQA document. The Feasibility Study/ EA phase is anticipated to conclude mid-2023. Pending various discretionary approvals and funding, design efforts for the selected turning basins plan are expected to begin in late 2023.
